DAMASCUS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- An explosion shook the Syrian capital of Damascus on Sunday, according to local witnesses.

Local media said the blast was caused by a sound bomb near the Freedom Bridge -- formerly the President Bridge -- in the heart of the city. No damage or injuries were reported.

The explosion came as Syria prepared for events marking the first anniversary of the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Security was tightened in Damascus and other cities as Syrians gathered nationwide to commemorate Dec. 8, 2024, when a lightning offensive by fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied groups swept into the capital after a rapid advance from northern Syria, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. Enditem