At least 27 people have been killed in two explosions in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Cars packed with explosives targeted the criminal police headquarters and an air security intelligence centre at 7.30am local time, shredding the facade of one building and sending debris flying through the streets.
At least 140 people are reported to have been wounded in the attacks, however reports from Syria cannot be independently verified as state authorities have barred international journalists and rights groups.
No one claimed responsibility for the blasts, which followed a series of suicide attacks that have struck Damascus and Syria's second city Aleppo over the past three months.
State television said the explosions were "terrorist attacks" - initial investigations showed both were caused by car bombs.
The explosions came two days after the first anniversary of year-long uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, in which the United Nations says more than 8,000 people have been killed.
A humanitarian mission from the United Nations and the Organisation for Islamic Co-operation was due to arrive in Syria today to assess areas worst hit by violence.
The Syrian authorities insist they have offered to co-operate with the delegation after repeatedly refusing access to such missions.
Turkey said yesterday it might set up a "buffer zone" inside Syria to protect refugees fleeing Mr Assad's forces, raising the prospect of foreign intervention in the year-long revolt.
With the uprising entering its second year, UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan reportedly told the Security Council that Syria's response to his plans for peace were disappointing and urged major powers to put aside their divisions over Syria.
While the West and much of the Arab world have lined up to denounce Mr Assad, his allies Russia, China and Iran have defended him and warned against outside interference.
"The stronger and more unified your message, the better chance we have of shifting the dynamics of the conflict," an envoy said, summarising Mr Annan's remarks to the Security Council.
