Syrian troops continue a crackdown on the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad. Forces under the command of Assad’s brother have reportedly surrounded the Damascus suburb of Harasta, sealing off all entrances. Meanwhile in the central city of Homs, Syrian forces have reportedly shelled civilian areas and conducted a number of raids. Government forces have reportedly killed some 40 people in Homs this week. Amnesty International is warning the Assad regime may be torturing dozens of detained oppositions protesters outside the capital city of Damascus. The detainees were reportedly captured in a government raid last weekend.