Syria sharply escalated its already deadly campaign to crush a five-week uprising early Monday, sending troops backed by tanks, snipers and knife-wielding security forces into the southern city where the rebellion began. A witness said at least 11 people were killed and others were gravely wounded in the streets.
Dozens of protesters were arrested, witnesses and activists said.
Separately Monday, a White House spokesman said the U.S. is considering targeted sanctions against Syria in light of the violent crackdown.