DAMASCUS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Three Syrian security personnel were wounded Friday after two men riding a motorcycle attacked a security checkpoint at the entrance to the Damascus suburb of Jaramana, state news agency SANA reported, citing a security source.
According to the source, security personnel stopped the two men during a routine identity check at the checkpoint.
During the inspection, one of the suspects pulled out a pistol and fired several rounds into the air before throwing two hand grenades at the checkpoint, wounding three security personnel, the source said.
As the man attempted to throw a third grenade, it exploded before he could release it, killing him instantly, the source said.
Authorities later determined that the man was wanted in connection with murder cases and drug trafficking, according to the source.
The second individual has been arrested, and investigations are currently underway, the source said.
The attack came one day after a deadly bombing targeted a cafe near the Justice Palace in central Damascus, killing nine people and injuring 20 others. The Syrian Interior Ministry said preliminary investigations indicated that Thursday's explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device weighing about one kg and packed with metal fragments. ■
