Activists said Friday that Syrian residents have recovered 45 unidentified bodies in two areas near the capital, Damascus, the latest such finds of suspected mass executions in the 18-month-long conflict.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 23 bodies were discovered Thursday in the eastern suburb of Zamalka, while another 22 were found in Qatana, southeast of the capital.
The watchdog group also reported fresh clashes Friday between government troops and rebels in the Kazaz neighborhood of Damascus. The tightly controlled area is home to offices of several Syrian security agencies.
On Thursday, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recaptured a town on the border with Jordan used as a transit point by refugees escaping the conflict. Hundreds of soldiers backed by tanks assaulted Tel Chehab early Thursday, arresting dozens of people and setting fire to rebel safehouses.