(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
BY NIELS SCHACK NORGAARD
ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA
Developments continue in Syria as the United States closes its embassy in Damascus and pulls out all staff -- including ambassador Robert Ford. On Monday, the State Department held a briefing regarding the escalation of violence. Fox reports ..
”The situation in and around Damascus is becoming increasingly violent, reflecting the fact that the regime is increasingly losing control of the situation.”
CNN’s Jill Dougherty explains the reasoning behind the shut-down.
”One of those concerns, we are told, is the possibility of some kind of Al Qaeda action. (...) This does not mean they’re breaking diplomatic relations but it is a serious step by the United States Government.”
The development comes after reports that the Syrian military is intensifying its assault on the city of Homs. On Saturday, China and Russia blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution to stop the bloodshed in Syria and remove President Bashar Al-Assad. Al Jazeera writes:
”The death toll in Syria rose to at least 88 people over the weekend - one of the bloodiest since the uprising against Bashar al-Assad's government erupted almost 11 months ago. Opposition groups say at least 6,000 people have now been killed in Syria.”
For more reactions to the veto of the UN resolution, click on the link in our transcript section.
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