Opponents of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad say 12 people were killed in the military's most recent attacks on protesters.

The violence is centered around the city of Homs, where opposition to the Syrian president has been fierce. CNN reports that dozens have died in the past several days, as demonstrations have spread to other cities, coinciding with celebrations for the Muslim holiday of Eid.

Despite a brutal government crackdown, the demonstrations continue.

On Saturday, the violence left at least 28 people dead, adding to a death toll that has climbed upward of 3,800, the LCC said.

The government-run Syrian Arab News Agency placed Saturday's toll at 22, and said the "martyrs" had died at the hands of "armed terrorist groups" -- a phrase the state has used to describe the anti-government protesters.

Al-Assad and other officials have blamed the violence on outside forces attempting to undermine the 40-year rule of the president's family.

Syrian officials have blamed the United States for attempting to sow instability in the country.

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Ted Mann