Syrian troops move on restive town, West alarmed

Syrians fled a restive town near the Turkish border on Tuesday, fearing bloodshed as troops with tanks approached, under orders to hit back after the government accused armed bands there of killing scores of its security men. Though accounts of days of killing in Jisr al-Shughour ranged from an official version of gunmen ambushing troops to residents' reports of an army mutiny, it triggered international alarm that violence may enter a new and bloodier phase after three months of popular unrest that has left over 1,000 dead.
France and Britain, allies in the war against Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi, took a lead in pushing UN moves against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But Russia, citing Nato's inconclusive bombing of Tripoli, said it would veto intervention against Syria in the United Nations Security Council. In a rare sign of dissent within the Syrian elite, a French television channel aired a statement in which Assad's ambassador to Paris denounced the violence against demonstrators and said she resigned. Syrian state media later denied she had done so.
At Jisr al-Shughour, home to tens of thousands of people, residents said they were taking cover and bracing for attacks. "The army is taking up position around Jisr al-Shughour," one anti-government activist told Reuters by telephone, saying residents has seen troops approaching the north-eastern town from Aleppo, Syria's second city, and from Latakia on the coast.
"Most people have left the town because they are scared," he said, asking not to be named for his own safety. "They know the deaths will be high. People have gone to nearby villages close to the Turkish border. The doctors and nurses have also left." On Monday, Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud said army units would carry out their "national duty to restore security". The government has expelled independent journalists, making it hard to determine clearly what is happening in the country.
Assad's family and supporters from the minority Alawite sect have dominated Syria since his late father seized power 41 years ago. He has responded with promises of reform, and a crackdown on protesters in towns across the country. His officials accuse radical Islamists of fomenting a violent, armed revolt.
Western powers have raised the alarm. British Foreign Secretary William Hague, in some of London's strongest language yet against the 45-year-old Assad, told parliament: "President Assad is losing legitimacy and should reform or step aside." He said European governments were looking at further sanctions. "We are working to persuade other countries that the Security Council has a responsibility to speak out," Hague added. Russia appears opposed to a general condemnation of Assad, let alone authorising military action against him.