DAMASCUS: Fifty people were killed in two strong explosions that ripped through Damascus on Thursday, Syria's health minister said.

That makes Thursday morning's bombings the deadliest attack on the capital since the country's uprising began 14 months ago. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

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The explosions heavily damaged a military intelligence building and left blood and human remains in the streets.

The blasts happened at about 7:50 a.m., when employees are usually arriving at work.