BEIRUT: A deadly mutiny of Syrian soldiers and loss of control over a tense northern town appeared to show extraordinary cracks in a regime that has long prided itself on its iron control. Details about the events in Jisr Al-Shughour remained murky Tuesday. The government said 120 forces were dead, without explaining the enormous loss of life. But reports from residents and activists – and the television appearance of a soldier who says he switched sides after his hometown was bombarded – were the clearest sign yet that the weekly protests of thousands of Syrians are eroding President Bashar Al-Assad's grip. The foreign minister of France, Syria's former colonial ruler with whom Assad maintained good relations, said the president had lost his legitimacy to rule. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Assad must “reform or step aside.” Activists and residents of Jisr Al-Shughour said a number of soldiers joined forces with protesters after days of crackdowns in the region, leading to fighting with officers and security guards in which dozens were killed. The Jisr Al-Shughour resident said people were fleeing the area for the Turkish border about 20 km away, fearing retaliation. The government vowed Monday to respond “decisively” to the violence there. “People were struck by fear and panic after the government statements last night, it's clear they are preparing for a major massacre,” he said. An army officer Lt. Abdul-Razzaq Tlass appeared on the Al-Jazeera Tuesday, saying he was deserting because of the regimes “crimes” all over the country.
