Clashes Reported in Central Damascus

Armed clashes broke out between Syrian security forces and rebels from the Free Syrian Army in central Damascus

Armed clashes broke out between Syrian security forces and rebels from the Free Syrian Army in central Damascus near the official army’s headquarters early Wednesday, according to satellite channel Al-Mayadeen.

The skirmish followed shortly on the heels of two explosions at the General Staff building, for which the Free Syrian Army claimed responsibility, Al-Jazeera reported. The Minister of Information, Omran al-Zoubi, told Syrian state television that no commanders were hurt.

No casualties have been reported yet, according to Al-Mayadeen, but the blasts were apparently strong enough to result in serious damage.

Syrian security forces have cordoned off the building. This was the third attempt in the last two months to bomb the General Staff.

A civil war continues to rage in Syria, where rebel forces are battling against Syrian regulars with the aim of toppling the Bashar al-Assad regime. According to the UN, more than 20,000 people – combatants and civilians – have died in the fighting, which began in March 2011.