Activists: Syrian Troops Arrest Defectors In Besieged City Of Homs

Human rights activists in Syria say government troops stormed a defiant neighborhood in the besieged city of Homs today, kicking in doors and making many arrests after nearly a week of violence that has pitted soldiers against army defectors and protesters.

Government troops reportedly are facing armed resistance from army defectors who have taken refuge in the Baba Amr neighborhood and surrounding districts.

The violence comes despite claims by Syria that it is complying with an Arab League-sponsored plan to end its crackdown against protesters who are demanding the resignation of President Bashar Assad.

More than 110 people have been reported killed in the past week in Homs, a city of about 800,000 that has turned into one of the main centers of protest and reprisal during the nearly 8-month-old revolt.

compiled from agency reports