World

Over 20 Dead: Mass Protest in Syria Turns Bloody

BEIRUT (AP) — A mass protest calling for sweeping changes in Syria’s authoritarian regime turned bloody Friday, with the government and protesters both claiming to have sustained heavy casualties in a restive southern city as the country’s three-week uprising entered a dangerous new phase.

Human rights activists and witnesses speaking to The Associated Press by telephone said Syrian security forces opened fire on tens of thousands of protesters in Daraa, killing 16 and wounding hundreds.

But state TV said 19 policemen and members of the security forces were killed when gunmen opened fire on them. It was the first significant claim of casualties by the government, which has contended that armed gangs rather than true reform-seekers are behind the unrest – and it could signal plans for a stepped-up retaliation.

Protest organizers have called on Syrians to take to the streets every Friday for the past three weeks, demanding change in one of the most authoritarian nations in the Middle East. The protests have shaken the regime of President Bashar Assad, whose family has ruled Syria for nearly 40 years.

Witnesses in Daraa told AP on Friday that residents turned mosques into makeshift hospitals to help tend to hundreds of wounded protesters. One man who helped ferry the dead and wounded to the city’s hospital said he counted at least 13 corpses.

“My clothes are soaked with blood,” he said by telephone from Daraa. Like most activists and witnesses who spoke to The Associated Press, he requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

A nurse at the hospital said they had run out of beds; many people were being treated on the floor or in nearby mosques.

Ammar Qurabi, who heads Syria’s National Organization for Human Rights, said most of the deaths happened in Daraa, which has become a flashpoint for anti-government protests. Sixteen people were killed in Daraa, three in the Damascus suburb of Harasta, and one in the central city of Homs, he said.

The witness accounts coming out of Syria could not be independently confirmed because the regime has restricted media access to the country. Human rights groups say around 115 people have been killed in the security crackdown.

Syria had appeared immune to the unrest sweeping the Arab world until three weeks ago, when security forces arrested a group of high school students who scrawled anti-government graffiti on a wall in Daraa.

Protests then exploded in cities across the country.

Daraa is parched and impoverished, suffering sustained economic problems from a yearslong drought.

Assad has made a series of concessions to quell the violence, including sacking his Cabinet and firing two governors.

On Thursday, he granted citizenship to thousands of Kurds, fulfilling a decades-old demand of the country’s long-ostracized minority. But the protest Friday in Amouda – a Kurdish city – suggested the population still was not satisfied.

Despite the regime’s gestures, many Syrian activists remain skeptical about the regime’s concessions and have called for much more concrete reforms, such as lifting the state of emergency, which has been in place since 1963 and gives the regime a free hand to arrest people without charge.

Comments (42)

  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on April 9, 2011 at 11:48pm

    Didnt Glenn talk about this weeks ago. Ahhhh yeah.

    Report Post »  
  • Southernguy
    Posted on April 9, 2011 at 12:29pm

    Maybe they can thin themselves out a little, hehehe

    Report Post » Southernguy  
  • Hisemiester
    Posted on April 9, 2011 at 10:30am

    All I got to say about this is. Assad watch out, Obama is coming. Now that they saved the nation from closing down, Obama has the US behind him and already has the sixth fleet in the Med. Hear the drone, that’s from the overhead surveillance craft. They is watching you guy. Gonna hit you soon. Is you scared?

    Report Post »  
  • ALISSTER
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 8:43pm

    All we need to do is piss them off from our side of the pond and they will kill each other.

    Report Post » ALISSTER  
  • im4truth
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:32pm

    Betterdays,
    I agree with you.
    Those who are God‘s are sealed to be God’s from their birth.
    There is also a mention of angels sent to hold back things that are determined on the earth for the purpose of God gathering His elect.
    These are uncertain times. On that we can all agree.

    I find comfort in the Bible and peace in knowing that God is in control, even though the world and nature seems to be veering out of it.

    If we strive to be obedient and acknowledge the true soveirenty of Almighty God, we needn’t worry about delusion. For His promise to His people is that we can’t be fooled by those who seek to persuade us, and that is awesome!

    Report Post »  
  • Sam Brown
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:18pm

    So, let me ask you. If during the time that Clinton murdered all the civilians at Waco would it be an act of war for the USSR to fire 100 tomahawks at our government and fly air missions over our country to protect our citizens?

    Report Post »  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:17pm

    Isn‘t it strange how all Beck’s predictions are coming true?

    Of course, the government MSM all made fun of him, as usual. Now they’re following in his footsteps and trying to play catch-up. As usual.

    What are they going to do now that they won’t have Beck to lead them by the nose?

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • Sam Brown
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:57pm

    I wonder how many deaths can be laid at the feet of Obama, Powers and Hillary. People blown to hell without a trial and who were no threat to the USA. Blood on your hands won’t come off Mr. Obama. But then didn’t Hitler have a practice war in Spain?

    Sammy

    Report Post »  
  • Larry E
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:16pm

    Oh goodie, we can go get in a war with another Mslm country that’s slaughtering its citizens! No wait the Syrians don‘t have anything but some archaeological sites and Ozero’s not interested in anything that old and complicated.

    Report Post »  
  • dcwu
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:04pm

    I’ve got an idea.
    Let’s let our head of state fight their head of state.
    The winner gets the loser.

    Report Post »  
    • Larry E
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 5:18pm

      You mean if the “president” of Syria wins he gets to keep Obama? That’d be okay except for us then being stuck with Biden. Maybe a two for one deal?

      We sure don’t need anymore whacked out Mslm terrorists here if by some fluke our lad won….

      Report Post »  
  • CanDan
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:22pm

    These animals kill their own kids then blame the enemy, if it advances the cause of Islam

    AP as a source, come on could you get any more unreliable

    Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:53pm

    These people apparently are so miserable that they don’t mind dying. Well…just like the jihadist…if they want to die…..we can accomodate them. Who cares if they are shot in the streets by their own army!? THe ones demonstrating are just as bad as the ones in power..maybe worse. Scum in…scum out..scum in…etc.

    Report Post »  
    • im4truth
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:20pm

      They’re talking aboout a “Day of Rage” happening in America sometime soon.
      I think it will be wise for every reasonable minded person to avoid such rallies, even in peaceful protest of them.
      I don’t know if anyone has a mind to oppose these lunatic affairs.
      If so, do it in the safety of your own home ~ not across the street, or on the sidewalk.
      As my grandmother used to say, “There are three people in the world that you can’t reason with. The first is a person in love, the second is a drunk, and the third is a crazy person.”

      They want violence and will incite as much of it as possible.
      Leave them to it, and if you feel the need, kneel down and pray for them and do no more.

      As it is written in the Good Book.
      “Those who live by the sword, will die by the sword.”
      Unfortunately, the allah of the Islams did not wisely instruct his people. And that is why they die.

      Report Post »  
  • im4truth
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:38pm

    think4yourself.org,
    THANK YOU.
    THANK YOU> for that link!

    At last!
    Finally!!
    The news I have been waiting for!!!

    Report Post »  
    • im4truth
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:51pm

      P.S.
      Could someone PLEASE contact Glenn Beck concerning the matter. Because I’m seriously in the mood to hear Pat sing “Happy Days are here again” in light of this report.
      And if I may, I want to share a quote from the website posted by think4yourself.org:

      “Bruce Fein, a former Reagan administration official in the Department of Justice and chairman of American Freedom Agenda writes in his 15-page argument of Obama’s course that “Barack Hussein Obama has mocked the rule of law, endangered the very existence of the Republic and the liberties of the people, and perpetrated an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor.”

      Hoorah!!!!
      Mr. Fein, You are indeed, my new hero!

      Report Post »  
  • delhoghe
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:35pm

    If Assad threatens the civilian population of Syria the U.N will demand intervention like we are currently engaged in with Libya. That’s the policy U.N member nations are bound by. The U.S and NATO could be bombing Syria if this gets any worse. If Americans revolt against our government and the government starts killing innocent civilians, then we could expect to have Brimstone missiles raining down on our cities. Something to think about.

    Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Really, Brimstone Missiles hitting our cities? Where all the socialists live. That would be a crying shame , NOT

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • CalvinandHobbes
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:32pm

    Gee…this is news? I would think if they had a protest and NO ONE DIED…..that would be news! They need to just fight it out between themselves and leave us out of it.

    Report Post » CalvinandHobbes  
  • WEHTexas
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:02pm

    We need to pull most of our military forces out of the Middle East and bring them home. Let the CIA and pockets of Special Forces stay in the Middle East. They may need to help fight terrorist in our own country. Think how vulnerable we are having most of our military spread across the Middle East. They are being set up for slaughter.

    Report Post »  
    • im4truth
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:21pm

      Hey there Tex,
      Have you forgotten that we’re Americans?
      Don’t get me wrong, I want our kids to come home safe and I pray to God for each, and everyone of their families.
      But as far as us being vulnerable? You have no idea how capable American citizens will be, if and when the need to defend ourselves and our families should arise.

      I’m not trying to be rude, but are you really a Texan or do you just like the name?
      Because ~
      well, if you are a Texan then you know what I mean. So don’t forget who you are.

      Report Post »  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:54pm

    Can anyone say “cascade”, anyone? Glenn did, but he’s a loony toon, aw, maybe not so much.
    Is there not a biblical prophecy concerning Damascus and the end times? Isaiah 17:1-5, even talks about Israel too, hmmmmmm.
    Shore am grateful to the Lord GOD almighty, better to be on HIS side I think.

    Report Post »  
    • im4truth
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:11pm

      That‘s the side I’ll take my stand with ~ the good LORD GOD ALMIGHTY ~ that is.
      Sad that so many are blinded by false religion. Islam has GOT to be the worst of all.
      Still, some are being converted to Christianity even as we speak. Unknown individuals that we may never hear anything about, which is ok. God knows who are HIS. And He will fight for them HIMSELF.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Im4Truth:
      He’ll fight for them HIMSEF! AMEN…..translated means truth!
      Another tid bit, if there is a SEALING, ie, “let those who are evil be evil still, let those who are wicked be wicked still, let those who are holy be holy still, and let those who are righteous be righteous still“ before ” the rapture”, how could anyone change “sides” before Jesus comes to get his own back? And this sealing happens JUST before the tribulation begins, sorta makes a fellow thing about strong delusions, that might even recient the very elect, eh?

      Report Post »  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:54pm

    Another Middle-Eastern toilet is imploding. Who would have guessed?

    The religion of peace at it’s finest! Leftist dirtbags causing trouble.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • Obama Snake Oil Co
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:47pm

    Mr Obama, you going to attack them too?

    Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:55pm

      no oil in syria…so the answer is no

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Obama will say no Bombing, no getting involved no ground troops. Which means by Monday Morning we will be there

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • vennoye
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Remember, according to Hillary, Bashar al-Assad is a reformer…….

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • Showtime
    Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:46pm

    When are people going to figure out that they’re gonna get killed at those protests?! Why can’t they jusl all get along?

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 2:52pm

      The reason we can‘t get along is because Islam wasn’t meant to get along, Islam was meant for Submission. The religion of rest in pieces is once again hard at work. How long before the Muslim Brotherhood shows up on Syrias Doorstep?

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • IMaTELLaU
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:09pm

      Think4yourself.org

      I think they did or it might have been on therightscoop.com…..
      as I type this the site is suppose to be in an upgrade.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:17pm

      @Showtime:

      Iran is the one mostly behind this, they wish to make the area completely into a puppet of Iran or to make it part of a larger confederation in the area. With Syria and possibly Egypt under their control or tightly allied, then the ring about Israel draws even tighter.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:19pm

      @Showtime:

      One other thing to consider, the pair of Iranian ships ported in Syria, anyone want to figure the chance that they will escort the convoy leaving Turkey to Gaza on May 15? Under the guise of being there to “protect” them from “hostiles” such as Israel?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 3:29pm

      What makes Libya different for Obama than the Ivory Coast, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria? Their rebels are getting knocked off too, and Yemen has a lot of Al Qaeda he could be getting rid of. What, did Moamar not pay his “protection” fee?

      Report Post »  
    • im4truth
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:02pm

      Sparky101,

      You can’t possibly be THE Sparky I know, have known? might have met a time or two?
      Ahhh…sorry, I‘m starting to sound a little like cap’an Jack Sparrow….I‘m just feeling a little giddy over Bruce’s impeachment thing….

      Think I’ll just go sing “O! Happy Days” To myself for a while since Glenn‘s already off the air and Pat Gray won’t be doing it for us today.

      Report Post »  
    • pajamash
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:10pm

      Innocent civilians are getting killed. That is it!!! We have to create a no-fly zone!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 4:16pm

      Arabian Rodney King?
      The Muslim Brotherhood has been “organizing” I see.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • avenger
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 6:30pm

      hmmmm….only 20 dead…..he is slipping..

      Report Post »  

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