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The first anniversary of the Syrian uprising has been marked by more bloodshed.

As thousands of pro-Assad supporters took to the streets in Damascus in support of their embattled president, activists said Syrian troops had fired on crowds trying to stage a protest in Idlib.

The Syrian army has moved into the province in the northwest of the country in the last few days, clashing with defectors who have joined the Free Syrian Army.

On the first anniversary of the uprising, activists reported more atrocities including the discovery of 23 bodies near Idlib , some of them bearing signs of torture.

Despite the death of more than 7,500 Syrians and a year-long crackdown by the regime, protesters have vowed to continue their push to get Assad out and to establish a democratic regime.