120 members of security forces were martyred in Jisr al-Shughur by armed groups who also mutilated the bodies of some of them

The Syrian crisis has entered a new critical stage not witnessed since the past three months when official sources announced yesterday the martyrdom of 120 members of security forces in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughur by armed groups.

According to Syria news agency SANA, the armed groups mutilated the bodies of some police and security forces' martyrs, throwing the bodies of others into the Orontes River, adding that the groups blocked roads, attacked the houses and terrified citizens, in addition to storming public and private buildings and destroying shops.

Syria’s Interior Minister Mohammad Ibrahim al-Shaar warned in a televised statement on Monday the ‘armed groups’ adding that “the state will act firmly, with force and in line with the law. It will not stay arms folded in the face of armed attacks on the security of the homeland.”

The minister’s threat of retribution came after Syrian state television said that the security forces who came under attack were on their way to the town in response to calls for help from residents, and that they died in an ambush and an explosion at a post office.

“The armed groups are using weapons and grenades ... the people in Jisr al-Shughur are urging the army to intervene speedily,” state TV said.

Al-Shaar said that in the past few days, Syria has witnessed armed and concentrated attacks targeting state institutions, public and private buildings, police stations and security centers in various areas adding that the latest of these attacks has taken place in Jisr al-Shughur, “where armed terrorist groups burnt and demolished a number of institutions, using weapons, bullets and hand grenades in their attacks on the personnel; civilians and army members.”

The statement went on to say: Stemming from the state's responsibility in protecting the lives of citizens; civilians and army members alike, and protecting state institutions owned by the people, we will react with strictness and power and according to law.

“Any armed attack against the security of the homeland and citizens will not be tolerated”, al-Shaar concluded.

Minister of Information Dr. Adnan Mahmoud stressed that the army units will carry out their national mission to bring back security and safety to the residents so that they go back to their normal lives.