Syrian state media say mortar rounds kill 1 child, wound dozens in Damascus

DAMASCUS, Syria – Syrian state media say rebels have fired mortars rounds into predominantly Christian districts of the capital that exploded near schools, killing one child and injuring 41 others.

The official news agency says one mortar shell struck a school early Tuesday in the Bab Touma neighborhood, killing one child and wounding 36 others.

It says another mortar round landed near the Mar Elias Church in the Dweilaa district, wounding five people. The church compound also includes a school.

The state news agency blamed "terrorists" for the attacks, a term the government uses for rebels fighting to oust President Bashar Assad.

Rebels frequently launch mortar shells into government-held neighborhoods in the heart of the capital from outlying districts that are under opposition control.