April 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News

Over 50 people killed in Day of Rage protests in Syria RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2011 -- More than 50 protestors were killed in clashes with Syrian security forces on Friday as thousands took part in 'Day of Rage' demonstrations against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera repoted, quoting activists.
EU imposes arms embargo on Syria RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2011 -- The European Union has imposed an arms embargo on Syria and will consider further sanctions against the regime in the coming days, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Saturday.
Syrian Army Sends Reinforcements to Daraa VOA 30 Apr 2011 -- After a bloody day of anti-government protests Friday in which say at least 62 people were reported killed, eyewitnesses said Saturday that Syrian tanks and helicopters had entered the southern city of Daraa, where the uprising began six weeks ago. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and shelling in the city near the border with Jordan.
Over 50 people killed in Day of Rage protests in Syria RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2011 -- More than 50 protestors were killed in clashes with Syrian security forces on Friday as thousands took part in 'Day of Rage' demonstrations against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Al Jazeera repoted, quoting activists.
EU imposes arms embargo on Syria RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2011 -- The European Union has imposed an arms embargo on Syria and will consider further sanctions against the regime in the coming days, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Saturday.
Syrian Army Sends Reinforcements to Daraa VOA 30 Apr 2011 -- After a bloody day of anti-government protests Friday in which say at least 62 people were reported killed, eyewitnesses said Saturday that Syrian tanks and helicopters had entered the southern city of Daraa, where the uprising began six weeks ago. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and shelling in the city near the border with Jordan.
Executive Order - Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria The White House 29 Apr 2011
Letter - Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria The White House 29 Apr 2011
Fact Sheet: Executive Order, Syria Human Rights Abuses The White House 29 Apr 2011
US Freezes Syrian Officials' Assets VOA 29 Apr 2011 -- The US is imposing new sanctions on three top Syrian officials, the country's intelligence agency and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
U.S. sanctions Syrian officials over protest suppression RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2011 -- The White House imposed sanctions on Syria's intelligence agency and two relatives of President Bashar al-Assad.
Israel Watches Events in Syria Carefully VOA 29 Apr 2011 -- Israel is watching events in neighboring Syria carefully.
UN Human Rights Council calls for investigation into alleged abuses in Syria UN News Centre 29 Apr 2011 -- The UN Rights Council voted for a mission to be sent to Syria to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law.
Protest Crackdowns Leave Almost 62 Dead in Syria VOA 29 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses and activists in Syria say at least 62 people were killed when security forces opened fire in a crackdown on anti-government protests.
At Least 40 Dead In Syria As UN, Washington Take Action Against Damascus RFE/RL 29 Apr 2011 -- The UN's top human rights body has passed a resolution that "unequivocally condemns the use of lethal violence against peaceful protestors by the Syrian authorities."
Deaths, Injuries Reported in Widespread Protests Across Syria VOA 29 Apr 2011 -- Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across Syria on what young people called their "day of rage."
Syrian authorities deny excessive death toll among protesters RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2011 -- Only 70 civilians were killed in clashes with the army and police during anti-government protests in Syria.
Muslim Brotherhood calls for Syrian protest 'declaration of war' - expert RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2011 -- A banned Syrian opposition group's call on anti-government protestors to take to the streets.
Atoms for Peace in the 21st Century IAEA 28 Apr 2011
IAEA Confirms Syria Secretly Building Nuclear Reactor VOA 28 Apr 2011 -- The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency: Target bombed in Syria in 2007 was a secretly built nuclear reactor.
More Troops Deployed in Syrian Military Crackdown VOA 28 Apr 2011 -- Additional Syrian troops have reportedly been sent to the troubled Syrian town of Daraa and other areas.
Syria Rolls Out More Tanks as Turkey Sends Reform Delegation VOA 28 Apr 2011 -- Turkey's intelligence chief led a delegation to Syria to urge the neighboring country to quickly start reforms amid a military crackdown.
Report: Civilian Deaths In Syria Protests Rise To 500 RFE/RL 28 Apr 2011 -- A Syrian human rights group says security forces have killed at least 500 civilians in their crackdown on a protest movement.
US, UK, France fail to push UNSC to issue anti-Syrian statement IRNA 28 Apr 2011 -- Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN Khazaei: US, Britain and France failed to push UNSC to issue a statement against Syria.
Syrian officials quit in stand against protest crackdown RIA Novosti 28 Apr 2011 -- Some 200 officials from Syria's leading Baath party resigned in protest against the government's violent suppression of pro-democracy protesters.
At Least 228 Ruling Syrian Baath Party Members Quit VOA 27 Apr 2011 -- At least 228 members of Syria's ruling Baath Party have resigned in protest of President Bashar al-Assad's deadly crackdown.
UN Fails to Condemn Syrian Violence VOA 27 Apr 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council has rejected a statement condemning the ongoing violence in Syria that has resulted in hundreds of deaths.
UNHRC to hold special session on Syria UN News Centre 27 Apr 2011 -- The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on the situation in Syria amid mounting concern.
Syrian army carrying out 'major military operation' against key city - UN official UN News Centre 27 Apr 2011 -- Reliable sources indicate the Syrian army is carrying out a major operation in the city at the centre of popular protests against the country's Government.
Syria Brings Out Military Reinforcements Despite International Outcry VOA 27 Apr 2011 -- The Syrian government has reportedly brought in reinforcements to the flashpoint southern city of Daraa.
International Pressure Mounts on Syria as Military Siege Continues VOA 27 Apr 2011 -- International diplomatic pressure is mounting on Syria amid reports of more military tanks and troops out to stop backlash.
SYRIA: What they are saying about the protests IRIN 27 Apr 2011 -- Hundreds of people have reportedly died in unrest in Syria since mid-March, many at the hands of the security forces.
Ban Condemns Violence As UN And EU Discuss Syria RFE/RL 26 Apr 2011 -- The UN Security Council is expected to continue talks for a second day on Syria's violent suppression of antigovernment protesters.
Secretary-General speaks out against killings of peaceful protesters in Syria UN News Centre 26 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban expressed “increasingly grave concern” about the situation inside Syria.
Syrian Unrest Presents Tough Balancing Act for Turkey VOA 26 Apr 2011 -- Istanbul has hosted a meeting of members of the Syrian opposition leaders.
US Sharpens Criticism of Syria's Assad VOA 26 Apr 2011 -- A senior U.S. State Department official: Syrian President al-Assad’s actions against protesters "completely inconsistent with those of a responsible leader."
Syria Expands Military Siege Causing International Backlash VOA 26 Apr 2011 -- Hundreds of people were arrested in Syria as the government continued its crackdown on an anti-government protest movement.
Syria Steps Up Military Efforts to End Protests VOA 26 Apr 2011 -- Syria has stepped up its military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations as international pressure mounts against the government's actions.
Gunfire Reported in Flashpoint Syrian City VOA 26 Apr 2011 -- Gunfire was reported in the flashpoint Syrian town of Daraa, as a military siege there to end pro-democracy protests entered its second day.
Death toll from Syrian army attack on Deraa rises to 40 RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2011 -- The number of those killed in Monday's assault by Syrian troops on the country's southern town of Deraa has risen to 40.
Britain discusses with partners ways to end violence in Syria RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2011 -- Britain is actively discussing with its partners in the UN Security Council, the EU and the Middle East further measures to end the violence in Syria.
Obama's allegation, repetition of Clinton's comments, says Iran ISNA 26 Apr 2011 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Obama's claim against Iran is repetition of Clinton's comments.
White House Steps Up Pressure on Syrian Government VOA 25 Apr 2011 -- The United States is stepping up pressure on the Syrian government to end its violent response to protesters.
UN human rights chief calls on Syria to halt attacks on protesters UN News Centre 25 Apr 2011 -- The UN human rights chief denounced the Syrian Government’s increasingly violent crackdown on protesters.
25 Reported Dead In Syria As Tanks Sent To Crush Uprising RFE/RL 25 Apr 2011 -- Syria has sent troops and tanks into the southern city of Deraa to crush a month-long popular uprising.
Syrian Tanks Roll Into Cities as Security Crackdown Kills At Least 18 VOA 25 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses say several thousand Syrian army troops, flanked by special forces, shot their way into the southern city of Daraa.
Syria Rolls Tanks Into Cities as Security Crackdown Kills At Least 5 VOA 25 Apr 2011 -- At least 11 people are reported dead as Syrian troops and tanks rolled into the protest flashpoint town of Daraa.
Five killed as Syria security forces enter Daraa RIA Novosti 25 Apr 2011 -- Syrian security forces entered the southern town of Daraa and opened fire, killing at least five protesters.
Syrian Forces Attack Southern Town, Damascus Suburb RFE/RL 25 Apr 2011 -- Rights activists and residents say Syrian security forces backed by tanks today stormed the southern town of Deraa.
Iran dismisses Obama's claim on Syria ISNA 25 Apr 2011 -- Iran rejected the US President's claim on Syrian call for Tehran's assistance in dealing with recent protests, saying that Syrian officials are able to manage their own country.
Syrian Security Forces Round Up Government Opponents RFE/RL 24 Apr 2011 -- Activists say security forces in Syria have arrested dozens of opponents of President Bashar al-Assad's regime following a bloody crackdown on protesters.
EU top diplomat condemns violence in Syria RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2011 -- The EU foreign policy chief condemned the use of force against anti-government demonstrators in Syria as 'appalling and intolerable,' DPA reported on Sunday.
US Senators Urge Non-Military Intervention in Syria VOA 24 Apr 2011 -- U.S. senators of both major political parties are urging greater support for Syria's embattled opposition short of direct military intervention.
Snipers Reportedly Target Syrian Funeral Crowds, Killing At Least Eight RFE/RL 23 Apr 2011 -- At least eight people have reportedly been shot dead in Syria as security forces opened fire on people attending funerals for the dozens of antigovernment protesters killed on April 22.
Obama condemns violence against protesters in Syria RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the Syrian authorities for the use of force to quell nationwide protests against Bashar Assad's regime.
UN Secretary General condemns Syrian government for killings RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2011 -- The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is currently paying a visit to Moscow, condemned Syrian government for killing of demonstrators and urged for a 'transparent' independent investigation.
Over 100 killed in massacre in Syria RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2011 -- 112 people had been killed on Friday's anti-governmental massacre in Syria as the security forces opened fire and used teargas against demonstrators who demanded political freedoms and an end to corruption, EFE Spanish news agency said on Saturday, citing opposition activists.
Syria: UN chief urges end to violence and calls for credible probe into killings UN News Centre 23 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the ongoing violence against peaceful demonstrators in Syria, which has resulted in more deaths and many injuries, and called upon the country''s authorities to stop the bloodshed and respect international human rights.
Syrian Security Forces Fire on Funeral Processions Causing More Bloodshed VOA 23 Apr 2011 -- Casualties, including at least 12 people dead, are being reported in at several Syrian cities Saturday as witnesses say government security forces opened fire on thousands of funeral goers. The bloodshed comes as U.S. President Barack Obama condemns the use of force against peaceful protesters and accuses Iran of helping in the repression.
Obama Condemns Syria for 'Outrageous' Violence VOA 23 Apr 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned Syria for what he called an 'outrageous use of violence' against opposition protesters, after 75 people were killed Friday in a government crackdown on the demonstrations.
KCNA on "Democracy" Touted by US KCNA 23 Apr 2011 -- It was disclosed recently that the United States secretly offered funds to the dissident organizations in Syria.
Reports: 75 Killed After Syrian Security Forces Open Fire VOA 22 Apr 2011 -- Rights groups and activists say at least 75 people were killed in Syria on Friday, after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters who rallied across the country.
Syrian Troops Open Fire Amid Biggest Protests Yet RFE/RL 22 Apr 2011 -- Syria's five-week-old political uprising has spilled over into further death and bloodshed after security forces reportedly opened fire on protesters demanding the end of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Syrian opposition calls for further reform RIA Novosti 22 Apr 2011 -- Syrian human rights activists said on Friday they will not be placated by a presidential decree ending an almost five-decade long state of emergency in the country and will continue to protest, regional media said.
Witnesses: 38 Killed After Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 22 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses and rights activists say Syrian security forces fired on anti-government protesters on Friday, killing at least 38 people.
Syria Lifts Emergency Rule as Forces Deploy in Homs VOA 21 Apr 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ratified a law that ends almost 50 years of emergency rule on Thursday, the same day the government deployed security forces in the central city of Homs.
US Skeptical About Syrian Law Changes VOA 19 Apr 2011 -- The United States expressed skepticism Tuesday that a vote by Syria's cabinet to end 48 years of emergency rule will actually ease human rights conditions there. The State Department confirmed U.S. opposition to Syria's candidacy for the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Reports: Syria's Government Passes Bill To Scrap Decades-Old Emergency Law RFE/RL 19 Apr 2011 -- Syria's state news agency says the government has approved a bill lifting a nearly five-decades old emergency law - one of the main demands of pro-reform demonstrators.
Syria Lifts Emergency Law But Warns Against More Protests VOA 19 Apr 2011 -- Syria's government has approved an end to decades-old emergency laws - meeting a key demand of anti-government protesters. But authorities also are warning against any further demonstrations. Syrian security forces earlier fired on protesters in the city of Homs for the second night in a row.
US Denies Trying to Undermine Syrian Government VOA 18 Apr 2011 -- The United States on Monday denied working to undermine the Syrian government, but it acknowledged trying to strengthen civil society groups there. The comments followed a press report suggesting that U.S. funds had gone directly to Syrian opposition factions.
U.S. Has Been Funding Syrian Opposition, 'Washington Post' Reports RFE/RL 18 Apr 2011 -- A respected U.S. newspaper claims Washington has been secretly financing the Syrian opposition, just as reports emerged of more deadly clashes between Syrian forces and antigovernment protesters.
IRAQ: New push for water deals with Turkey, Syria IRIN 18 Apr 2011 -- Iraq is renewing efforts to reach deals with Syria and Turkey to increase water levels on the River Euphrates which flows from these two countries into Iraq, and on which Iraq is heavily dependent for agriculture and electricity generation.
Assad Says Syria To Lift Emergency Law Within A Week RFE/RL 17 Apr 2011 -- President Bashar al-Assad has announced that emergency law in place for almost 50 years in Syria will be lifted by next week, but he ignored popular demands to curb the security apparatus and dismantle its authoritarian system.
Syrians Protest Despite Assad's Pledge VOA 17 Apr 2011 -- Hundreds of people rallied in a town in southern Syria on Sunday, calling for greater freedom during protests on Syria's Independence Day.
Emergency law in Syria can be lifted next week - president RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2011 -- An emergency law, which lasted for the last 48 years in Syria, can be lifted next week, the country's President Bashar al-Assad said on Saturday.
Syrian President to Address Cabinet VOA 16 Apr 2011 -- Syrian officials say President Bashar al-Assad will address his new Cabinet on Saturday and his speech will be broadcast to the nation.
UN human rights experts urge Syria to end crackdown and carry out reforms UN News Centre 15 Apr 2011 -- A group of United Nations human rights experts today denounced the rising death toll and brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, journalists and human rights defenders in Syria, and called on authorities to immediately halt the repression and engage in a meaningful dialogue on reforms.
Report: Syria's Assad Orders Release Of Detainees RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- President Bashar al-Assad has ordered the release of all detainees arrested in a recent wave of protests.
Snipers Reportedly Kill Soldier In Syria's Restive Banias RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Snipers have killed a soldier and wounded another in the coastal city of Banias amid tensions after protests.
New government formed in Syria RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- A new government was formed in Syria on Thursday as the country's leadership attempts to ease pressure from protesters for reform.
Syria's President Announces New Cabinet VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Syrian state-run media report President Bashar al-Assad has announced formation of a new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Adel Safar.
Syria's President Meets Daraa Delegation VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Reports from Syria say that President Bashar al-Assad has met with representatives from the southern town of Daraa, an epicenter of anti-government unrest.
Demonstrators Demand Syrian Government Release Detainees VOA 13 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses say hundreds of people blocked a major coastal highway in Syria to protest the government's detention of opposition activists.
New Protests Held In Syria RFE/RL 13 Apr 2011 -- Some 500 Syrian students reportedly demonstrated today in the second-largest city of Aleppo for the first time since a wave of pro-reform protests broke out in mid-March.
SYRIA: Timeline of key events since mid-March IRIN 13 Apr 2011 -- Syria has been under emergency law since the Ba’ath Party seized power in 1963 and banned all opposition parties.
Statement by the Press Secretary on Syria The White House 12 Apr 2011
UN office voices deep concern about killings in Syria UN News 12 Apr 2011 -- UN officials today expressed deep concern amid reports that Syrian security forces have increased the killings, arrests or harassment.
Pro-Government Gunmen Fire on Syrian Villages VOA 12 Apr 2011 -- Pro-government gunmen in Syria are firing shots in at least one village near the coastal city of Banias.
Syrian Students Rally for Anti-Government Protesters VOA 11 Apr 2011 -- Syrian security forces have broken up a student demonstration at Damascus University in support of anti-government protesters.
Nine servicemen killed in north Syrian ambush RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2011 -- The number of Syrian servicemen killed in an ambush on an armed forces unit in the country's northwest has risen to nine.
Syria: Ban voices concern after deadly clashes in southern city UN News Centre 10 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern after the latest outbreak of violence in Syria, where it is reported that both protesters and security personnel were killed during demonstrations in the southern city of Deraa.
Four Protesters Killed in Syrian City VOA 10 Apr 2011 -- Syrian security forces and pro-government gunmen killed four protesters and wounded dozens Sunday after the army had sealed off large sections of the coastal city of Banias following anti-government protests there.
Obama calls on Syrian authorities to stop violence RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday denounced Syrian authorities' violence against the country's nationals.
Syrian Forces Fire on Activists Mourning Friday's Victims VOA 09 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses say Syrian security forces opened fire on opposition activists in two towns on Saturday, a day after officials and activists reported 36 people killed during anti-government unrest.
Witnesses: 17 Dead in Syria's Anti-Government Protests VOA 08 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses say Syrian security forces have killed at least 17 people during protests against President Bashar al-Assad and his ruling Baath Party.
Israel reiterates concern over Russian missile supply deal with Syria RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2011 -- Israel on Monday once again requested that Russia not supply Syria with anti-ship cruise missiles.
Syrian president appoints ex-minister to form new government RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad has appointed a former minister to form a new Cabinet, Syrian state-run television reported on Sunday.
UN chief 'deeply concerned' over crackdown on protests in Syria RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2011 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep concern over the situation in Syria, where security forces on Friday opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least 9, a statement from the UN press service said.
UN chief concerned over more civilian deaths in Syria, urges end to use of force UN News Centre 02 Apr 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced deep concern over the situation in Syria, where more civilian deaths have been reported during the latest popular demonstrations, and called for an immediate end to the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
UN Nuclear Inspectors Visit Syria VOA 01 Apr 2011 -- United Nations inspectors visited a plant in Syria Friday as part of a probe of the country's suspected nuclear activities.
At Least 3 Dead in Syrian Clashes VOA 01 Apr 2011 -- At least three people were reported killed on Friday as security forces and demonstrators clashed in protests sweeping across Syria.
Security Forces, Demonstrators Clash in Syria VOA 01 Apr 2011 -- Security forces and demonstrators clashed as protests swept across Syria.
Demonstrators Take To Streets In Yemen, Syria RFE/RL 01 Apr 2011 -- Demonstrators have taken to the streets of two Arab countries, Yemen and Syria.

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April 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News