In Syria, army defectors attacked a series of government military bases near Damascus. It was the first assault on a major security facility by the Free Syrian Army in the eight-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Members of the Free Syrian Army fired shoulder-mounted rockets and machine guns into the military compounds. There were no reported casualties in the attack.
Since anti-government protests began in March, violence has been steadily increasing. President al-Bashar’s recent call for an emergency Arab summit was denied. The United States recalled its ambassador in late October, citing threats against his personal safety. Most recently, France recalled its ambassador as well.
