Clashes Erupt as Syria Breaks Deal

Kofi Annan’s Syrian ceasefire was interrupted by violence Friday, as Syrian forces killed five protesters. In response, clashes between rebels and government troops broke out in several areas across Syria, with especially heavy fighting along the Turkish border. Under the impression that the two-day truce would protect them from attacks, civilians demonstrated in the streets across the country. Though Annan’s plan urged the government to keep forces at bay, Syrian activists say the troops were out in full force to control anti-Assad rallies. The Russian ambassador to the U.N. challenged Annan’s plan with one of his own, arguing that the U.S.-backed treaty isn’t equipped to stop the violence that’s been raging in Syria for the past 13 months.