Massacre In Syria

Apparently the powers that be in Damascus are borrowing a page from Col. Khadafy's playbook...

Quote :

Dozens feared dead as Syria violence swells
Tens of thousands take to the streets in the most widespread civil unrest in current uprising

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian troops opened fire on protesters in the restive southern city of Daraa on Friday, shooting crowds that set fire to a bronze statue of the country's late president, a resident told The Associated Press.

Witnesses and activists reported fatalities, with unconfirmed reports of as many as 20 slain in the nearby town of Sanamein, according to Al Jazeera television.

"There are more than 20 martyrs .... they (security forces) opened fire haphazardly," the witness said, Reuters reported.

Thirty miles to the south, Syrian troops opened fire on crowds that set fire to a bronze statue of the country's late president, a resident told The Associated Press.

Heavy gunfire could be heard in Daraa's city center and witnesses had reported several casualties, said the resident, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.