Syrian military firing on civilians According to Opposition

(CNN) -- Despite a recent promise by the Syrian government to withdraw its forces from population centers, the military pounded opposition-held northern towns and clashed with defectors, activists said Tuesday.

The Syrian army shelled Binnish, Taftanaz and Taoum and its helicopters fired on fleeing civilians Tuesday, said the Binnish Coordination Committee, an opposition group.

"This is the most intense fighting we have witnessed thus far in Binnish since the beginning of the revolution," said Basher, an opposition activist. "We haven't see this much random shelling on Binnish and the surrounding areas. They are using helicopters and randomly firing on civilians in the cities."

Two civilians were killed in crossfire and shelling in Taftanaz, the opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Read More