Syrian troops have targeted forces opposed to President Bashar Assad in clashes that have left seven soldiers and policemen dead, a military official said.

Syrian security forces have opened fire during one of the largest anti-government protests so far in the 10-week revolt, killing at least 27 people, as tens of thousands of Syrians poured into the streets after Friday prayers, a human rights group said.

SYRIAN government troops backed by tanks yesterday attacked two central towns that have seen intense protests against President Bashar Assad’s regime, while security forces opened fire at demonstrators in several parts of the country causing casualties, activists said.