Rebel fighters have claimed responsibility for a major bombing in the Syrian capital of Damascus. A number of explosions were reported earlier today in an area housing military facilities, including the Syrian regime’s Central Security Command. The blasts apparently occurred near the hotel for U.N. observers, but Syria’s opposition says it only intended to strike regime targets. The Syrian government says just three people were wounded, but rebels claim the toll could be far higher. The attack came amidst a visit to Syria by the United Nations humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos.

Valerie Amos: “Clearly the situation has got worse since I was here in March. We will, through our partners, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, who, as you know, have been doing an extremely good job trying to make sure that people who need help get help, we will continue to support them but also work to scale up our own efforts.”