Damascus: At least 13 rebels died in a blast in the city of Homs in central Syria on Sunday as they primed a car bomb for an attack, an NGO said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 13 rebels were killed in the besieged Old City of Homs when a car bomb exploded.

“The death toll is likely to rise because there are dozens of people missing and body parts in the area of the blast,” the Britain-based group said.

State news agency Sana also reported the blast, saying a car had exploded while being loaded with explosives.

The blast took place on the outskirts of the besieged Old City of Homs, which is under rebel control.