A twin suicide attack in Syria's province of Hama took the lives of at least 18 people, 11 of which children, according to state media reports.

The two explosions, which were described as "terrorist"-originated, were in villages which are presently under government control, as the BBC reports.

No rebel group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Hama has been a government stronghold since the summer of 2011, unlike other regions of the country, which are violently contested as part of Syria's ongoing civil war.

Fridays's announcement comes hours after forces of President Bashar al-Assad's regime bombarded rebel-controlled areas of the northern city of Aleppo and at least 33 were reported dead.

Accounts provided by both government and rebel representatives on the war in Syria are deemed difficult to verify.

The country is now preparing for its first presidential elections with multiple candidates on June 3 amid the conflict that started with March 2011's anti-government demonstrations. More than 100 000 have lost their lives since, with millions internally displaced or seeking refuge abroad.

President Assad, who has been in power since 1999, declared Monday he is to seek a third term in office.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!