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    December 23, 2011

Syrian State TV Reports Deadly Suicide Attacks at Security Sites

   VOA News

   Syrian state television says al-Qaida militants may be responsible for
   a pair of suicide bombings outside two government security buildings in
   Damascus on Friday that killed several civilains and soldiers.
   State television reports said two suicide bombers used vehicles packed
   with explosives to attack a state security building and another
   security facility. Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire at the
   facilities after the explosions.
   The attacks come as opposition groups prepared to hold mass protests
   against an Arab League observer mission that began arriving in Syria
   Thursday to see whether the government follows through on its promise
   to stop attacks on anti-government protesters.
   Opposition groups say the government is only allowing the monitors as a
   stalling tactic to prevent a new round of international sanctions. They
   have called for nation-wide protests following midday prayers on Friday
   using the slogan "Protocol of death, a license to kill," referring to
   the Arab League plan signed by Syria last week.
   Meanwhile, Syria appeared to be widening its violent crackdown against
   opposition demonstrators. Activists said at least 21 protesters were
   killed Thursday during raids in the central city of Homs and the
   northern province of Idlib.
   Opposition groups say government forces have killed at least 250 since
   Monday, one of the bloodiest periods since the uprising began in March.
   The advance team of Arab League observers that arrived Thursday is
   laying the groundwork for a larger group of delegates that is set to
   arrive over the coming weeks.
   The Arab League has also been urging Syria to withdraw its security
   forces from neighborhoods and begin talks with the opposition.
   The Syrian government has blamed much of the deadly violence on
   "gunmen" and "terrorists." On Thursday, Syria said more than 2,000
   security force members had been killed in the nine-month uprising.
   The United Nations says at least 5,000 people have been killed during
   the uprising.
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