Syrian rebels attack southern checkpoints

(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)

Video obtained by Reuters shows dozens of Free Syrian Army fighters taking control of some areas near the southern city of Deraa on Friday.

The footage also shows the aftermath of attacks on Syrian army positions.

In a video message, Lieutenant Alaa Abdul Rahman, the head of Farouq Brigades in Deraa Province, said the attacks were in revenge for recent raids and attacks in the region.

Protests in Deraa in early 2011 helped spark the ensuing 15-month-long uprising, and the heavy handed security crackdown that has killed many thousands of civilians.