Syria:Death toll rises to 25 in Daraa

The Facebook group, The Syrian Revolution 2011, which boasts more than 140,000 followers and which has emerged as the organizing force behind the demonstrations that have been demanding “freedom” in Syria reported that the death toll in Daraa the flashpoint of the Syrian uprising has reached 25.

The group urged other cities in Syria to head to the streets to save Daraa (which they branded as the torch of the uprising ) from the attacks by the Syrian army. The poster reads : Save Daraa its burning

Syrian troops backed by tanks entered the southern Syrian city of Daraa early Monday.

Tanks fired at houses and people, and dozens of bodies were seen on the streets, activists said on the internet.

There was no way to obtain independent confirmation of the casualty figures. Syrian authorities have banned international and Arab journalists from entering Syria, with the government blaming the unrest on what it calls conspirators.