The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says airstrikes and artillery fire have killed dozens of people in a rebel enclave in eastern Ghouta.<br />Ro Aram reports. <br /> The war monitoring group said on Monday that at least 77 people were killed in the space of 24 hours.<br />325 people were also said to have been wounded.<br />The British-based Observatory said at least 20 children were among the civilians killed in the assault.<br />Syrian state media said Sunday's attack came after rebel factions in Ghouta fired mortars at districts in Damascus, killing a child and wounding eight others. <br /> The government airstrikes and artillery fire also came as pro-regime forces prepare to launch a major ground assault on Eastern Ghouta.<br />They are reportedly trying to help the Kurdish YPG militia try to repel a month-old Turkish military assault in Afrin, dubbed Operation Olive Branch.<br />But, the YPG has denied there's a deal with Damascus.<br />Turkey's foreign minister said the Syrian army's efforts to defend the YPG would come to nothing, adding that Turkish soldiers will not be stopped. <br />There was no comment from the Syrian military and the Damascus government says it only targets militants.<br />Eastern Ghouta is home to nearly 400-thousand people, according to the UN, and is the largest rebel stronghold left near the capital.<br />Hundreds of thousands of people have died in fighting during Syria's seven-year civil war, and millions have fled the country.<br />Ro Aram, Arirang News. <br />
