Syrian forces converge on rebellious northern town......

Thousands of elite troops led by Syrian President Bashar Assad's brother converged on a restive nort.

The Syrian forces have lost control of large areas of the northern province, a pro-government newspaper reported, in a rare acknowledgment of cracks in the regime s tight grip after weeks of protests calling for an end to its 40-year rule.

Syria's government has vowed to deal "decisively" with the gunmen blamed....

Syria's government has vowed to deal "decisively" with the gunmen blamed for the deaths of 120 security personnel in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour.

.Residents later warned that there would be massive bloodshed if the authorities attempted to restore control by force.

Meanwhile, France says it is ready to ask the UN Security Council to vote on a draft resolution condemning Damascus, despite a likely Russian veto.

Syrian rebels killed 40 security officials......

According to Syria's state news agency, “armed gangs” killed at least 40 security officers.

 The attacks, if confirmed, would be the most lethal anti-government retaliation in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad began a brutal crackdown on protesters three months ago. State media reported that police officers and security personnel heading to the town of Jisr al-Shughour were ambushed by the “armed gangs,’ and in what appeared to be a separate attack, eight guards in the town were killed when pipe bombs exploded in a post office.

Seven Libyan rebels killed....

At least seven Libyan rebels are reported to be dead in fighting against state forces in Misrata.

 International media reported that at least seven people were reported killed in fighting between rebels and forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi in Misrata, which is controlled by the rebels.

The media quoted a doctor at a hospital in Misrata as saying that most of the casualties were rebel fighters killed in battles on the western and eastern edges of the city.