Syria suspends Iraq security talks

DAMASCUS, Syria, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Syria severed communications with Iraq, suspending bilateral security meetings and has cut back on its border troops, officials said.

Thousands of people staged an anti-American demonstration in Damascus protesting a deadly U.S. helicopter air strike last weekend near the Iraqi border which Syria branded as a barbaric act, Al-Arabiya TV reported Friday.

The U.S. embassy in Damascus was closed as a security measure.

Marchers waved Syrian flags and banners reading "No to American terrorism" and "American democracy -- the killing of civilians at Abu Kamal," the area targeted in Sunday's U.S. raid on terrorist targets.

The protest ended after several hours with no reports of violence.