Activists say Syrian security forces killed at least three people on Saturday during raids in search of a high-ranking official who said he had resigned in protest.

The activists say troops were hunting for attorney general Adnan Bakkour. In a video released Wednesday, he said he was stepping down to protest the government's crackdown on dissent. But, the government said Bakkour was kidnapped and made the statement under duress.

Saturday's deadly raids come a day after activists said at least 17 people were killed by security forces who opened fire on protesters calling for President Bashar al-Assad's departure.

Meanwhile, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross begins a two-day visit to Damascus, Saturday, that will include talks with Mr. Assad. The international relief organization says President Jakob Kellenberger will review an “understanding” that is supposed to give the agency more access to areas of unrest. He will also hold talks on visiting detainees.

President Assad has been facing growing international pressure for his government's crackdown.

On Saturday, European Union ministers meeting in Poland warned they would consider further steps against Syria.

They announced the warning on the same day that an EU oil embargo against Damascus went into effect.

Russia criticized the embargo. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday that unilateral sanctions do no good and destroy “partnerships.” However, the U.S. said the EU's decision sent a powerful message to Mr. Assad's government to end the violence.

The United Nations estimates 2,200 people have been killed since March in the government's crackdown. However, Syria has blamed much of the deadly violence on armed gangs and “terrorists.”