Car Bomb in Damascus Kills 15

More blood in the ongoing civil war

A car bomb has exploded in the centre of Syria's capital Damascus, killing at least 15 people and wounding 53, state media report.

The blast happened in a busy residential and commercial area, close to schools and Syria's central bank.

Huge plumes of black smoke could be seen rising over the area as emergency services raced to the scene.

At least 70,000 people have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began just over two years ago.