Syrian security forces clash with Islamists-agency
DAMASCUS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Syrian security forces clashed on Sunday with an armed Islamist group on the outskirts of Damascus, killing the group's leader and arresting two of its members, the state news agency said.
"They were planning terrorist attacks in and around Damascus," SANA said, adding that weapons, explosives and documents were seized from an apartment used by the group.
Security forces have clashed with Islamic militants several times in the past year and Syrian officials say security forces have stepped up their operations to contain armed militant Islamist groups.
The United States has piled pressure on Syria to seal its long eastern desert border with Iraq to stop militants from crossing to fight U.S. forces there. Syria says it is doing its best but calls on the United States and Iraq to do more too.
In the early 1980s, Syria crushed an Islamist revolt led by the Muslim Brotherhood movement, leading to the killing and imprisonment of thousands.
"They were planning terrorist attacks in and around Damascus," SANA said, adding that weapons, explosives and documents were seized from an apartment used by the group.
Security forces have clashed with Islamic militants several times in the past year and Syrian officials say security forces have stepped up their operations to contain armed militant Islamist groups.
The United States has piled pressure on Syria to seal its long eastern desert border with Iraq to stop militants from crossing to fight U.S. forces there. Syria says it is doing its best but calls on the United States and Iraq to do more too.
In the early 1980s, Syria crushed an Islamist revolt led by the Muslim Brotherhood movement, leading to the killing and imprisonment of thousands.
posted by Marko at 2/05/2006 10:20:00 AM
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