Syrian town damaged after clashes

Burnt-out vehicles and shop debris littered the streets of Haffeh on Thursday (June 14) as a result of clashes between rebels and government forces.

Days of fighting has forced at least 26,000 people out of the Syrian town.

U.N. observers were finally able to enter Haffeh on Thursday only to be greeted by the handful of residents brave enough to have stayed behind.

The observers found state buildings burnt down, shops abandoned and a body lying in the street.

Violence has surged in recent weeks after government forces and allied militia launched offensives to regain territories controlled by the opposition, and after rebels abandoned a ceasefire negotiated by international envoy Kofi Annan in his efforts to ease the conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and the movement fighting to end his family's four decade rule.