Fresh gunfire in Syrian coastal city; people flee

BEIRUT—Activists and residents are reporting a fresh outbreak of heavy gunfire in parts of the Syrian port city of Latakia where military operations are now oin their third day.

The activists say loud explosions and gunfire have been heard throughout the night and early Monday in Latakia’s al-Ramel district and nearby areas as residents continue to flee.

Activist groups said that at least 25 people died in operations in the Mediterranean city on Sunday when gunboats joined ground troops to crush the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Activists on Monday also say troops backed by tanks entered the town of Houla, near flashpoint central city of Homs.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the military is carrying out raids and arrests there.