Human rights activists say at least 19 people have been killed in continuing clashes across Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights - which is based in Britain - says ten people died when government troops attacked the northern town of Banash while they say armed men killed at least nine soldiers in the southern town of Haara.
The United Nations says nearly 3000 Syrians have died since the anti-government protests began in March.
Activists say tens of thousands other have been arrested in that time.
The BBC points out that, since the Syrian authorities have banned most foreign media from the country, it is difficult to independently verify the reports of casualties and arrests.
