Assad regime braces for 'Day of Rage' protests
Thursday, February 3, 2011 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
NICOSIA — The regime of President Bashar Assad is preparing for an opposition campaign similar to that which has swept through Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia.
Opposition sources said the Syrian Army and security forces were reinforcing troops in several parts of the country. They said the regime was bracing for nationwide protests during a so-called "Day of Rage" in Syria on Feb. 5, including blocking such sites as Facebook as well as online opposition news.
"There are signs that the opposition has formed a wide coalition to protest on this day," an opposition source said.
The sources said the campaign was expected to include Sunnis, Kurds and major tribes in Syria. They cited such tribes as Afadaleh, Anza, Bakara, Jabour, Naim and Shamar as preparing to join protests.
Over the last week, the sources reported widespread unrest in such cities as Aleppo and Qamishli near the Syrian border with Turkey. They said Syrian security forces have broken up marches and demonstrations in wake of the killing of a dissident.
The sources said the Muslim Brotherhood was preparing to join opposition protests. They said the Brotherhood has prepared 10 demands, including the release of Syrian prisoners, a change of government, the right to demonstrate and freedom of speech.