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February 15, 2012

Syria: Crackdown Widens as Referendum Date Set 
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Syrian forces have launched new operations targeting opposition
activists as the bombardment of the city of Homs continues for a twelfth
day. Syrian tanks have reportedly shelled areas of Hama, Syria's fourth
largest city. Raids against opposition activists have also been
conducted in the capital Damascus. In Homs, an oil pipeline was attacked
earlier today, setting off a major blaze. The government of Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad, meanwhile, has announced it will hold a
referendum on a new draft constitution later this month followed by
parliamentary elections within 90 days. Opposition activists are already
vowing to boycott the votes, calling them a front to maintain Assad's
grip on power.



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