Syrian govt claims Islamic extremists infiltrate rebel movement
Senior members of the Syrian government have said Islamic extremists have infiltrated the legitimate pro-democracy movement.
The authorities claim the militants are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of demonstrators and members of the country's security forces.
Earlier, it was reported a further 20 people had been killed this weekend in demonstrations against the continued presence of President Bashar Al Assad.
Activists say more than 1,400 people have died since the uprising began more than three months ago.
It is understood thousands of people are now starting to flee the borders into the Lebanon and Turkey, as the violence escalates.