New Protests Erupt In Syria, 16 Civilians Reported Killed

Syrian antiregime protesters in the central province of Homs

Fresh demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad's regime have erupted across Syria, with reports of at least 16 civilians killed.

Activists said security forces on June 17 opened fire in the commercial hub of Aleppo, in Homs, Damascus, and Deir al-Zour in the east.

Official media said a policeman was killed and more than 20 were wounded when "armed groups" opened fire at them.

Earlier, tanks and armored personnel carriers moved into the two northern towns of Maarat al-Numan and Khan Sheikhoun as the army seeks to end months of antigovernment protests.

The UN says that at least 1,100 people have been killed in the government crackdown on demonstrations that began in mid-March.

Nearly 10,000 Syrians have fled across the border into Turkey.

compiled from agency reports