Government Strikes Kill Syrian Civilians In Rebel-Held Area Near Capital, Say Monitors

The deaths occurred after Syrian government forces launched air strikes against the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta. (file photo)

At least 23 civilians were killed on February 5 as Syrian government forces launched air strikes against the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus, a monitor said.

Four children were among those killed, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

The Observatory says at least 70 have been wounded.

The activist-run Ghouta Media Center also reported that 23 were killed.

An estimated 400,000 residents live in Eastern Ghouta, besieged by Syrian government forces.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP