20 killed in Syria mortar attack

Damascus: At least 20 people were killed and many wounded Thursday evening when a mortar shell struck a gathering of President Bashar al-Assad supporters in the Daraa province, a pro-government radio reported.

Three hospitals in Daraa have called for blood donation to rescue the wounded people, the report said, without further detail, Xinhua reported.

Gathering and small festivities are being held in support of al- Assad in several government-controlled areas across Syria as the Syrians are poised to participate in the June 3 presidential vote.

The attack is the latest in a series of endless mortar shelling the rebels have opted to undertake to destabilize the security in government-controlled areas.