Syrian troops kill 10 in Homs attack, activists say

Syrian troops kill 10 in Homs attack, activists say

2011-09-08 02:53:33 GMT+7 (ICT)

DAMASCUS (BNO NEWS) -- At least 10 people were killed on Wednesday when Syrian security forces backed by tanks stormed the central city of Homs, activists said.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement that dozens of others were also injured in the attack, and heavy gunfire continued in some neighborhoods, CNN reported. The group added that all landline telephones have been cut off in the city.

Security forces also attacked the city of Sarmeen in Idlib province, killing two people and injuring three others, according to the group. It followed a nationwide crackdown on anti-government protesters on Tuesday which killed at least 10 people.

The attacks came just a day after the official SANA news agency reported that Syria postponed a visit by the head of the Arab League scheduled for Wednesday, citing unspecified "circumstances beyond our control."

The European Union (EU) on Friday announced that the European Council has increased its sanctions against Syria by imposing a ban on the import of its oil to the EU. The Council also added four more Syrian people and three entities to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban.

Last month, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that more than 2,200 people have been killed in Syria since pro-democracy demonstrations began in mid-March as part of a broader uprising across North Africa and the Middle East that has led to the toppling of entrenched regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and conflict in Libya. More than 350 people were reportedly killed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Syrian government has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens but these claims have been rejected by residents, human rights groups, and the international community.

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