5 killed in Syria's largest city Aleppo

World

5 killed in Syria's largest city Aleppo

Close

Five people killed in bomb blast in Aleppo city of Syria.

06 May,2012 11:09 am

The bomb struck a car wash in Aleppo, killing at least five people, a day after government troops opened fire to break up large protests against a violent university raid in Syrias largest city.Aleppo, an important economic hub, has largely stayed out of the revolt against President Bashar Assad that erupted nearly 14 months ago, but the raid on Aleppo University that killed four students earlier in the week has swelled the crowds of protesters.On Friday, thousands marched against the university crackdown in what activists said were the largest protests in the city yet. However, it remained unclear if the regime is losing major ground in Aleppo.Bomb attacks have become more common in Aleppo and the capital of Damascus, often targeting buildings associated with the security services, as the uprising grows increasingly militarized. However, the rebel Free Syrian Army, one of the largest armed groups, denied reports that it had claimed responsibility for Saturdays blast.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on activists inside Syria, said five people were killed in the blast at the car wash.Aleppo has been showing signs of increasing unrest since Thursdays raid of university dorms in which four students were killed and dozens arrested. On Friday, security forces trying to break up widespread protests shot and killed a 16-year-old.The U.N. said in late March that more than 9,000 people have been killed since the uprising started in March 2011.