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Heightened Security in Syria Ahead of Planned Protests

   VOA News  May 06, 2011

   Syrian activists say security forces have taken up positions in cities
   across the country, as opposition leaders urge demonstrators to return
   to the streets on Friday for what they are calling "Day of Defiance"
   protests.
   Opposition leaders have called for protesters to rally after Friday
   prayers, in spite of a government crackdown on demonstrations.
   On Thursday, residents said troops and armored vehicles had deployed
   into cities including Homs, Banias and Rastan.
   However, the army said it has begun withdrawing its forces from the
   besieged town of Daraa, the epicenter of protests against President
   Bashar al-Assad. The military said Thursday it had "carried out its
   mission in detaining terrorists" in Daraa and had restored calm in the
   city. But residents said tanks, troops and snipers were still
   restricting their movement.
   Rights groups say at least 600 people have been killed in Syria's
   crackdown on nationwide anti-government unrest and as many as 8,000 are
   missing or have been detained.
   Anti-government protests that began as calls for reform have developed
   into demands for the ouster of President Assad.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP.

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References

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