Fresh outbreak of gunfire in Syrian port city

Syrian tanks and navy ships shelled the main Mediterranean port city of Latakia yesterday (REUTERS)

A fresh outbreak of heavy gunfire has been reported in parts of the Syrian port city of Latakia where military operations are now in their third day.

Activists said loud explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the night and early today in Latakia's al-Ramel district and nearby areas as residents continue to flee.

Activist groups said at least 25 people died in operations in the Mediterranean city yesterday when gunboats joined ground troops to crush the uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime.

Today, they also said troops backed by tanks entered the town of Houla, near the flashpoint central city of Homs.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the military is carrying out raids and arrests there.