Syrian tanks pushed toward more towns and villages near the Turkish and Iraqi borders today, expanding the government crackdown against rebels.

Troops fired tear gas at thousands of Syrian protesters today as president Bashar Assad faced down the most serious unrest of his 11 years in power.

Syrian security troops have stormed a protest sit-in near the capital Damascus, arresting about 200 people in the midnight raid, according to activists.

Troops opened fire on protesters in cities across Syria, and pro- and anti-government crowds clashed in the capital’s historic old city today.

Troops have opened fire on protesters in cities across Syria and pro and anti-government crowds clashed in the capital’s historic old city as one of the Middle East’s most repressive regimes sought to put down demonstrations that exploded nationwide demanding reform.