Syria TV: Defense minister, top officials killed in ‘terrorist bombing’ in Damascus

Syrian state television reports that the nation's defense minister Daoud Rajha and several other top officials were killed in a "terrorist bombing" in Damascus today. The explosion occurred near the presidential palace, reports Reuters, as violence in the capital intensifies.

SKY News, citing local reports, said a brother-in-law of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also killed in the blast. And 

The news comes in the fourth day of heavy fighting in the capital, marking a fresh elevation in the over year-long conflict, according to the Associated Press.

Clashes between government forces and rebels have increased dramatically since unrest began over a year ago. Over 10,000 people have died as a result.

Separately, at least 600 Syrians escaped to neighboring Turkey overnight Tuesday, reported ABC News. 

More from GlobalPost: Syria: Ex-official tells the BBC that Assad using chemical warfare a possibility

Activists told AP on Tuesday things are near breaking point in the embattled Syrian regime, referring to the situation in the capital as the "Damascus Volcano." The UN is set to vote on the Syria conflict later today. 

On Tuesday, the Free Syrian Army issued a proclamation claiming that the battle to "liberate" Syria had begun, according to Agence France Presse.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 19 people were killed as tanks and helicopters were deployed.