Syrian forces move to end protests

Syrian security forces have fanned out across flashpoint cities in the country to crush protests against President Bashar Assad, it is claimed.

The security presence was largest in Damascus suburbs, the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and the coastal city of Latakia, according to the Local Co-ordination Committees, an activist group that helps organise the protests.

Sporadic shooting was also reported.

The military operations come a day after Syrian security forces killed at least two people as tens of thousands of anti-government protesters flooded the streets on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The conflict has descended into a bloody stalemate with both sides showing no sign of giving in.

Human rights groups say president Assad's forces have killed more than 2,000 people since the uprising erupted in March, touched off by the wave of revolts sweeping the Arab world. AP