Syrian Tanks Roll Into Daraa

Government closes border with Jordan, attacks civilians
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 25, 2011 8:04 AM CDT

Syria closed off its border with Jordan today as troops and tanks poured into the border city of Daraa—the original hotbed of the protests that have erupted across the country. Bodies were seen strewn throughout the streets of the city, witnesses tell Reuters, with one human rights campaigner accusing the army of waging "a savage war designed to annihilate Syria's democrats."

"Ambulances could not help the injured because of the snipers and army officers who are deployed all over the city," another witness tells CNN. "They shoot on anything that moves." One resident estimated that there were around 3,000 soldiers in the town. “They are breaking into people’s houses, firing randomly at houses,” he said. News agencies couldn’t independently confirm the reports, but Jordan confirmed that the border has been closed—making it harder for the people of Daraa to flee. (More Syria protests stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X