Syrian state media reported on Wednesday that at least 18 people, including 3 children, were killed in a car bomb in Jarmana on the outskirts of Damascus. This is the latest in a series of bombing in an area mainly inhabited by Christians and Druze families.

People gather around wreckage after a car bomb exploded in the Jaramana district of southeast Damascus. (Photo: Reuters)

Martin Nesirky, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, said that UN inspectors are completing their preparations to depart for Syria to pr/obe the alleged use of chemical weapons. They are expected to arrive in Syria next week and fulfill their tasks by the end of the month. The team, led by Swedish expert Ake Sellstrom, will visit 3 sites suspected of being connected to chemical weapon use. 1 of the 3 sites is Khan al-Assal near Aleppo while the other 2 remain undisclosed for security purposes.