State TV: 'Terrorist Gangs' behind Violence in Syria's Homs

Syrian authorities on Monday said armed "terrorist gangs" were behind the latest violence in Homs, where activists accused government forces of launching a fierce assault on the flashpoint city.

State television said the alleged gangs had been planting bombs which exploded while they were being primed, killing many of the "terrorists."

The opposition accused the government of launching a fierce assault on Homs, with at least 17 civilians killed and dozens wounded in heavy shelling.

The television said one explosion occurred in the Khaldiyeh neighborhood of Homs while two bombs went off in Dablan neighborhood.

It added that "terrorist gangs" were also attacking citizens and security forces in various districts of the city.

"The security forces are pursuing the terrorists and clashing with them," it said.