Syria: Defectors attack military base and destroy part of intelligence building

Damascus, 16 Nov. (AKI) - A Syrian military base near capital Damascus came under attack Wednesday in the boldest move by defectors from the country's army since the beginning of an anti-government uprising in March, according to opposition groups.

During the attack, members of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) destroyed parts of the Air Force Intelligence building in Harasta. Air Force Intelligence is among Syria's most notorious agencies and is believed to have a large role in suppressing the uprising which has left thousands dead.

No casualties were reported.

The United Nations says more than 3,500 people have died during the protests, mostly at the hands of government security forces. President Basar al-Assad's government blames the deaths on terrorists and armed gangs.

Military defectors reportedly killed 34 government soldiers and members of the security in Daraa, in Syria's southwest.

The FSA on Wednesday announced the creation of a military council aiming to guide armed efforts to overthrow Assad, protect civilians, keep order and "satisfy the current needs of the Syrian revolt," the group said in a statement.

The FSA was founded by Col. Riad al-Assad in July. It is separate from the National Syrian Council created in August by dissidents in Syria and abroad and based in Turkey.