More 'terrorists' killed in Syrian unrest

DAMASCUS, Syria, May 9 (UPI) -- "A number of terrorists" were killed by Syrian security forces in Daraa and surrounding regions, a military source said.

The official Syrian Arab News Agency reports that at least three policemen were killed and three soldiers were wounded in the latest round of clashes in the country.

"A number of terrorists were killed and wounded," an unnamed military source was quoted as saying. "Scores others were arrested and a big quantity of weapons and ammunitions were confiscated."

Foreign journalists are barred from entering Syria to cover violent demonstrations that broke out last month. Washington said it viewed pledges of reform by the Damascus regime as a farce as amateur video shows Syrian tanks patrolling the streets.

The international community alleges Syrian security forces fired on unarmed demonstrations, though SANA blames much of the violence on terrorists.

Washington accused Syria's allies in Iran, which faced similar protests in 2009, of supplying tear gas and other equipment to Damascus.

Arab broadcaster al-Jazeera reports that Syrian forces are conducting "house-to-house" raids across the country. Syrian President Bashar Assad was quoted as saying the crisis in country "will be overcome."

Protesters are calling for an end to Assad's rule. He took power after his father, who ruled Syria for 29 years, died in 2000.