London warns of Syrian disturbances

LONDON, April 12 (UPI) -- There is a general threat of terrorism in Syria and all British nationals are advised to avoid public demonstrations, the British government warned Tuesday.

Accounts regarding violence between anti-government demonstrators and Syrian security forces vary though world leaders are criticizing Damascus for taking a heavy hand against protesters.

The southern city of Daraa was plagued recently by violence pitting pro-reform protesters against Syrian forces. Syrian President Bashar Assad made only vague references to reform during a recent national address.

The British government announced Tuesday it was advising against all but essential travel to Syria because of "disturbances" in major urban areas coupled with reports of gunfire by national security forces.

Traveling to Daraa and the surrounding area isn't advised and the British government said there were additional reports of skirmishes in the suburbs of Damascus.

"There is a general threat from terrorism," the warning added. "Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers."

Mark Toner, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said during a press briefing that it was "very hard" to make assessments about the situation in Syria. Washington, however, views the situation as "volatile."