Syrian jets bomb historic border castle

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BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Syrian fighter jets flew over Lebanese territory Friday as they conducted raids on villages and historic sites along the shared border, security sources said.

Security officials in Lebanon told The Daily Star newspaper that Syrian fighter jets made several passes over the Lebanese border during attacks on Homs Gap in southern Syria. The security officials said Syrian fighters were targeting Krak des Chevaliers, a historic castle from 11th century.

Syrian influence dominated Lebanese political affairs before the Cedar Revolution in 2005 loosened the grip of Damascus. Fighting in Syria has sparked concerns about Lebanese stability.

Civil war in Syria has claimed at least 60,000 lives since early 2011, the United Nations said. Fighting in and around Damascus has raised concerns about the durability of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

At least 11 people were killed and another 40 were wounded when a car bomb detonated at a commercial fuel station in Damascus late Thursday. Activists said Friday the Syrian military bombed areas near Damascus, al-Jazeera reports.