Smoldering rubble in the aftermath of a bomb blast in the Syrian capital.<br/> <br />The bomb exploded early Wednesday, near the Dama Rose Hotel - the Damascus base of U.N. monitors.<br/> <br />At least three people were wounded, according to Syrian state television which reported that the bomb was attached to a gas canister.<br/> <br />Visiting the blast scene, the embattled country's deputy foreign minister FAISAL MEKDAD said the safety of U.N. personnel is a top priority for Syrian security officials.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FAISAL MEKDAD, SYRIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I want to assure the United Nations that we are here to assist them and we will do our best to ensure the mission's safety and ability to work normally."<br/> <br />Fighting in the Syrian conflict has recently been centred in Damascus and Aleppo, where rebels have been holding out against government mortar bombardments and air strikes.<br/> <br />Opposition sources say at least 18,000 people have been killed since a popular uprising began in March 2011.
