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.