Smoke billows from a state intelligence building in the Syrian capital of Damascus.<br/> <br />Just outside - cars reduced to little more than twisted metal.<br/> <br />This was the result of a massive bomb blast - one of two that rocked Damascus on Saturday.<br/> <br />At least 27 people were killed in the explosions and over were 100 injured, according to Syria's health ministry.<br/> <br />The second bomb targeted a police station and damaged scores of homes and cars nearby.<br/> <br />Later, as reporters gathered to film the wreckage, gunshots rang out.<br/> <br />Not far away government security forces battled with what witnesses described as armed gunmen.<br/> <br />Damascus residents blamed foreign powers for the violence, pointing to their support for a now year-long rebellion against president Bashar al-Assad.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNNAMED WITNESS<br/> <br />"Woe unto Gulf devils! Woe unto sedition scholars."<br/> <br />While no one claimed responsibility, Syrian state television blamed "terrorists" for the attacks.<br/> <br />The United Nations says more 8,000 people have been killed and 230,000 forced to flee during the uprising against Syria's government.<br/> <br />Andrew Raven, Reuters
