A corner of cafeteria of Damascus University on March, 28. Photo: AFP

Syrian news agency SANA said, mortar shells slammed into a cafeteria at Damascus University on Thursday, killing as many as 15 people and wounding 6. Amer Mardini, Headmaster of Damascus University, said rebels fired shells targeting the University’s department of architecture. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the attack, saying some of the wounded were in critical condition.  Witnesses said that shells also fell near two hotels and a mosque in the center of Damascus city but caused no casualties. Last week, Syrian rebels stepped up mortar attacks in the center areas of the capital.