World Bulletin / News Desk

At least 14 people, including eight children, were killed in a barrel bomb attack on Deir Ez-Zor in eastern Syria on Saturday, according to an opposition group.

In a statement, the Syrian Revolution General Commission said a government helicopter targeted the city's al-Hamidia neighborhood, which is controlled by rebel forces.

Dozens were injured in the attack.

The commission represents a coalition of Syria opposition groups fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Syria has been gripped by violence since the regime launched a crackdown in response to anti-government protests in March 2011, triggering a civil war in which more than 211,000 have died.