BEIRUT: Simultaneous bombings in the mostly Druze and Christian town of Jaramana near Damascus killed at least 38 people and left dozens injured on Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

“The number of people killed by two car bombs in the town of Jaramana has risen to 38,” said the Britain-based watchdog, updating its earlier toll of at least 38 dead.

Residents said the series of bomb attacks took place at 6:30 am in Jaramana, where pro-regime militiamen have set up armed groups to defend the town against rebels.

“Terrorists blew up two car bombs filled with a large amount of explosives in the main square of the town of Jaramana in Damascus province, killing and wounding several residents, and damaging several residential buildings and shops,” said state news agency SANA.

The bombs struck Jaramana at the same time as two explosive devices were set off in the town in separate attacks, said SANA, though nobody was killed in those blasts.

People in Jaramana panicked after the explosions hit their town, residents said.

Wednesday’s was the fourth bomb attack on Jaramana since August 28. On October 29, a car bombing killed 11 people and wounds dozens.

The Druze, an influential minority in the eastern Mediterranean, are an offshoot of Islam. Little is known about their religion which is extremely secretive.