Outcry as Syrians prepare to bury their dead
Demonstrations and funeral services continue in Syria amid reports that the revolt against Assad is nearing Damascus.
Amateur video out of Syria have shown ongoing demonstrations in Deraa. The video, which could not be independently verified, comes amid reports that anti-government forces are closing in on the capital Damascus, with government troops purportedly battling rebels in a town just north of Damascus.
Footage from the video also shows funeral services in Douma and according to the United Nations, more than 5,000 people have been killed in Syria since the uprisings began last March.
The government has blamed the violence on foreign backed insurgent groups and said 21 soldiers were buried on Thursday.
A Syrian officer said clashes had been under way in Douma since the morning. The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said security forces had detained 200 people in raids in Douma, a hotbed of protests and armed rebellion against President Bashar-al Assad.
On Sunday the Arab League called for Assad to quit as part of a transition plan for which it is seeking U.N. support. Western and Arab diplomats are working on a draft Security Council resolution on Syria.
