34 people killed, including seven children, in attack by Syrian troops on Damascus suburbs

At least 34 people, including seven children, have been killed in an attack by Syrian troops in suburbs of the capital, Damascus, Syrian activists said today.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 19 of the dead, including all seven children, were killed by government air strikes and artillery in eastern Ghouta district yesterday.

The rest of the casualties were in a host of other towns and villages outside the capital.

The Observatory said yesterday's bombardment was one of the heaviest of the 22-month-old conflict.

It added that 10 rebels were also killed in clashes with troops in Damascus suburbs.

AP