An explosion has been reported in the Syrian capital Damascus. The blast occured near a government facility housing militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Residents and activists say the explosion happened in the al-Sinaa district, a residential neighbourhood in the south of the city.

The target is still not clear. Some speculate it may have been a car bomb or a roadside bomb attack on a passing car. Opposition sources say armed rebels, who have been operating increasingly close to the capital, have begun targeting senior security officers and shabbiha militiamen in recent weeks.

A damaged car is seen after an explosion at al-Sinaa district, a residential neighbourhood south of Damascus April 27, 2012. An explosion was heard on Friday in the Syrian capital Damascus near a government facility housing militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, residents and activists said.