Violence continues unchecked in Syria (Photo: Novosti)

Six policemen and 11 government troops were killed on Wednesday by an explosive device in Syria's northern Idlib province.  The State-run SANA news agency reported that the explosive was detonated by "armed groups" in al-Masdouma in Idlib. A pro-government news website said fighting took place in the Damascus suburb of Arbeen during a tour by UN observers.  Violence has continued unabated in Syria even after the arrival of UN observers, who arrived Sunday to monitor a UN-backed cease- fire.