By R. Renee Yaworsky
Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria—Dozens of people have been killed by security forces in Syria in various cities throughout the country.  The continued violence comes even as the US attempts to increase pressure against Syria by sanctioning President Bashar al-Assad.

On Friday, at least 34 people were killed by Syrian forces and plainsclothes militiamen.  The government forces have been targeting areas where pro-democracy activists have been protesting and demonstrating in the streets.  The security forces used live ammunition and tear gas in efforts to disperse the protesters.  In some cases, homes and businesses of suspected activists were burned down.

In the city of Homs, in central Syria, about 11 people—including a child–were killed.  In Maarat al-Numan, a northwestern city, over 13 people were killed.  According to one protester who spoke with AFP, “The victims in Maarat al-Numan were gunned down at the entrance of the city where many people were converging from other nearby towns to join the protests.”

There were also six deaths in the smaller towns of Daraya and Barza near Damascus, four deaths in Latakia, Hama and Deir al-Zour, and two deaths in Sanamein.

The UN has reported that over 850 people have died as a result of the violence in Syria since March 15.  About 5,000 refugees have poured into Lebanese border towns seeking security.  A UN spokesman explained, “Most of the people who have crossed the border in recent weeks are women and children.  In addition to their immediate need for food, shelter and medical help, they also need psycho-social support.”

On Wednesday, President Obama stepped up sanctions against Syria by adding Assad to a list of officials subject to travel bans and asset freezes.  On Thursday, Obama criticized Syria’s use of force against demonstrators and said, “President Assad now has a choice.  He can lead that transition [towards political reform] or get out of the way.”

SANA, the official news agency of Syria, retorted that “Obama is inciting violence when he says that Assad and his regime will face challenges from the inside and will be isolated on the outside if he fails to adopt democratic reforms.”

For more information, please see:

Deutsche Welle-Dozens killed in Syria as Washington increases political pressure-20 May 2011

LA Times-Syrian protests: Syrian troops fire on protesters, 34 killed-20 May 2011

Al Jazeera-Syrian protests draw deadly fire-20 May 2011