At least two people were killed and 12 others wounded in two explosions near a main square in the central province of Hama on Monday, local media said.

Two bombers detonated their explosive belts in short succession near al-Assi Square, the main square in central Hama, state news agency SANA reported.

Pro-government Sham FM radio said the target of the was a headquarters of the ruling al-Baath Party in the Square.

Further details about the explosions and casualties are still forthcoming.

Battles have been raging recently in the northern countryside of Hama, following a major rebel offensive apparently aimed at distracting Syrian military forces from their assault on the northern city of Aleppo.

The bombings on Monday are believed to be the first to hit the Hama area in the country's five-year-old conflict.

Hama is the among the very few cities that haven't witnessed much violence during the country's long-running civil war, save for some spots in its countryside.

Source : XINHUA