Massive car bomb exploded on a main Damascus road

A massive car bomb exploded on a main Damascus road on 27 September 2008, killing at least 17 people and injuring 14 others. The incident occurred in the Sidi Qada area in the city's southern outskirts near a security checkpoint and near the junction for the roads leading to Damascus International Airport (OSDI/DAM) and Sayeda Zeinab (a holy Shiite shrine). Authorities stated that the vehicle used in the attack was loaded with at least 440 lb/200 kg of explosives; several nearby buildings and vehicles were damaged. On 29 September Syrian officials stated that the attack was perpetrated by a suicide bomber and that the vehicle used entered Syria from a “neighboring Arab country” the day before the attack. Some reports stated that the 27 September car bomb exploded near a military intelligence building and that the target of the attack may have been a high-ranking intelligence officer; however, the claims are unconfirmed. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Syrian authorities are not releasing many details regarding it.