Syrian unrest: 'Heavy fighting' in Jisr al-Shughour

Syrian state media have reported "heavy" fighting in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour after security forces launched a full-scale assault.

A BBC Arabic correspondent embedded with troops said they entered the town at dawn, after which clashes erupted and sources said three people had died.

The government says it is trying to restore order after 120 security personnel were killed last week.

Residents say they died after a mutiny and fighting between security forces.

The government advance has sent hundreds more people fleeing towards the Turkish border, to join thousands who have already crossed.

BBC correspondents on the border say the number of those who have crossed is probably higher than the official figure of 5,050 given on Sunday afternoon by the UN's refugee agency, the UNHCR. Witnesses said there might be as many as 10,000 sheltering in the area.

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