Syria: 12 killed in clashes between military, defectors

Activists say Syrian troops have stormed villages close to the border with Turkey in pursuit of army defectors, and that at least five civilians and seven soldiers died in clashes there. Thursday's military operations centered around the Jabal al-Zawiya region where defectors from the Syrian military are known to be active.

The London-based Syrian Human Rights Organization says Syrian forces are clashing with armed men believed to be defectors. It says three people and four troops have died. (AP)