Tuesday, May 01, 2012
BEIRUT (AFP)--An Islamist group that has claimed several bomb attacks in Syria said Tuesday it was responsible for a blast in Damascus last week that targeted security forces and an Iranian cultural center.
The Al-Nusra front, in a statement on an Islamist website, said one of its members had attached an explosive device to an army vehicle. The bomb was then detonated when it reached the Iranian cultural centre in Marjeh Square, "hitting two targets in the process."
Police said three people were injured in the blast.
Al-Nusra Front declared that it has been able to achieve its objectives "by the commands of God Almighty" using methods "unforeseen by the tyrannical regime and its aides and allies."
"We confirm the continuation of our operations with the help of God everywhere, until the defeat of the enemies of the religion of Allah and the banner of Islam is raised over Syria," the statement added.
It described the Iranian centre as "the vanguard of the Shiite regime's intelligence service, present in every country."
Al-Nusra Front, unknown before the unrest in Syria, has posted various videotapes and statements on Islamist websites claiming responsibility for attacks.
These include double blasts in Damascus on March 17 that authorities said killed 27 people, as well as two other deadly explosions in the capital and two in the northern city of Aleppo.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-05-12 1203GMT
