At least 12 members of Syria's security forces have been killed in two suicide car bombings targeting a military intelligence headquarters in the south-central city of Palmyra, a watchdog said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that more than 20 troops were also wounded, some in critical condition, after Wednesday's simultaneous attacks against the intelligence branch and a nearby security building.

 

It said rebel fighters attacked the buildings soon after the double blasts, while the army deployed security forces in the city renowned for its Roman ruins and which has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO.