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Syrian armed groups threaten kill civilians to push out army

"Syrian armed gangs operating in the flashpoint city of Homs have threatened to start killing civilians if the Army refuses to leave.

Officials say up to 5,000 civilians have been taken hostage by armed gangs in Homs, where the gunmen are attacking both private and public properties.

The sound of gun-fire and explosions could be heard from the city on Wednesday.

The army has reportedly halted its operations to avoid civilian casualties there.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March 2011."

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