Activists: Dozens killed in Syria shelling

BEIRUT (AP) -- Activists say dozens of people have been killed in relentless shelling of rebellious suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus over the past two days. Most of the casualties were in the town of Douma.

The Local Coordination Committees and Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and other activists say at least 40 people died in all-day shelling Thursday. At least two more were killed Friday morning.

The shelling is part of a fierce government offensive aimed at regaining control of parts of Damascus suburbs where rebels operate.

Douma in particular is a hotbed of dissent against President Bashar Assad's regime.

Government troops have been shelling Douma for days. Activists say most of those killed were civilians.

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