20 Syrian gov't forces killed in rebels' attack in Hama

DAMASCUS, March 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Syrian soldiers were killed by rebels' attack on Sunday morning on positions in the central province of Hama, a war monitor reported.

The rebels infiltrated government-controlled area in the countryside of Hama, engaging in battles with the Syrian forces, killing 20 while five of the assailants were killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watchdog group said that the attackers withdrew, adding that the death toll could likely rise as many are in critical conditions.

The targeted area is included in the de-escalation zone's deal reached by Turkey and Russia late last year.