BEIRUT: Conflicting reports emerged Thursday as to the whereabouts of Syrian President Bashar Assad following the deadly blast that hit the core of the Damascus regime a day earlier.

Reuters, quoting Syrian opposition sources and a Western diplomat, said Assad is in the coastal city of Latakia, directing a response to the assassination of three of his top lieutenants.

The Beirut daily As-Safir, however, cited official Syrian sources as saying that Assad was in his Damascus office and proceeding with work as usual.

Assad has not made a public appearance since Wednesday's bombing, which killed his brother-in-law Assef Shawkat and two other key defense officials.

As-Safir said the sources’ comments came in response to rumors that Assad has left Damascus.