Damascus, Jumada II 25, 1434, May 5, 2013, SPA - The Obama administration Saturday denounced the Syrian government after supporters of the opposition alleged two massacres left about 150 people dead. The State Department's Jen Psaki said in a statement sharply rebuking the regime of Bashar Al-Assad that the United States was "appalled" by the "horrific reports" of "gruesome" killings of families, including women and children. "We strongly condemn atrocities against the civilian population and reinforce our solidarity with the Syrian people," Psaki was quoted as saying by the United Press International (UPI). "As Al-Assad regime's violence against innocent civilians escalates, we will not lose sight of the men, women, and children whose lives are being so brutally cut short. "We call on all responsible actors in Syria to speak out against the perpetration of unlawful killings against any group, regardless of faith or ethnicity. Those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and serious violations and abuses of human rights law must be held accountable." --SPA 14:29 LOCAL TIME 11:29 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1106546