According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the blast took place in the northern Syrian town of Darkoush on Monday.

According to officials, at least three children were among the victims and the death toll could rise because many of the wounded were in serious condition.

Foreign-backed terrorists have recently intensified bombings targeting civilians.

Activists said the blast targeted the market area of the town, which is a few kilometres (a couple of miles) from the border with Turkey, on the Orontes River.

The attack came a day after six members of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a member of the Syrian Red Crescent were kidnapped in Idlib province by "unidentified armed men."

There has been no claim of responsibility. However, kidnappings have become an increasing problem in rebel-held parts of Syria, targeting both journalists and aid workers.

Magne Barth, head of the ICRC's Syria delegation, called for “the immediate and unconditional release of the seven colleagues.”

The ICRC has declined to comment on the nationality of those abducted.

The Red Cross said the team had travelled to Idlib on October 10 to assess the situation at health facilities and deliver aid.

On the political front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Washington to bring the Syrian opposition to peace talks in Geneva that are proposed for mid-November.

"We very much expect our American partners and other countries, which not only have influence on various opposition groups but also... encourage these opposition groups... to realise their responsibility for creating conditions for performing their share of the work for convening Geneva 2," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

The call came a day after the so-called Syrian National Council ruled out attending any Geneva peace talks.

RA/NJF