Twenty two Syrians killed after rebel shells hit Latakia

Syrian state TV has accused rebels of shelling the coastal city of Latakia, leaving at least 22 dead and 62 wounded.

State TV said two shells hit an area near Tishrin University on Tuesday afternoon.

TV footage showed at least one car on fire and several others, including a minibus, hit with shrapnel. Blood could be seen on the road.

Syrian government forces have been on the offensive in the mountains overlooking Latakia in recent weeks under the cover of Russian airstrikes.

Latakia is a stronghold of President Bashar Assad and has been bombed several times over the past weeks.

The shelling of Latakia comes as residents in the capital Damascus said rebels shelled several neighbourhoods in the city.

There was no immediate word on casualties in Damascus.

Latakia province is home to Russia's air force in Syria and the European country has been hitting rebel targets across Syria.

Despite aerial support, in most cases Syrian regime forces have not been successful in capturing ground from rebel forces.

A major offensive has also been launched against rebel forces held up in Latakia's northern mountains.