At least 12 students were killed and several others wounded in a mortar attack that targeted Damascus University on Thursday.

At least twelve students were killed and several others wounded in a mortar attack that targeted Damascus University on Thursday.

"The number of students killed in the mortar attack on the architecture faculty in Damascus University has risen to 12," said the Syrian state television’s broadcaster, blaming the armed groups for the attack.

Previously, the television station had reported that several people were killed or wounded in the attack.

"The National Students Union condemns the cowardly terrorist attack that targeted the architecture faculty of Damascus University," the television added.
Official news agency, SANA, added that six others were hurt by "mortars that targeted the faculty cafeteria".

The opposition’s London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the attack.
"Several mortar rounds hit the Baramkeh area and the architecture faculty compound, causing several casualties," the Britain-based monitoring group said without elaborating.

Militants have this week escalated mortar attacks on central Damascus, including Umayyad Square in the heart of the capital, which houses the state television headquarters.