SYRIA: Tensions high following clashes in Deraa

Record ID: 278478

  • Title: SYRIA: Tensions high following clashes in Deraa
  • Date: 22nd March 2011
  • Summary: DERAA, SYRIA (MARCH 21, 2011) (REUTERS) SERIES OF SHOPS CLOSED OFF BAATH PARTY BUILDING IN DERAA COMMUNICATION CENTRE OF SYRIATEL VANDALISED ATM MACHINE VARIOUS OF THE TORCHED JUSTICE PALACE PEOPLE IN THE STREET CARS ON ROAD
  • Embargoed: 6th April 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Syrian Arab Republic
  • Country: Syria
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAA61AHU5316UGLBLOPNM04KWLD
  • Story Text: Local shops are closed and nervous residents stay away from public streets in the aftermath of recent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and Syrian security forces.
    Shops closed and few people walked in the streets of the southern city of Deraa on Monday (March 21) in the wake of the most serious clashes between protesters and Syrian security forces in recent days.
    A tense atmosphere prevailed over the city after several vandalising acts, in open defiance of authorities known for tolerating no dissent, led to the torching of the local Baath Party headquarters, the Justice Palace and the religious court on Sunday (March 20).
    ATM machines were smashed and two communication companies were broken into.
    Monday saw the calmest day in the region in the last week after security forces killed four civilians in demonstrations that erupted in Deraa.
    Four days of protests against corruption and stifling one-party rule have finally brought the Arab uprising to Syria, posing the gravest domestic challenge yet to President Bashar al-Assad's 11 years of leadership.
    Earlier in the day, scores of mourners and protesters gathered for the funeral procession of a 23-year-old man who was killed on Sunday (March 20). Syrian security forces did not attempt to quell demonstrators at the funeral procession.
    Serious unrest has been confined to Deraa, echoing to the chants of "God, Syria, Freedom", but analysts say disenchantment at Assad's rule and the exhilarating spirit of regional upheaval may fuel wider rebellion.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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