Syrian forces shell a town in the country's restive north and open fire on scattered protests nationwide

Syrian forces shell a town in the country's restive north and open fire on scattered protests nationwide, killing at least 21 people, activists say. Hundreds of Syrians stream across the border into Turkey, trying to escape the violence. A Syrian opposition figure told The Associated Press by telephone that thousands of protesters overwhelmed security officers and torched the courthouse and police station in the northern town of Maaret al-Numan, and the army responded with tank shells. The man spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Syria's state-run television appear to confirm at least part of the report, saying gunmen opened fire on police stations in Maaret al-Numan, causing casualties among security officials.

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