The Syrian government has launched a combined assault on the port city of Latakia, killing at least 25 people. For the first time, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad used navy vessels alongside tanks and soldiers in the ongoing crackdown opposition protests. Witnesses say government forces cut off land-line telephones and internet connections, and fired at civilian buildings. Latakia has seen large anti-government protests since the Syrian uprising began in mid-March. The violence follows massive demonstrations on Friday in which tens of thousands of people turned out to protest the Assad regime. Syrian government forces killed at least 17 people. In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for increased international pressure on Assad’s government.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “We urge those countries still buying Syrian oil and gas, those countries still sending Assad weapons, those countries whose political and economic support give him comfort in his brutality, to get on the right side of history. President Assad has lost the legitimacy to lead, and it is clear that Syria would be better off without him.”