An explosion shook the area near the Dama Rose hotel in the heart of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, wounding seven civilians.

An explosion shook the area near the Dama Rose hotel in the heart of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, wounding seven civilians, state media reported.

"An explosion caused by terrorists went off near to the Dama Rose hotel and the union federation, which left a number of people wounded and caused damage to the area," Syrian TV said, using the regime's term for armed rebels.

State news agency SANA said the blast left seven people wounded.

The area is close to several security centers and Syrian military headquarters.

On September 26, twin blasts blamed on suicide bombers targeted the military headquarters, killing four guards. They were followed by a fierce gunbattle between troops and rebels.