'We are not afraid' - Syrians keep up defiance of Assad

Published on Friday 29 April 2011 18:41

THOUSANDS of Syrians chanting "We aren't afraid!" took to the streets yesterday, calling for President Bashar Assad's downfall and pledging support for the besieged southern city of Daraa, at the centre of the revolt, where army tanks and snipers are trying to crush a six-week uprising.

Syrian security forces opened fire on demonstrations yesterday in the capital of Damascus and the coastal city of Latakia - the heartland of the ruling elite - wounding at least five people. State-run television said a military post in Daraa was stormed by armed men who killed four soldiers and captured two.

Other demonstrations were reported in the central city of Homs, the coastal cities of Banias and Latakia, the northern cities of Raqqa and Hama, and the northeastern town of Qamishli.

Since the uprising in Syria began in mid-March, inspired by revolts across the Arab world, more than 450 people have been killed nationwide, activists say.

At least 42 people were killed across Syria yesterday, many of them villagers who tried to approach the besieged southern city of Daraa, a Syrian human rights group said today.

Human rights activist Mustafa Osso, who is the head of a human rights group based in Syria which compiles death tolls from the crackdown, warned the numbers could rise.

A witness in Daraa said residents were staying home because the city has been under siege by the military since Monday, when thousands of soldiers stormed in, backed by tanks and snipers. People were too afraid even to venture out to mosques for prayers, the witness said.

"We are in our houses but our hearts are in the mosques," the witness said, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.

"Oh great Syrian army! Lift the blockade on Daraa!" protesters chanted in the Damascus suburb of Barzeh, according to video footage posted by activists on YouTube.

Outside Homs, thousands chanted "We don't love you!" and "Bye, bye Bashar! We will see you in The Hague!" as gunfire crackled in the distance.

Syria has banned nearly all foreign media and restricted access to trouble spots since the uprising began, making it almost impossible to verify the dramatic reports of events shaking one of the most authoritarian, anti-Western regimes in the Arab world.

Assad's regime has stepped up its deadly crackdown on protesters in recent days, unleashing the army with snipers and tanks.

Assad's attempts to crush the revolt - the gravest challenge to his family's 40-year rule - have drawn international criticism and threats of sanctions from European countries and the United States.

The government says the protests are a foreign conspiracy carried out by extremist forces and armed thugs, not true reform-seekers.

Syrian TV attributed the attack on the military post in Daraa to "armed terrorists" and said one of its cameramen was injured in Latakia in an attack by an armed gang.

A witness in Latakia said about 1,000 people held an anti-government rally when plainclothes security agents with automatic rifles opened fire. He said he saw at least five people wounded. .

In Damascus' central Midan neighbourhood, witnesses said about 500 people marched and chanted, "God, Syria and freedom only!" in heavy rain, but security forces using bullets and tear gas, scatteried them. It was not clear whether there were injuries.

The government warned against demonstrations and put up large banners in the capital that read: "We urge the brother citizens to avoid going out of your homes on Friday for your own safety."