Syrian army reports finding mass grave

JISR AL-SHUGHOUR, Syria, June 15 (UPI) -- A mass grave holding bodies of at least 70 Syrian security forces was discovered in the volatile city of Jisr al-Shughour, government officials said.

Authorities said the forces were killed by armed gangs, Iran's Press TV reported Wednesday.

On Sunday, Syrian forces reported finding another mass grave with the bodies of 10 soldiers in the northern city.

Also on Sunday, the Syrian army reported taking control of Jisr after days of fighting between anti-government rebels seeking the ouster of President Bashar Assad and Syrian troops.

Security forces said conditions in the area have returned to normal, Press TV said.

Thousands of residents fled from the area into Turkey.