2 killed as bomb attacks hit Syrian city of Hama

At least two bombers have detonated their explosives in the city of Hama in northwest Syria, killing two people and injuring a dozen more. 

Syria’s state TV initially said that an explosion took place when a bomber detonated his explosives in the Assi Square in Hader district of Hama earlier in the day, without elaborating on the number of casualties.

Other sources said two explosions were heard in the city with the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights saying that both bombings took place in Hader neighborhood and near the Assi Square, leaving two killed and 14 others wounded.

The Syrian TV later confirmed that there were two terrorist attacks, with Hama governor, Ghassan Khalaf, saying that the attacks killed two people and wounded 12 others.

The official Syrian news agency, SANA, said the explosions inflicted losses on private property.

Hama, Syria’s fourth largest city which is under the full control of government, has been mostly quiet since militancy erupted in the Arab country five years ago. However, militants have attempted to launch attacks from areas they control in northern parts of the province which goes by the same name.

Militants also tried to capture Hama in 2013. The offensive was repelled after the government sent reinforcements from Damascus and Latakia.

Backed by Russian fighter jets, Syrian forces and allies carried out an offensive against militants in Hama countryside on Sunday.

Reports suggest that the airstrikes destroyed numerous armored vehicles and tanks used by terrorists in the villages and towns of Karah, Ma’an, Lawkab and Zilaqiat.

Syria has managed to make gains against militants across the country over the past months. Pro-government forces are currently concentrated on a fierce battle in the north to retake Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city.