(Euronews: 0604 PST, April 25, 2011) Syrian government tanks and troops have gone on the offensive in the southern town of Deraa, the cradle of the protests which began last month. Residents say the forces moved in just after dawn prayers, opened fire at random, while bodies were left lying in the street. The military action is evidence, say rights groups of the escalating crackdown in cities across the country.

Syria has now closed all its land border crossings with neighbouring Jordan in what one official said, "related to what appears to be a major security operation."

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