Syrian security forces shot dead a mother and her two children fleeing an army assault on the eastern city of Deir al-Zour on Monday, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights cited residents as saying.

"The woman and her two children were trying to flee the Huweika district for somewhere safer when they were targeted by a security patrol," the rights group quoted residents as saying, adding that the father of the family was wounded.

The Syrian navy opened fire on two boats of Lebanese fishermen inside Lebanese territorial waters, the National News Agency reported Monday saying however that no one was injured.

NNA said a Syrian navy boat opened fire on the two boats as those on board were fishing inside Lebanese territories.

The group of hackers known as Anonymous has claimed taking over the Syrian government Ministry of Defense website publishing on it a message in support for the Syrian people.

Visitors to the Syrian military department's website have been greeted with the Anonymous logo and images and links to videos of dead protesters hours after activists said on Sunday that security forces backed by tanks killed scores of civilians in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour and the central town of Hula.

Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said on Monday that Syrian President Bashar Assad seemed very “relieved” over the developments in Syria.

“Assad is determined to continue his reforms and confront the militants that are disturbing the security situation,” Mansour told As Safir newspaper.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat said Monday that he discussed with Turkish officials the situation in Lebanon, the events in Syria and the inter-Palestinian reconciliation.

In remarks to As Safir daily following his return from Turkey, Jumblat lauded the Turkish stance from all issues.

Saudi Arabia recalled its envoy to Syria in a major escalation of international pressure Monday after security forces killed more than 50 people and the regime defended its crackdown on "outlaws."

The shock move by Riyadh, the Middle East's Sunni Muslim heavyweight, followed condemnation by Pope Benedict XVI and the Arab League over the continuing bloodshed.

The U.S. envoy to Syria has returned to monitor the "grotesque" crackdown there, placing himself on a collision course with Damascus, which has imposed strict constraints on diplomats.

Washington on Thursday sent Ambassador Robert Ford back to Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad's troops and tanks have stormed major cities in an effort to suppress a months-long pro-democracy revolt.

Jordan said on Sunday the bloody crackdown on the opposition in Syria is "worrisome," and called for dialogue and reforms to end the crisis in the neighboring country.

"What is happening in Syria now is worrisome, unfortunate and sad," Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told the state-run Petra news agency in an interview.

Pope Benedict XVI called Sunday for a redoubling of efforts to restore peace in conflict-torn Syria and Libya.

In his weekly address to pilgrims, the pontiff asked for the "legitimate aspirations" of the Syrian people to be met, while urging the international community to revive efforts for a Libyan peace plan.

Kuwait, which has called for a halt to bloodshed in Syria, said on Sunday it has no plans to expel the Syrian ambassador as demanded by MPs and protesters.

"The Syrian ambassador is here and he will stay in accordance with diplomatic agreements," foreign ministry undersecretary Khaled al-Jarallah told reporters.