Out Of The Ordinary Violence in Syria

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July 18th, 2012
06:40 PM ET



.. with Dutch journalist Sander van Hoorn reports.

Tonight on AC360: 'Bizarre' violence in Syria
The violence in Syria hit President Bashar al-Assad's inner circle today with a deadly attack against his defense minister, and another top official who was a family member.

Defense Minister Dawood Rajiha; along with al-Assad's brother-in-law, Deputy Defense Minister Assef Shawkat and another top insider were killed in a bombing in the heart of Damascus.

According to a leader of the opposition Free Syrian Army, the deadly attack was coordinated by their own rebel brigades and happened during a meeting of government ministers and security officials.

When news spread of the bombing, Syrians celebrated in the streets. But it didn't last long.

The pro-government militia also hit the streets attacking people with knives and shooting, an opposition activist told CNN.

Dutch journalist Sander van Hoorn witnessed the aftermath and told Anderson it was a "bizarre" scene.

He says within an hour of the attack the Minister of Information was on television and radio telling the country the attack will only strengthen their resolve to crush the opposition, which the government calls a terrorist cell. But people near the blast site were “going about their business as usual.”

Above you'll find a preview of what he told Anderson. Don't miss more of the interview at 8 and 10 p.m. ET.