Kofi Annan ‘gravely concerned’ over rising Syrian violence
International envoy Kofi Annan says he is "gravely concerned" over rising violence in Syria and reports that civilians are trapped in cities besieged by government forces, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said.
Annan has cited reports that Syrian government forces have used heavy weapons, including mortars, helicopters, and tanks, to attack opposition areas.
In Washington, the U.S. State Department expressed "deep alarm" over the situation and warned there were indications the Syrian government may be organizing a massacre in pro-opposition areas.
The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of nearly 80 civilians and more than 20 Syrian troops on June 11.