The Syrian authorities have thwarted two car bomb attacks which were planned to go off in the heart of the capital Damascus on the New Year eve, the pro-government Sham FM radio reported on Thursday.

The authorities foiled the would-be explosion under the President Bridge in central Damascus, a vital spot close to a number of key establishments such as the headquarters of the state news agency SANA and the Four Seasons Hotel, where many UN missions reside.

The radio said three armed men driving one of the cars were killed and an investigation is underway.

Clashes have been raging since early Wednesday in the eastern countryside of Damascus between government forces and several extremist groups.

The rattling sound of shelling and volleys of gunfire reverberated across the eastern districts of the capital, sending people to stay indoors during the New Year eve, when the crackle of gunfire replaced that of the traditional fireworks. Endit

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