Syrian security forces storm towns, witnesses say

Syrians carry a coffin during a funeral procession for soldiers killed during protests against President Bashar al-Assad in Tartus April in this still image taken from video. -Reuters Photo

BEIRUT: Witnesses say Syrian security forces are opening fire in the suburbs of Damascus and in the southern town of Daraa.

Both areas have become flashpoints for violence since the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime began five weeks ago. The witness accounts could not immediately be confirmed.
In Daraa, one witness said Syrian army tanks and soldiers rolled into the city on Monday and gunfire was heard. In the Damascus suburb of Douma, security forces sealed the town before opening fire, witnesses said.
More than 300 people have been killed since the uprising against Assad’s regime began in mid-March, according to rights groups.
Friday was the deadliest day to date with 112 killed. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.