Syrian security forces arrested dozens of people Monday in a new offensive, their largest foray into a central Syrian city since withdrawing last month, that prompted residents to build barricades to block a more ambitious assault, residents said.
Since withdrawing with the military in June, the security forces have occasionally entered Hama. But Monday’s incursion appeared to be more extensive, though short-lived, and protesters vowed they would stop any attempt to retake the city by force.
“People here are ready with rocks,” said Omar Habbal, an activist there.
Accounts were almost impossible to verify, but several activists said that residents had begun organizing what amounted to a defense of the city, although to what extent remained unclear.
