20 killed in Syrian military search

HOMS, Syria, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Activists in Homs, Syria, said 20 civilians were killed by government security forces searching for a group of soldiers who defected to the opposition.

Pro-democracy activists and local residents say security forces loyal to President Bashar al Assad combed the city Wednesday in search of 13 soldiers and one officer who took refuge in Homs, The New York Times reported.

Banks, businesses and schools closed in the city, known as the capital of the revolution in Syria, as snipers posted on top of government buildings and schools fired at civilians and cars, residents said.

"People are not leaving their houses today, as there is gunfire and shooting throughout the city," said Um Nader, a Homs resident. "People are being shot, and bodies were dumped around streets."

At least 17 people were killed by security forces.

Residents of nearby Rastan posted video on YouTube of army defectors on a balcony being cheered on by protesters.

"We will be one hand to bring down Bashar and every traitor," one soldier said in the footage.

Activists say that 700 soldiers have joined the pro-democracy opposition since mid-March and hope the defections will eventually weaken the Syrian army.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned violence by Syrian forces Tuesday, urging Assad to take "bold and decisive measures before it's too late."

The Arab League secretary general, Nabil el Araby, is scheduled to visit Damascus Saturday to convey the concerns of other Arab states about the military crackdown in Syria.