The army in Syria has begun an operation in the central city of al-Rastan

The army in Syria has begun an operation in the central city of al-Rastan - the site of protests in recent months.

Amateur video - that can't be independently verified - shows protests taking place in Rastan, despite an ongoing crackdown by the armed forces.

Reports said explosions and heavy gunfire were heard as tanks and armoured vehicles entered in the early hours of Tuesday.

Hundreds of officers and soldiers in the town have reportedly defected, and confronted the convoy of tanks and troops attempting to quell any uprising.