Syrian National Security Bureau head dies in Damascus

One of top officials of the Ba'ath party, General Hisham Ikhtiyar, has died of injuries in Damascus. An official statement says that he headed the National Security Bureau and was one of the key figures in the ruling regime.

Ikhtiyar participated in the conference of the Supreme Anti-Crisis Committee at which an explosion started two days ago. Following the terrorist attack, the head of the Syrian Ministry of Interiors, General Mohammed ash Shaar, remains in hospital, ITAR-TASS reports. Doctors are trying to save his life.

Meanwhile, in Damascus, Tartus, and Aleppo the funerals of three top military officials who died in a terrorist attack on July 18 are being held.