The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the shelling took place in the town of Tel Aran today.
The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on the ground, says the civilians were killed in two separate incidents.
The group says seven people died when forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fired on their car. Another 12 people were killed in a shelling attack on the town.
Clashes between government forces and rebels from two al-Qaida-linked factions have intensified in Tel Aran over the past two days.
