One protester killed on third day of Syrian protest

[News_Editor]

One protester killed on third day of Syrian protest

2011-03-21 04:33:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

DAMASCUS (BNO NEWS) -- One Syrian protester was killed and 60 wounded in clashes with security forces in the southern city of Daraa on Sunday, the third day of protests.

"Security forces were firing live ammunition directly on the protesters," a witness told the German news agency DPA, adding that some people were shot in the head.

The state news agency SANA said an official source denied any killings in the incident. The official said, however, that "a group of troublemakers" attacked hospitals, set fire to private and public properties, and fired at police men who didn't return fire.

The protests on Sunday coincided with the visit of government officials, who arrived in Daraa to offer condolences to the families of the five protesters who were killed by security forces on Friday.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sacked the governor of Daraa in a bid to restore calm to the area amidst the ongoing anti-government protests, according to state media.

At least 30 people were arrested on Wednesday after security forces broke up a small demonstration outside the Ministry of the Interior in Damascus, witnesses told Amnesty International. Protesters, who demanded the release of political prisoners, were violently dispersed by plain-clothed security officers wielding batons.

On Monday, several people were also arrested during the so-called "Day of Rage" meant to emulate those in other Arab nations. Protesters demanded the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over the post from his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000, and called for more freedoms. The country has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-21

[zydeco]

Sounds like it's time to establish another No Fly zone and move in another fleet. Don't know where the 4th and 5th Fleet already are. Maybe we can call on the Gazillionth Fleet to handle this one.