Syria troops intensify attacks on protest city

SYRIAN troops kept up attacks on the restive city of Hama yesterday, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a day after a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters killed at least 70 and drew harsh rebukes from the US and Europe.

Sunday was one of the bloodiest days since the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s authoritarian rule began in mid-March. Six Syrian rights groups said in a joint statement that 74 people were killed throughout the country, 55 of them from Hama and neighbouring villages.

The European Union expanded its sanctions against Syria yesterday, imposing asset freezes and travel bans against five more military and government officials.