Syria warns of response to 'intensified' rebel attacks

DAMASCUS - Agence France-Presse

A handout picture released by Shaam News Network shows the destruction of buildings and vehicles in the restive city of Homs on April 14, 2012. AFP PHOTO/HO/SHAAM NEWS NETWORK

Syria warned today that its forces will respond to "intensified" rebel attacks, even as UN military observers were headed for the unrest-hit country to monitor a shaky ceasefire.
 
"Armed terrorist groups have intensified their attacks in a hysterical way against the army, law enforcement forces, and civilians, in conjunction with the approval of the UN Security Council resolution to send monitors to Syria," a military official said, quoted by state television.
 
Security forces "will prevent the terrorist groups from continuing their criminal attacks," the official added.