Assad's forces kill 85 in Damascus suburb, activists say

Dead reported to include women and children after area stormed following days of fighting

Free Syrian Army fighters take up position during clashes with forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in the Khan al-Assal area near Aleppo yesterday. Photograph: Abdalghne Karoof/Reuters
Free Syrian Army fighters take up position during clashes with forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in the Khan al-Assal area near Aleppo yesterday. Photograph: Abdalghne Karoof/Reuters

Opposition Syrian activists have claimed forces and militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad killed at least 85 people today, including women and children, when they stormed a Damascus suburb after five days of fighting.

"We documented 85 summarily executed, including 28 shot at a makeshift hospital after Assad's forces went in Jdeidet al-Fadel. We fear that the victims of the massacre are much higher," said Abu Ahmad al-Rabi', an activist in the adjacent district of Jdeidet Artouz.

There was no immediate confirmation of the activists' account.

Syrian authorities have banned most independent media since the uprising began two years ago.

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Reuters