Explosions in Damascus

Two explosions hit Syrian military headquarters in Damascus at approximately 7 a.m. on Sept. 26, leaving at least two floors of the General Staff command building engulfed in flames. The building and its surrounding area are part of a Syrian military complex and are typically heavily guarded. This suggests that whoever planted the explosives had inside access or was able to circumvent security measures to enter the complex in Umayyad Square, one of the most secure areas of Damascus. Rebels from the Free Syrian Army have claimed responsibility for the bombings and have said that dozens died in the attack, though Syrian military sources have indicated that only four security guards were killed and 14 wounded. Though the death count is currently unclear, the successful attack against such a high-value target will erode confidence in the internal security of the already weakening regime. The regime is already facing a war of attrition, struggling to find recruits and dealing with declining morale. Fears of internal sabotage or betrayal will be on the rise. The rebels can be expected to continue occasional attacks on targets in the city in an attempt to draw some of the regime’s attention and resources inward towards Damascus, allowing for opposition elements to face a more tempered resistance in their battles with regime forces elsewhere in the country - especially as the rebels continue to put pressure on the regime’s supply lines.