Damascus: Syrian government troops have heavily bombarded Rastan, near Homs, in the centre of the country, killing at least 15 people, activists say. More than 50 people have been killed in Rastan since a military operation there started at the weekend, reports say. The offensive comes despite a government amnesty offer and the release of hundreds of detainees.
Opposition groups dismissed the moves and urged President Bashar al-Assad to resign and make way for democracy.
The groups, which comprise about 300 activists, are meeting in Antalya in neighbouring Turkey.
They said in a communique that Assad should hand power to one of his two vice-presidents, without specifying which, and hold free elections within a year.
“The delegates have committed to the demands of the Syrian people to bring down the regime and support the people’s revolution for freedom and dignity,” the communique said.
The Local Co-ordinating Committee, which helps to organise and document the country’s protests, gave the names of the people it said were killed in Rastan in the latest artillery and tank bombardments.
The committee said the offensive had hit at least two mosques and a bakery, as well as houses that collapsed, killing entire families.
Eyewitnesses said that army and security forces are not able to take control the town, even though it has been surrounded by tanks over the past few days.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription