Over 140 Killed in Syria Explosions

More than 140 people have lost their lives in a series of explosions in areas controlled by the central government of Syria. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement on social media. According to the official Syrian news agency (SANA), at least 83 people were killed in the attacks in the predominantly Shia area of Zainabiyah in southern Damascus. More than 180 others have been injured. Reports on social media indicate that some of the victims are children. This is the second time in recent weeks that such attacks have occurred in the Zainabiyah area. Just a few weeks ago, 71 people were killed in attacks also claimed by the Islamic State group. On the other hand, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, reports that at least 59 people were killed in two simultaneous car bomb explosions in the city of Homs. The attacks in Homs occurred in the al-Zahra area, which is predominantly inhabited by Alawites. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, most of the casualties, at least 39 of them, are civilians. Meanwhile, the identity of some of the victims remains unclear. In a video released by SANA, burned vehicles and damaged buildings can be seen around the explosion site. According to reports, the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the series of attacks on Sunday in both Homs and the Zainabiyah area of Damascus. The explosions in Syria occurred at a time when John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, announced on the same Sunday that a 'preliminary agreement' for a ceasefire in Syria had been reached. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that this agreement does not include groups that the Security Council has designated as 'terrorists.' In this context, Kerry stated: 'A preliminary agreement for a ceasefire in Syria has been achieved.' Syrian opposition groups have conditioned any potential ceasefire on the cessation of Russian attacks. Assad stated that the support from Russia and Iran was the main reason for recent advances. Two explosions in the city of Homs left at least 46 dead, while the attacks in Zainabiyah, Damascus, resulted in 68 deaths and dozens of injuries.