BEIRUT — The human toll and diplomatic fallout of the Syrian government’s pre-Ramadan crackdown against protesters continued to rise Monday as security forces launched new attacks in flash-point cities and foreign governments announced increased sanctions.
At least three people were killed in Hama and one each in Bukamal and Dair Alzour, increasing the nationwide death toll to at least 75 in two days, according to the Local Coordination Committee, an activist network that compiles the names of the dead. Another activist network, the Syrian Revolution Coordinators Union, put the death toll at about 150 nationwide, with 100 in Hama.
The violence spurred harsh international condemnation for President Bashar Assad on the eve of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and contemplation. The timing of the attack by a government dominated by Assad’s fellow Alawite Muslims, who tend to be secular, seemed sure to provoke sectarian passions among pious Sunnis.
The European Union expanded sanctions against Assad and his inner circle, imposing asset freezes and travel bans on five additional regime figures.
“We are deeply appalled and dismayed by the operations in Hama and other Syrian cities,” said Ahmet Davotoglu, foreign minister of neighboring Turkey, once a steadfast Assad ally. “The method and timing of these operations is very wrong.”
The Obama administration ratcheted up condemnation Monday of Assad’s crackdown, calling on the regime to “stop the slaughter” of its own citizens.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Monday condemning “the use of force against peaceful protesters” and urging restraint. The statement marks a possible turning point in the Russian stance regarding Syria. Moscow had remained largely uncritical of the crackdown, often acting as a counterweight to American and European efforts to act in the U.N. Security Council, which was scheduled to have closed-door consultations on Syria late Monday at Germany’s request.
Syria continued to insist on state media that the violence was caused by unspecified armed groups attacking security forces and residents, a claim derided as fictional by most independent observers. Video posted to the Internet showed tanks at the outskirts of Hama launching shells at residential districts.
“We have dead bodies in and around our homes because the security forces aren’t allowing us to bury them,” said a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.
He said security personnel restricted access to hospitals.
A Hama university professor described the scene as terrifying and chaotic, as residents burned tires to prevent army tanks from entering residential areas.
“As heavy gunfire envelopes our town and security forces prevent us from leaving, there is really nothing to do but pray and protect our homes and our loved ones that are still alive,” said Hassan, who was reached by phone and asked that his last name not be published.
The accounts could not be independently verified because international journalists have not been allowed access to Syria.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
