Hackers access Syrian ministry site

DAMASCUS, Syria, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Hackers accessed the Web site of Syria's Defense Ministry, replacing its content with anti-government messages and support for the protests, CNN reported.

The ministry's homepage was replaced with still images of anti-government videos and a Syrian flag showing a headless man in a suit, and a logo with the word "Anonymous," a group of hackers that has attacked various law enforcement and other Web sites around the world in recent months, spanned the page, CNN said.

Statements against President Bashar Assad's regime and support for the non-violent, anti-government protests were also written on the site.

"To the Syrian people: The world stands with you against the brutal regime of Bashar Assad. Know that time and history are on your side -- tyrants use violence because they have nothing else, and the more violent they are, the more fragile they become. We salute your determination to be non-violent in the face of the regime's brutality, and admire your willingness to pursue justice, not mere revenge. All tyrants will fall, and thanks to your bravery Bashar Assad is next," CNN said, quoting a statement on the ministry's homepage.

Another statement on the page called on the Syrian army to protect civilians and said anyone who issues orders to kill women and children should be tried for treason, CNN said.

The network noted links to Syrian opposition groups such as "The Syrian Revolution 2011" appeared at the bottom of the homepage.