An image grab taken from the state-run Syrian TV shows Syrian police at the scene of a powerful explosion in Marjeh, central Damascus.
An image grab taken from the state-run Syrian TV shows Syrian police at the scene of a powerful explosion in Marjeh, central Damascus.

Powerful explosion rocks heart of Damascus



DAMASCUS // A powerful explosion rocked Damascus today, killing at least 13 and wounding dozens others, Syrian state TV reported, a day after the country's prime minister escaped an assassination attempt in the heart of the heavily protected capital.

The nature of the explosion was not immediately clear but rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Al Assad's regime have increasingly targeted Damascus, the seat of his power. The large bombing, the second in as many days in the capital, seems to be part of the wider violence wracking Syria as the nation's conflict enters its third year.

Damascus residents said they heard a powerful blast and saw thick, black smoke billowing from behind a group of buildings.

Syrian TV said the blast occurred in the central district of Marjeh, although the target was not immediately clear. The TV aired footage of fire engines at the scene in central Marjeh Square and firefighters trying to extinguish a blaze that engulfed several cars and a nearby building.

A man was seen lying on the ground in a pool of blood while another, apparently wounded man, was seen being carried by civilians into a bus.

Resident said they heard gunfire in the area of the attack immediately after the blast that went off around 11am (12pm UAE). They all spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals from authorities for speaking to reporters.

The explosion underlined the tenuous security in the Syrian capital, just a day after a remotely detonated improvised explosive devise struck prime minister Wael Al Halqi's convoy.

The premier escaped the assassination attempt in the capital's western neighbourhood of Mezzeh, and state TV said Al Haliqi was not hurt in the explosion.

But a government official said two people were killed and 11 wounded in the assassination attempt. The official spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to give statements to reporters.

The Observatory activist group said Monday's bomb blast killed at least five people, including two of Al Halqi's bodyguards and one of the drivers in his convoy.

The bombing laid bare the vulnerability of Mr Assad's regime and highlighted an accelerating campaign targeting government officials, from midlevel civil servants to the highest echelons of the Syrian regime.

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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How to avoid crypto fraud
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The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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THE SPECS

Touareg Highline

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 340hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh239,312

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now