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Syria: Massive weapons depot explosions leave many dead in Homs

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...depot-explosions-leave-many-dead-in-Homs.html

Several large explosions at a weapons depot in the central Syrian city of Homs, including a fireball hundreds of metres into the air, have left several people dead.

At least 40 people were killed in the explosions on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, warning that the death toll was likely to rise.
The explosions in regime-held districts of Homs occurred after rebels targeted the area with rocket attacks.
"Aan ammunitions depot blew up in the pro-regime Wadi al-Zahab district after rocket fire, most probably by rebels," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
It said the depot was operated by pro-regime militias.
The neighbourhood is majority Alawite, the same sect as President Bashar al-Assad. Sunni Muslim insurgents have targeted Alawite areas, especially military positions, around the country with bombs and mortars.

The rocket fire followed the government's capture on Monday of the Khaldiyeh district of the flashpoint city that had been in the hands of mainly Sunni rebels for the past two years.
The explosions in Homs coincided with a rare trip on Thursday by Mr Assad to a former rebel bastion near the capital, Damascus, to mark Army Day.

Video of explosion at link.

And just to get it out the way:
The Takbīr or Tekbir (تَكْبِير) is the Arabic term for the phrase Allāhu Akbar (الله أكبر). The phrase literally means "God is greater". It is usually translated "God is [the] Greatest," or "God is Great".[1] It is a common Islamic Arabic expression. It is used in various contexts by Muslims: in formal prayer, in the call for prayer (Adhan),[2] in an informal expression of faith, in times of distress, to express celebration or victory, and to express resolute determination or defiance.

This phrase is recited by Muslims in many different situations. For example, when they are very happy, to express approval, to praise a speaker, or as a battle cry, during times of extreme stress. In the Islamic world, instead of applause, often someone will shout "takbir" and the crowd will respond "Allahu Akbar" in response.
 
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