Syrian Death Toll Rises Above 2K

Other nations ramp up pressure on government
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 9, 2011 7:50 AM CDT
Syria Uprising: Death Toll Now Above 2K as Other Nations Increase Pressure
In this image made from amateur video released by DPN (Deir el-Zour Press news) and accessed by the AP on Aug. 8, 2011, a Syria tank drives down a street in Deir el-Zour, Syria on Aug. 7. 2011.    (AP Photo/DPN via APTN)

More than 2,050 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began, according to the Syrian Observatory, and the army is continuing its crackdown on protesters. At least five civilians, including two children, were killed today around Hama, activists tell al-Jazeera. Also today, two civilian deaths were reported in a province that borders Turkey. Turkey's foreign minister is in Damascus, upping that country's pressure on President Bashar al-Assad and other leaders to end the violence.

India, Brazil, and South Africa are also sending envoys to Syria to make similar appeals. Syria is seeing mounting pressures from the rest of the Arab world as well, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, all of which recently recalled their ambassadors from the country. Qatar withdrew its ambassador last month, the Guardian notes, while the Arab League spoke out for the first time Sunday. The BBC adds that 14 people reportedly died in yesterday's assaults, mostly in Deir al-Zour, and more than 300 people are believed to have been killed in the past week. (More Syria stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X