Battle rages between Syrian forces and defectors

[sce56]

Source: NHK, Daily News (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Syrian government forces are laying siege to the central city of Rastan with more than 200 tanks to quash resistance being put up by military defectors. About 200 soldiers who turned against the regime of Bashir al-Assad after refusing to open fire on civilians in Rastan are fighting government troops. The Syrian government continues to use its military forces to crack down on anti-government movements. A human rights group says government troops backed by tanks shot at and shelled the residential area of the city where military defectors had holed up over the weekend.

Almost 100 people including civilians caught in crossfire were said to have been killed between Thursday and Sunday. Syrian national television has repeatedly broadcast the funerals of 13 soldiers who, it says, were killed by armed terrorists. Syria apparently wants to justify the attack on Rastan inside and outside of the country. Meanwhile, Syrian opposition groups announced that they have formed a united front against President Assad at a news conference in Turkey. Observers say how the united opposition will cooperate with the international community, which has been increasingly critical of Syria for its repression of protestors, will be watched closely.

Read more: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/03_09.html

---

Still fighting despite a lack of foreign intervention!

[TheWraith]

1. Good luck to the Syrian rebels. Here's hoping they kick some ass.

Maybe Turkey is willing to give them a little support.

[Arctic Dave]

2. Could be said about Al Qeada also,

Still fighting even thought they are outgunned and outnumbered.