Two car bombs in Syria’s central province Hama have killed at least 18 people, including 11 children, and wounded 50 others.
Footage aired by Syrian state television purportedly shows the aftermath of the explosions: extensive damage to buildings and a smoldering car wreck.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) blamed “terrorists” – a term used by the government for rebels fighting to oust President al-Assad.
The explosions come just days after attacks on government-held areas of Homs and the capital reportedly killed more than 100 people.
The attacks followed Monday’s announcement that President al-Assad will seek a third term in office,despite opponents demanding he step aside to allow a negotiated solution to Syria’s three-year civil war.
As the conflict drags on, Al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri ordered the group’s Syrian affiliate, Al-Nusra, to end fighting with its jihadist rivals. He was speaking in an audio message released on Friday.