A French journalist and six Syrian people lost their lives as a result of a howitzer attack in Syria’s third biggest city Hummus.

According to the report of AFP photographer at the scene, the howitzer fell in an area where a group of journalists were standing at that moment. While a French journalist lost his life, many were reported wounded during the event. Among the wounded is also a Belgian reporter, according to initial reports coming.

This is the first time a western journalist has lost his life in Syria since the beginning of anti-regime protest demonstrations in March of 2011. Syrian Minister of Communication stated that they were informed about the event, however-he added- details of the event weren’t known by their side yet.

While UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that the perpetrator of the artillery shooting was not known, AFP reported that regime opponents held Syrian government responsible for the event.

Syrian officials have still not made a statement about the attack.