Syrian State TV Says Prime Minister Escapes Attack

April 29, 2013

Syria's state-run television says Prime Minister Wael al-Halki has escaped what it called a "terrorist" attack in the capital, Damascus.

The report says Halki's convoy was targeted by a bomb in the western neighborhood of Mazzeh, close to a school, on April 29.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said six people were killed in the blast, including one of Halki's bodyguards.

Damascus has been hit by a series of blasts in recent months that have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries.

The Syrian government says Muslim extremists trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad are to blame for the attacks.

Syria's conflict started with peaceful protests against Assad's regime in March 2011 but eventually turned into a civil war.

More than 70,000 people have been killed so far.

Based on report by AP, AFP, Reuters, and BBC

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/syria-assassination-attempt-/24971389.html

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