Syria: Renewed Clashes in Homs

Twenty-one people have been killed in recent clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Homs, Syria’s third largest city. Eyewitnesses say tanks and armored vehicles  have been deployed in Homs, with unconfirmed reports of sniper fire that left two dead. ”Roadblocks have cut off every neighbourhood from another and random firing by troops manning them is common,” a resident named told Reuters. Syrian authorities have alleged that “armed terrorist groups” are operating in Homs.

The Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) noted it had documented the arrests 25 medical professionals from private clinics over the past few weeks. US-based Human Rights Watch said Syrian security forces “forcibly removed patients from a hospital and prevented doctors from reaching the wounded during a military siege in Homs,” as Syrian forces have targeted doctors treating injured demonstrators.

This comes as the Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with members of the Syrian National Council (SNC), despite warnings from Syria that it would retaliate against any country that formally recognizes the council. A member of the council noted that Davutoglu urged the council to work in a peaceful manner for a democratic transition.