Car bomb blast kills 15 west of Damascus

Nine of those who lost their lives in Tuesday's explosion were civilians while the others are said to be Syrian army forces. 

Reports say that more than 30 people were also injured in the attack. 

Local media say the blast took place when a bomber detonated a car packed with explosives in front of a bus stop in al-Sumariyah district in Damascus countryside. 

The area is home to a complex, housing families of soldiers fighting against foreign-backed militants. 

Earlier this month, eight people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb explosion near the Damascus’ al-Hejaz Square. 

Meanwhile, reports from Damascus say foreign-sponsored militants have stepped up firing mortar shells on different areas of the capital, killing civilians. 

The fresh violence comes as Syrian forces have intensified their battle against the militants. 

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside Syria. 

According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in the violence.