UN Observers Experience Another Close Call in Syria
Published at
Stockbyte/Thinkstock(DAMASCUS, Syria) — Observers from the United Nations’ mission in Syria were in the vicinity of a rocket-powered grenade fired in their direction Sunday in the town of Douma, north of Damascus.
None of the monitors, including its leader, Major General Robert Mood, were hurt in the attack that occurred near a checkpoint where the car had stopped.
However, this latest incident underscored the continued danger the 200 observers face as they check compliance of a ceasefire agreement in effect since last month that has done little to stave off over a year of violence between government forces and rebels.
The casualty count, which ranges between 9,000 to 12,000 dead, was boosted Sunday as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 36 deaths nationwide.
In other developments, Syrian officials vehemently denied rebel reports that six members of President Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle were killed in an elaborate operation Saturday. There was no way to independently verify either claim.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio