Syrian troops attack Damascus suburb
Syrian troops launched a fierce assault on a Damascus suburb Thursday, days ahead of a deadline for a UN-brokered cease-fire, with activists describing it as one of the most violent attacks around the capital since the year-old uprising began.
In the suburb of Douma, activists said snipers on 20 buildings were firing at "anything that moved" and residents had endured eight hours of shelling. They said soldiers marched into a main square behind detainees used as human shields. The offensive tapered off by late afternoon, and an activist said five civilians were killed. (AP)
