Opposition activists in Syria say government forces have attacked two towns, killing more than 50 people. They say 38 of them died when soldiers stormed the city of Deir al-Zour in the north-east of the country. The attack on Deir al-Zour started at first light with tanks bombarding parts of the city before moving in with troops under the cover of heavy gun fire. Activists said as all hospitals have been closed the wounded were being treated at field clinics set up in mosques and several of those killed have been buried in a public park as it was not possible to get to the cemetery.