"The official death toll in Latakia Saturday is 10 people -- citizens and members of the security forces -- and two gunmen," Shaaban told AFP.
Syrian troops have entered the port city of Latakia, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Damascus, a day after an official said two passers-by were killed by snipers.
Saturday`s bloodshed was the latest in a spiral of violence that has gripped Syria since protests broke out on March 15, with demonstrators demanding major reforms.
The government has announced a string of reforms in a bid to appease the protesters, including the possibility of lifting emergency rule which has been in place since 1963. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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