BEIRUT: Rebel mortar shells pounded Syria’s northwestern city of Idlib on Monday, killing 14 people, state television said, a day after 27 people died in regime air raids on a nearby opposition-held area.

“Fourteen people were killed and more than 50 others wounded by mortars launched by the terrorists (rebels) on several areas of Idlib city,” said the state channel.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the attack, but gave a higher toll of 15 civilians, and said an unknown number of children were among the dead.

The report comes a day after at least 27 people, including two rebel fighters and four children, were killed in regime air strikes on the rebel-held area of Silqin in Idlib province, according to the observatory.

Fresh air strikes were launched on Monday in the province, according to activists who have reported an escalation of violence in the area, which is important because it borders Turkey.

Most of Idlib province is in rebel control, though the provincial capital is still firmly in government hands.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2014