12 killed in Damascus University mortar attack: TV

DAMASCUS - Agence France-Presse

Debris and damaged vehicles are pictured on a street after a car bomb exploded in Damascus March 26, 2013. REUTERS Photo

A mortar attack on Damascus University killed at least 12 students on Thursday, state television reported, blaming rebels.
 
"The number of students killed in the mortar attack on the architecture faculty in Damascus University has risen to 12," said the broadcaster, blaming "terrorists" for the attack, using the regime term for insurgents.
 
Previously, the television station had reported that several people were killed or wounded in the attack.

Rebels have this week escalated mortar attacks on central Damascus, including Umayyad Square in the heart of the capital, which houses the state television headquarters.
 
At least five people have been killed in such attacks since Monday.
 
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Thursday's attack.
 
"Several mortar rounds hit the Baramkeh area and the architecture faculty compound, causing several casualties," the Britain-based monitoring group said without elaborating.