More airstrikes have added a series of casualties to what's become a brutal civil war in Syria.
Arutz Sheva reported at least 82 people in Damascus were killed Thursday in the regime's attempts to fire a rebel stronghold. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 18 of the victims were children, according to AFP.
The number of casualties has continued to rise since Thursday when the regime launched 60 air strikes in response to rebels. The attack was a retaliation after rebel fire pounded Syria's capital, with at least 120 rockets and mortar rounds. The initial rebel fire killed 10 people and left the city deserted, according to AFP.
A senior military official told AFP, on the condition of anonymity: "If the terrorists think that by shelling Damascus they will ease the pressure on them, they are making a big mistake." The air strikes also killed 16 rebel fighters.
Damascus University closed for the day and sent students home.
About 200,000 casualties have been reported since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.
