The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the car explosion near the mosque in Damascus. According to Syrian human rights monitoring group, 20 people died in the explosion, but pursuant to the official information of the authorities the number is twice less.

Two blasts occurred Sunday in the Sayeda Zeinab shrine in the southern outskirts of the city. The first blast was masterminded by a suicide bomber at the entrance to the district, this being followed by the detonation of an explosives-laden car, RIA Novosti reports.

According to Reuters, this is already the third IS attack in this district which surrounds one of the top Shia shrines.