Witnesses: Syrian forces patrol restive cities

At least 37 people have died in violent protests since last week in Daraa, the U.N says. STORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Witness: Syrian security forces move to disperse protesters in DaraaNEW: Mysterious black-shirted men terrorize residents in Latakia, witness saysDaraa is extremely tense, according to a witnessU.N.: At least 37 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces (CNN) -- Syrian security forces flooded the restive cities of Daraa and Latakia on Monday, patrolling the streets, protecting government buildings and in at least one case clashing with protesters, according to witnesses.Both cities have been the scene of violent clashes between protesters and security forces in recent days, with at least 37 deaths since last week, according to the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.In Daraa on Monday, forces filed into the city's main square before dawn, tearing down the tents and anti-government signs of about 100 protesters who were staying there overnight, according to one eyewitness. The forces fired shots into the air and turned water cannons on the protesters, the witness said, leading to a clash with hundreds of nearby residents who rushed to the square to defend the demonstrators.The resulting confrontation lasted about 30 minutes, reportedly without injuries or arrests, according to the witness.

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