60 die as Syrians vote on new constitution

Nearly 60 Syrian civilians and soldiers were killed in fighting over Syria’s future that coincided with a vote on a constitution that could keep Bashar al Assad in power until 2028.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a military bombardment of opposition districts in the city of Homs had killed 12 civilians while security forces killed three people when they opened fire on a demonstration in Damascus.

The British-based Observatory said at least 21 other civilians died and rebels killed at least 23 members of the security forces across Syria, scene of what has become an increasingly militarised revolt against four decades of Assad family rule.