Posted on 06/06/2011 9:39:15 AM PDT by robowombat
Syria State Media: 28 Police Officers Killed in Northwest Attack
Monday, June 6th, 2011 at 4:05 pm UTC Posted 18 minutes ago
The Syrian government says 28 police officers were killed Monday in an attack in the northwestern part of the country, where anti-government protests have raged for days.
State media blamed “armed gangs” for Monday's deaths in the town of Jisr al-Shughour and called the incident an “ambush.” Syrian rights groups say at least 35 people, including six security force members, died in Jisr al-Shughour and in nearby Khan Sheikhoun Saturday and Sunday during a brutal government crackdown on people demonstrating against President Bashar al-Assad.
The reports cannot be independently confirmed as the Syrian government has severely restricted the media and expelled foreign reporters. The clashes over the weekend began after thousands of residents turned out for the funerals of other anti-government protesters killed in the crackdown.
In the central city of Hama, residents and activists say the Syrian military withdrew Sunday. Similar reports came from southern villages, although sources say the situation in those areas remains tense. Rights campaigners say at least 65 people died Friday, mostly in Hama. Witnesses say security forces used live ammunition to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets after Friday prayers, demanding Mr. Assad's resignation.
Syrian activists have been protesting almost daily since March for democratic reforms and an end to President Assad's 11-year rule. Rights groups say at least 1,100 people have been killed in the continuing crackdown and more than 10,000 arrested. Despite official denials, protest organizers say at least 25 children are among the dead. The victims include a 13-year-old boy who was reported to have been tortured and killed by security forces – an accusation Syrian authorities dispute.
I hope some of those “ police officers “ were hired thugs from Iran or elsewhere.
I think the state controlled media is trying to set the stage for an even bigger crackdown and violence against protesters.
Not to quibble, but it was Hama, in 1982. Approx. 30K dead. Many executed after surrender. A vicious bunch over there...
Iran has a naval presence at Port of Lattakia. Training base for army nearby. Red Guard no doubt interspersed with Syria police/army, just to keep them “honest” as Mother Russia used to do with Poland, E. Germany,etc.
The regime will send IRGC & hezbollah & basij wherever they have an interest.
No. Hama used to be called Hamath. But Homs is a different city.
State media blamed "armed gangs" for Monday's deaths in the town of Jisr al-Shughour and called the incident an "ambush." Syrian rights groups say at least 35 people, including six security force members, died in Jisr al-Shughour and in nearby Khan Sheikhoun Saturday and Sunday during a brutal government crackdown on people demonstrating against President Bashar al-Assad... The clashes over the weekend began after thousands of residents turned out for the funerals of other anti-government protesters killed... Rights campaigners say at least 65 people died Friday, mostly in Hama. Witnesses say security forces used live ammunition to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets after Friday prayers, demanding Mr. Assad's resignation.When the Syrian exiles go home -- assuming they do -- they'll be leaving well-paid jobs serving the pampered asses of Kuwait and other Gulf states. The mandatory military service required at age 18 (I think it's five years' worth) has led to Syrians turning 18 or about to leaving for countries where they don't have to, and can make an income pretty much unheard of in the homeland dictatorship.
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