This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-13723810

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Syrian army 'moves on Jisr al-Shughour' Syrian army 'moves on Jisr al-Shughour'
(40 minutes later)
The Syrian army has begun operations to "restore security" to the town of Jisr al-Shughour and the surrounding area, state TV says.The Syrian army has begun operations to "restore security" to the town of Jisr al-Shughour and the surrounding area, state TV says.
Earlier in the week, the Syrian government said 120 security personnel were killed in the north-western town.Earlier in the week, the Syrian government said 120 security personnel were killed in the north-western town.
The announcement, and the positioning of troops in the area, has prompted a flow of refugees to nearby Turkey.The announcement, and the positioning of troops in the area, has prompted a flow of refugees to nearby Turkey.
The government has blamed the deaths on armed groups, but there are reports of a mutiny among security forces.The government has blamed the deaths on armed groups, but there are reports of a mutiny among security forces.
Syrian state TV said armed men were in control of the town and had prepared defences.Syrian state TV said armed men were in control of the town and had prepared defences.
The Turkish government says more than 2,000 Syrians have crossed the border seeking refuge from the anticipated crackdown in Jisr al-Shughour.The Turkish government says more than 2,000 Syrians have crossed the border seeking refuge from the anticipated crackdown in Jisr al-Shughour.
Conflicting accountsConflicting accounts
Syria has prevented foreign journalists, including those from the BBC, from entering the country, making it difficult to verify reports from there.Syria has prevented foreign journalists, including those from the BBC, from entering the country, making it difficult to verify reports from there.
The BBC's Jim Muir, in Beirut, Lebanon, says the events in Jisr al-Shughour present a massive challenge to President Assad.The BBC's Jim Muir, in Beirut, Lebanon, says the events in Jisr al-Shughour present a massive challenge to President Assad.
Syrian state TV has been preparing the way for the security operation in the town and in anticipationSyrian state TV has been preparing the way for the security operation in the town and in anticipation
The reported action against Jisr al-Shughour is in response to claims by Damascus that armed gangs killed 120 members of the security forces there after protests against President Assad's rule.The reported action against Jisr al-Shughour is in response to claims by Damascus that armed gangs killed 120 members of the security forces there after protests against President Assad's rule.
The government says local residents requested the army's intervention to restore peace and quiet.The government says local residents requested the army's intervention to restore peace and quiet.
But dissenting accounts say the violence was sparked by deserting soldiers, and that loyal troops have massacred peaceful civilians.But dissenting accounts say the violence was sparked by deserting soldiers, and that loyal troops have massacred peaceful civilians.
Human rights groups say more than 1,100 people have been killed since protests began in March against President Assad, and it now appears several hundred security forces may also have died. Human rights groups say more than 1,100 people have been killed since protests against President Assad began in March, and it now appears several hundred security forces may also have died.
The unrest in Syria has prompted a split within the UN Security Council, where France and Britain have proposed a resolution to condemn the government's actions.The unrest in Syria has prompted a split within the UN Security Council, where France and Britain have proposed a resolution to condemn the government's actions.
But other nations on the council, including Brazil, China and Russia, say such a resolution - which does not propose concrete action - could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region.But other nations on the council, including Brazil, China and Russia, say such a resolution - which does not propose concrete action - could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
The UN human rights chief, Navi Pillay, and the Pope have urged Damascus to show restraint, with Ms Pillay strongly condemning the Syrian government.
The Syrian army has moved against other cities that have seen anti-government protests, including Deraa in the south, Baniyas, Rastan, Latakia, Homs, Hama and some Damascus suburbs.
'Dodging soldiers'
The Red Crescent has set up a tent city to house Syrian refugees in the town of Yayladagi and there are plans to set up a second camp in Altinozu.
A Turkish official told the BBC the influx of Syrians was sharply increasing and the latest arrivals included several dozen wounded people.
Most of the refugees were too frightened to speak to the BBC's Owen Bennett-Jones, who is in Yayladagi.
But one man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had made a three-hour trek from Jisr al-Shughour, dodging Syrian soldiers along the way.
He said an estimated 30,000 Syrian soldiers were massing near the town - but added that hundreds of soldiers had also deserted and were also gathering on the border hoping to make an escape into Turkey.
A Syrian government spokeswoman said there were no refugees fleeing to Turkey, just the normal traffic of people visiting relatives across the border.