Syrian activists say security forces have killed at least six people as they continue to try to crush protests against President Bashar al-Assad.
Activists say five people, including a child, were killed during raids in the town of Sarmin in the north-west.
One person died in another raid involving armoured vehicles on Qara, a suburb of the capital, Damascus.
Other military operations are reported in towns near Damascus and Homs, as well as a village near the Lebanese border.
Syrian tanks and armoured vehicles have surrounded the town of Rastan, north of Homs, which has been the site of anti-regime dissent, the activists say.
Residents and activists told Reuters the action followed the defection of tens of soldiers from the area.
The United Nations says more than 2,200 people have died since protests against President Bashar al-Assad began in March, the BBC reports.
