Syrian military aircraft have bombed the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughour today, a day after insurgents seized control of it as part of a broader offensive that has left government forces in the area reeling.

Syrians poured across the border to refugee camps in Turkey today, fleeing a military crackdown that sent troops backed by helicopters and tanks into the northern town that was spinning out of government control.

Syrian troops backed by dozens of tanks have massed outside a virtually deserted town near the Turkish border, preparing to move in against protesters.