Damascus: According to activists and , Syria’s army has launched an attack on the southern city of Deraa, with tanks being used to back troops. One activist was quoted as saying that security forces were “firing in all directions”, and there were unconfirmed reports of casualties.
Deraa is where Syrian anti-government protests began five weeks ago.
News of the assault follows reports of crackdowns and arrests in other parts of the country.
A human rights campaigner told media that security forces had also stormed the Damascus suburb of Douma on Monday, opening fire on civilians and arresting scores of people.
Security forces are said to be rounding up suspected protest organisers despite the lifting of the state of emergency last week.
Protesters began calling for political reforms last month, but many are now demanding that President Bashar al-Assad step down.
At least 350 people are reported to have been killed.
Activist Abdullah al-Harriri told media that hundreds of security personnel had entered Deraa on Monday, supported by tanks and other armoured vehicles.
“The men are firing in all directions and advancing behind the armour which is protecting them,” he said.
“Electricity is cut off and telephone communications are virtually impossible.”
One resident told Arabic broadcaster al-Jazeera that five people had been killed.
Foreign journalists have been prevented from entering the country, making information hard to verify.
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