Syrian Crackdown Intensifies

Voice of America reports:

Syrian security forces are continuing their assault on cities and villages in the country's restive northwest, as world leaders are condemning the crackdown.

The Syrian news agency Sana and rights activists said Thursday that military units equipped with dozens of tanks and armored personnel carriers deployed near Khan Sheikhoun, circled Maarat al-Numaan and attacked two more villages, Shughur al-Kadima and Janudiyeh.

Hundreds of Syrians fled their homes to escape across the border into Turkey. Some said Syrian troops fired random shells at the villages and ransacked their homes.

The latest violence is part of the weeks-long assault by troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad on anti-government protesters seeking to end his 11-year reign.  More than 1,300 civilians and 340 government troops have been killed since mid-March, but al-Assad has continued the crackdown over the increasingly vocal objections of world leaders.

On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Syrian president to "stop killing people" and negotiate with the protesters "before it's too late."

US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland called the government crackdown "revolting" and "barbaric."  She said the US has been increasing its contacts with Syrians inside and outside of the country who are seeking change.