Syrian Defence Minister Daoud Rajiha
has been killed in a suspected suicide bombing at the national security
headquarters in the capital Damascus, Syrian state TV says.
The deputy head of the armed forces, President Assad's brother-in-law Assef
Shawkat, is also reported to have died.
Other senior officials meeting inside at the time are said to be critically
hurt.
The attack comes amid claims of a major rebel offensive on the city.
Syrian officials have downplayed the attacks.
"The Minister of Defence was martyred by the terrorist bombing that targeted
the national security building," the TV report said.
Security sources say the suspected bomber worked as a bodyguard for members
of President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle.
Gen Rajiha has been defence minister for less than a year, serving previously
as chief of staff, and is on a US blacklist for his role in the suppression of
dissent.
He is believed to be an Orthodox Christian - a rarity in the
Alawite-dominated Syrian military and government...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18882149