Syrian Tanks Kill More Civilians, Demonstrators Say
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According to the Syrian government, tanks headed to southern Syria in search of terrorist groups at the request of the citizens in that region.
From IC Publications:
Witnesses said troops also launched assaults on the Damascus suburbs of Douma and Al-Maadamiyeh, as a leading Syrian rights activist accused the regime of going for the "military solution" to end six weeks of dissent.
The United States, which has repeatedly condemned Syria's repression, was considering sanctions against Damascus.
"The United States is pursuing a range of possible policy options, including targeted sanctions, to respond to the crackdown and make clear that this behaviour is unacceptable," said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor.
Witnesses said between 3,000 and 5,000 security forces entered Daraa around dawn, taking positions around part of the town. This move puts the pressure on the U.S. government, who is already said to be considering taking sanctions against Syria.
To the south of Daraa, in Douma, violence has also been reported thanks to government forces.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported:
A huge crackdown was also reported in Douma, a large suburb in northern Damascus, and nearby Al-Maadamiyeh, said activists and residents reached by telephone.
"The situation is dramatic. Patrols man each alleyway and prevent people from going out even to buy bread," one resident said.
Security forces "surrounded a mosque and are firing indiscriminately. Streets are cut off from each other and Douma is isolated from the outside world," an activist said.
Some 390 people have been killed in security crackdowns since the protests erupted, rights activists and witnesses say.
Other western countries are now calling for the United Nations Security Council to create an independent investigation into civilian killings in the war-torn country.
