Syrian troops have deployed in force in the northern city of Latakia, where at least 12 people have died in a wave of unrest that has shaken the regime.
Officials blamed foreign forces for the violence, but residents said pro-government gangs started the clashes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12879097
Note: Update Record,28 March 2011 Last updated at 10:56 GMT