At least 142 people have been killed over the weekend in Syria as government forces continue a crackdown on protesters. Most of the violence has come in the flashpoint city of Hama, where at least 100 people were killed Sunday alone. Syrian troops have also moved into the gas and oil hub of Deir ez-Zor, killing at least 25 people and wounding 65 others. Witnesses report the government has used tanks, artillery and anti-aircraft weapons against Syrian protesters. Critics of President Bashar al-Assad say the crackdown was timed to crush dissent on the eve of Ramadan, with Assad reportedly fearing the holy month will draw international sympathy from Muslims praying around the world. Nearly 1,600 Syrians citizens have reportedly been killed since protests against Assad erupted in March.