14 killed in bomb blasts in Syrian city of Homs

At least 14 people have been killed in multiple bomb blasts which targeted a government-run security checkpoint in the central Syrian city of Homs, the official news agency said.

Homs Governor Talal Barazi told the agency that the attack took place on Tuesday morning and that the checkpoint was hit “first by a car bomb, which was then followed by a suicide bombing”.

He said many other people were injured, and that the casualties include both civilians and security personnel.

Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV broadcast footage of the aftermath, showing extensive damage to shops and apartments around the site of the explosions.

Homs is Syria’s third largest city and was one of the first to rise against the government in 2012. Government forces have since managed to expel most militants from the city.