Explosion near Syrian capital Damascus kills 1, injures 4

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrian state media say a car has exploded close to a police station near the country’s capital of Damascus killing one officer and injuring four others. The reports are citing the Interior Ministry and have not provided further details on the explosion. The blast took place early on Wednesday in the town of Barzeh, just north of Damascus. A pro-government radio station cited a police source saying the car that exploded was a “private vehicle.” No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion. It comes as Syrian President Bashar Assad is making strides in restoring ties with the Arab world.