Rocket Shelling of Syrian Latakia Port City Leaves 14 Dead

Earlier, Al Mayadeen television channel reported that 22 people were killed in the shelling.

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) – Militants of the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate in the country, using Grad rocket launchers, have shelled the Syrian port city of Latakia, killing 14 civilians and injuring over 40, a hospital employee told RIA Novosti on Sunday.

"About 30 rockets and loaded gas cylinders fell in the center of Latakia, 14 people, including seven children, were killed. Over 40 people were taken to a hospital with various injuries. Perhaps, there are more victims," he stated.

Syria has been engulfed in a civil war since 2011. Apart from countering the so-called moderate opposition, Syrian government forces are fighting against militants from extremist groups including Islamic State and the Nusra Front.