Syrian armoured reinforcements in Daraa, shooting

NICOSIA: Hundreds of Syrian troops backed by armour early Monday moved into the flashpoint southern Syrian town of Daraa where heavy shooting was heard, a political militant on the scene told AFP.

Activist Abdullah al-Harriri told AFP in Nicosia by telephone: "Hundreds of security service men entered the town, accompanied by tanks and armoured vehicles.

"The men are firing in all directions and advancing behind the armour which is protecting them," he added.

"Electricity is cut off and telephone communications are virtually impossible," he said.

The current protests against the regime started in Daraa where dozens of Syrians have been killed in the violent repression of demonstrations by the security forces.