Syrian Army Kills Dozens of Rebels in Central City

(AP) Syrian army kills dozens of rebels in central city
BEIRUT
Syrian state media and anti-government activists say army troops have killed dozens of rebels who tried to break the military’s siege on opposition-held areas of the central city of Homs.

The official SANA news agency said Friday the military killed at least 37 rebels in the Matahen area of Homs. It did not specify when they were killed.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights anti-government monitoring group put the death toll at 45 opposition fighters, and said they were killed in heavy fighting late Wednesday and early Thursday.

It had no information on government casualties.

For months, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad have imposed a siege on opposition-held areas of Homs.