A Syrian government official says at least 27 people have been killed in a series of suicide bombings that struck the northern city of Aleppo.

The official also says that scores of people were wounded in the explosions, which went off Wednesday in a main square in the city, near an officers' club.

The official spoke to The Associated Press in Damascus on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations.

Aleppo-based activists also reported on the bombings, saying they went off minutes apart.

A Syrian pro-government television showed footage of massive destruction from the scene of the blasts.