(CNN) -- Security forces raided a northern Syrian city amid explosions and gunfire early Thursday and casualties have been reported, activists said. The forces clashed with gunmen believed to be dissidents in the city of Binnish in Idlib province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Local Coordination Committees of Syria, another activist group, said 14 people had been killed, including 12 in Binnish and one each in Homs and Daraa. Among those dead are at least two young children, the group said. "Syrian military forces supported by tanks and armored personnel carriers stormed the city early this morning," Syrian Observatory said. "Heavy machine guns and shelling have been heard around the city."
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NEW: At least 14 people have been killed, an activist group says
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Security forces clash with gunmen believed to be dissidents
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Protests in Syria erupted seven months ago
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