Updated at 12.50pm

TWO CAR BOMBS HAVE exploded in the Syrian capital Damascus causing multiple casualties, according to local media reports.

Syria’s SANA news agency reports that a preliminary investigation into the bombings suggests they bear the hallmarks of an al-Qaeda attack.

A military official told members of the press that at least 40 people were killed and over 100 injured. Photographs from the scene show graphic images of charred and mutilated remains and burned-out cars.

Two suicide bombers were reportedly involved in the explosions which targeted state security buildings.

The bombings come just one day after the arrival of the head of an Arab League delegation of observers. The team is finally being admitted to Syria amid increasing international pressure on Assad’s government over its ongoing crackdown on political protests.

Up to 200 people are thought to have died in this clashes between security forces and protesters this week, and the UN says that over 5,000 people have been killed since the protests began in March.

It is unclear how many people were injured in today’s bombings.

- Additional reporting from the AP

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