Via the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24600970The government-held central Syrian city of Hama has been hit by a car bombing that caused casualties.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack targeted a checkpoint operated by Syrian government troops.
State media also reported the attack.
Hama saw some of the largest demonstrations against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad in the first months after the Syrian uprising began in March 2011.
But in late summer 2011, security forces stormed the city and have maintained control ever since.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said: "A violent explosion shook the Sinaa highway in Hama city moments ago, followed by intense gunfire.
"According to initial reports, the blast targeted a checkpoint manned by regime troops near an agricultural vehicle company, and ambulances could be seen in the area."
State TV reported: "A terrorist car bomb explosion went off near an agricultural vehicle company on the edge of Hama city. Several people were killed or wounded."
Hama occupies a significant place in the history of modern Syria. In 1982, then-President Hafez al-Assad, father of Bashar, sent in troops to quell an uprising by the Sunni opposition Muslim Brotherhood. Tens of thousands were killed and the town flattened.
If that last line doesn't chill you - nothing will.
