Suicide Attack Kills Syrian Defense Minister in Damascus

The New York Times reports, "Blast Kills Core Syrian Security Officials":

BEIRUT, Lebanon — A suicide bomber killed at least three top aides to President Bashar al-Assad of Syria on Wednesday including the defense minister and Mr. Assad’s powerful brother-in-law, state television and opposition activists reported. The attack in Damascus, after three days of fighting in the capital, hit at the very military structure that has been directing the harsh repression of the 17-month-old uprising against Mr. Assad’s rule.

Also at Telegraph UK, "Syria: Assad's brother-in-law killed in bombing," and the Wall Street Journal, "Massive Bomb Strikes at Assad's Inner Circle."