The headquarters of Syrian ruling Baath Party was targeted by two rocket-propelled grenades early on Sunday.

The headquarters of Syrian ruling Baath Party was targeted by two rocket-propelled grenades early on Sunday.

Smoke was seen rising from the building in the capital, Damascus, witnesses said. But there have been no reports of casualties from the building which was almost empty before dawn on Sunday.

For their part a group of army defecter claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the so-called "Free Syrian Amry", the group said the assault caused casualties and damage to the building. 

The incident is the first insurgent attack reported to take place within the capital since anti-government demonstrations began in the country eight months ago.

Attacks have been carried out against the Syrian army in a number of cities.

On Saturday Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned against any foreign attack against his country, saying such military action will cause instability in the whole Middle East.

Assad said that a war against Syria would create an "earthquake" across the region.