Syria Death Toll Climbs Past 40,000 Mark, Activists Say

At least 50 people were killed today in fighting between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebels as the death toll passed 40,000, according to activists.

Government forces shelled the towns of Hamouriya and Arbaeen around Damascus, according to Al Arabiya television. The channel also reported heavy clashes in the Damascus district of Kfar Sousa. Syrian forces are bombarding towns and villages in the provinces of Dara’a, Hama and Idlib, the opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.