23 regime troops killed in Syria dawn raid

Rebels killed 23 Syrian soldiers yesterday in battles around the town of Rastan, according to a rights group. The battles followed heavy army shelling of the town, in which opposition sources said at least nine people were killed.

The British-based Observatory for Human Rights said fighting began at dawn and rebels destroyed three armoured personnel carriers and seized two others, capturing around 15 soldiers.

Heavy fighting was also reported in Lebanon, as the conflict spilled across from Syria. At least four people were reported to have been killed in Lebanon's second city, Tripoli. reuters