11/08/2011 12:30
US tightens sanctions on Syria
The US has ramped up pressure on Syria by imposing sanctions on its main commercial bank and its mobile phone operator, following continued attacks on opposition activists, BBC said.
The US Treasury said it was targeting the financial resources of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The measures came as activists said Syrian forces killed 18 people in Homs.
Activists said the army turned guns, tanks, and anti-aircraft weapons on residents in the restive central city.
Syria has not commented on the reports and it is hard for international media to verify such statements.
More than 1,700 people have died and tens of thousands of people have reportedly been arrested since the uprising against the Assad family's 41-year rule began in March.