The Syrian authorities said armed “terrorist gangs” were behind the latest violence in city of Homs.
Earlier, the opposition had accused the government forces of launching a fierce assault on the city, which resulted in the death of 17 civilians and dozens being wound.
Activists said, that about 21 people were killed across Syria on Monday. Regime troops rained down explosives on the central protest city of Homs and opened fire in Damascus, Aleppo and Zabadani.
The death toll is expected to rise in numbers as many of the wounded are in a critical condition.
The opposition and activists reported a “massacre” of 200 civilians during a heavy tank and mortar bombardment in Homs by regime forces on Friday.
“Nail bombs” were reported to have used against civilians.
The alleged gangs have been planting bombs, which exploded while they were being primed, killing many of the “terrorists” a Syrian state television channel reported.
The Syrian channel said one explosion occurred in the Khaldiyeh neighbourhood of Homs while two bombs went off in Dablan neighbourhood. It added that “terrorist gangs” were also attacking citizens and security forces in various districts of the city and also said that “the security forces are pursuing the terrorists and clashing with them”.
– AFP
