Syria has given its response to Barack Obama's call on President Assad to lead his country to democracy or stand aside. Tanks have been sent into a number of towns and a number of people are reported to have been killed, according to human rights activists.
And new video seems to reveal Assad loyalists running amok with guns in civilian areas.
Syrian state media accused the American President of incitement and meddling after his speech that accused the regime of "pursuing the path of murder".
Obama's criticism was the sharpest yet of the Syrian leader and coincided with new US sanctions for the first time targeting Assad himself in addition to a number of his family members and closest aides.
It may have emboldened Syrians in their protests.
A number of clashes have been reported in towns that have already been the focus of intense crackdowns by the Syrian military.
This week protests continued in Syria's biggest city, Aleppo but only it seems among students.
Tanks were reported to have entered the town of Maarat Numan to the south of Aleppo to put down protests there. Read More
