Syrian army troops were heavily deployed in the western Homs province on Sunday, with tanks and troops besieging several towns, dpa reported according to activists.
Around 20 tanks were on the main roads of the town of Deir Maala, and four armored vehicle were patrolling the inner streets of the town, they said.
Electricity and telephone lines were cut in the town, activists said. The military operations were aimed at quelling anti-government protests, which began last March demanding greater freedoms, political reforms and the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad.
Six people were injured when troops shelled the town of Talbisah using heavy artillery, according to eyewitnesses. Security forces were searching houses as they launched an arrest operation in the town. At least five people were injured as gunfire continued in Ruston after army and security forces stormed it in the early morning. Electricity and water were cut off in the entire town.
Helicopters were also seen flying over Talbisah and Ruston. According to human rights groups, an estimated 1,100 people have been killed so far in the violent government crackdown on protesters.