Human rights activists in Syria say security forces have killed at least eight people during a sweep south of the capital, Damascus.

The activists said the raid happened Wednesday in Kanaker, where residents threw stones to try to stop the advancing troops.

Rights groups say Syrian forces have killed at least 1,600 civilians during a crackdown against more than four months of anti-government protests. T

he government has refused to accept blame for the violence and claims much of the unrest is caused by terrorists and Islamists.