Scores Killed In Syria Airstrike

A handout picture released by the Syrian opposition Shaam News Network allegedly showing Syrians helping victims following an air strike by regime forces near a bakery in the rebel-held town of Halfaya in the central province of Hama on December 23.

Scores of people have been killed by a strike on a bakery in Syria's central province of Hama.

Residents of Halfaya -- a town seized by rebel fighters last week -- told Reuters at least 90 people were killed while waiting to buy bread on December 23.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says at least 60 were killed and no less than 50 were critically injured.

The attack is thought to be the one of the deadliest airstrikes in Syria's civil war.

Meanwhile, activists say at least 180 people were killed in fighting across Syria on December 23.

As reports of the carnage emerged, the United-Nations-backed crisis mediator Lakhdar Brahimi arrived for more talks in Syria.

Brahimi is due to meet with President Bashar al-Assad on December 24.

More than 44,000 people are estimated to have been killed so far in the 21-month old uprising against Assad's regime.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and the BBC