"A truck packed with explosives detonated... Near a branch of the military intelligence, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Syrian state television also reported the blast, saying four people had been killed and 22 wounded in a "terrorist explosion" at the southern entrance of the city.
In the northern province of Raqa, two suicide bombers exploded inside base 17, an army base under siege by opposition forces, according to the Observatory, a Britain-based group that relies on activists and other witnesses inside Syria.
Clashes between regime forces and ISIL broke out after the blasts, which the Observatory said killed several soldiers.
In Damascus meanwhile, the group said a man died after regime shelling a day earlier on the Palestinian Yarmuk camp, where a ceasefire has broken down.
The renewed fighting has halted aid delivery efforts to the besieged camp, where two more people died from lack of food and medical care yesterday, the Observatory said.
More than 140,000 people are estimated to have been killed since the start of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
