Syria: What really happened in Jisr al-Shughour? Published duration 7 June 2011

The Syrian authorities say more than 120 security personnel have been killed in clashes with armed gangs in the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughour. If confirmed, the violence would represent one of the bloodiest clashes in the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

Activist websites have not explained the unprecedented development. Some have suggested dissent within the armed forces, or even a mutiny. The BBC's Jim Muir - reporting from Beirut - says, at the moment, it does look like there is some armed resistance going on, and there are reports the town is bracing for an onslaught by Syrian forces.