Scores of Syrians flee violence to Lebanon

[May 14, 2011]  BEIRUT (AP) -- Lebanese security officials say scores of Syrians have crossed into Lebanon fleeing violence in their country.

The officials say that among those who entered Lebanon Saturday was a 26-year-old man who suffered a gunshot in his back. He was admitted to a hospital in northern Lebanon, the officials said on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The officials said cracks of gunfire in the western Syrian town of Talkalakh could be heard on the Lebanese side of the border. Hundreds of Syrians fled the area in past weeks.

The shooting in Talkalakh comes a day after Syrian security forces opened fire on thousands of protesters, killing at least six people.

Human rights groups say more than 775 people have been killed since the start of the protest movement in Syria in mid-March.

[Associated Press; By BASSEM MROUE]

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