Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Syrian regime launches deadly Damascus raids on suspected protesters



Activists say locals tried to stop troops in targeted crackdown that killed around 20 people including two 10-year-olds

Nour Ali in Damascus
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 July 2011

"Around 20 people have been killed as Syria's security forces launched a series of raids against suspected anti-government protesters in and around the capital, Damascus.

The renewed clampdown on Wednesday morning came just days before the start of Ramadan on Monday when protests are expected to intensify.

Activists said locals tried to stop the troops advancing into Kanaker, a southern suburb of Damascus, by throwing stones and closing roads with burning tires. Electricity and telephone lines to the area were cut off, and several people were wounded. Two 10-year-olds were among those killed.

Ten of the victims have been identified by members of local co-ordination committees helping to monitor pro-democracy protests.

"Military security fired and went house-to-house arresting around 300 men between 15 and 40 years of age," Ammar Quarabi, head of the National Organisation for Human Rights in Syria, told the Guardian....."

No comments: