Rocket attack kills 35 in Damascus shopping district

A rocket has killed 35 people in a Damascus shopping district in one of the deadliest rebel attacks on the Syrian capital, as bombardment by the government and its allies left dozens of civilians dead in an opposition stronghold.

A rocket has killed 35 people in a Damascus shopping district in one of the deadliest rebel attacks on the Syrian capital, as bombardment by the government and its allies left dozens of civilians dead in an opposition stronghold.

Tuesday’s attack came as heavy bombardment killed 38 civilians in the shrinking rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta, which is east of the capital.

State media said the opposition fire had hit the area of Jaramana, which residents said was full of shoppers – many buying presents before Mother’s Day.

A taxi driver, who asked not to give his name, said he had been nearby when the rocket hit a street known for its cheap clothes and food shops.

“The place was full of people buying presents for Mother’s Day,” said the 41-year-old.