Syrian clashes break ceasefire

on 27/10/2012 11:33:12

Syrian troops have shelled rebel-held areas and clashed with anti-government gunmen in several parts of the country despite an internationally mediated ceasefire, according to activists.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Co-ordination Committees reported shelling and shooting mostly in the northern province of Aleppo, the eastern region of Deir el-Zour, Daraa to the south and suburbs of the capital Damascus.

Today's fighting comes a day after two car bombs and sporadic fighting left more than 100 people dead, the groups said.

Syria mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN-Arab League envoy, had mediated a four-day ceasefire that began on Friday to mark the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha.

The ceasefire looks unlikely to be a springboard for ending the 19-month conflict that has claimed more than 35,000 lives.