Syrian forces stop armed attack near TV

DAMASCUS, Jun 2 (Reuters) Syrian security forces stopped an armed ''terrorist'' attack today that targeted a building behind the premises of the state-run television, the official SANA news agency reported.

State television said two gunmen and one guard were killed during the attack on the building near the Ummayad square in central Damascus. Three of the attackers were arrested.

Authorities also arrested a group of 10 men who tried to storm the building, SANA reported without elaboration.

Traffic was normal near the television compound, a Reuters witness said. There was no sign of beefed up security presence.

Syrian forces clashed with Islamists militants several times last year, usually in raids to arrest them.

REUTERS SI HT1232