Landmines kill 18 in central Syria

As many as 18 people were killed and three others were injured on Sunday after two landmines exploded in Syria's central province Hama, reported Xinhua, quoting state news agency SANA.

The landmines ripped through two vehicles in the Salamiyah area in the countryside of Hama, said the report, noting that the landmines are from the leftovers of the rebels who used to be present in that area.

The wounded people are in critical condition and being treated in hospital.

It is the latest landmine explosion incident to cause civilian causalities in the country.

On Feb. 27, five people were killed and 13 others were wounded when a landmine tore through a vehicle in the Salamiyah area.

SANA said the rebel groups opted to plant mines in areas they had controlled ahead of their defeats.