3 'terrorists' killed, 97 prisoners released in Syria
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E-mail Xinhua, April 7, 2012
Syrian troops on Friday killed three gunmen and arrested few others in the Damascus suburb of Douma while the government released 97 prisoners who had not commit homicide, state-run SANA news agency reported.
During the clashes in Douma, armed groups reportedly attacked the building of passport registration and migration service and set the first floor on fire.
In another suburb of the capital, a number of gunmen have turned themselves in in al-Rawda village just outside Damascus, said SANA, adding that the surrendered gunmen pledged not to commit any violent acts against their homeland.
Meanwhile, SANA said a total of 97 detainees who were arrested during the yearlong unrest were released on Friday under the belief that their hands have not been smeared by blood.
On the opposition side, activists reported that troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad shelled Deir Baalba and Rastan areas in central Homs province on Friday.
Also, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian government forces hit Rastan with heavy machine guns and mortars when clashing with the Free Syrian Army, adding that 36 people were killed on Friday, including nine government troops and four rebels.
The opposition's report can not be independently verified.
The Syrian government is facing growing international pressure to end its alleged crackdown on opposition strongholds as the UN said more than 9,000 people have been killed during the yearlong crisis. But the government puts the toll at over 6,000 and blames armed groups for the unrest.
