Beirut, Jumada II 4, 1433, Apr 25, 2012, SPA - Syrian forces shelled the restive area of Douma town near Damascus on Wednesday, forcing many residents to flee, said the opposition Local Coordination Committees. "Smoke is billowing over the area. The sound of heavy shelling is echoing," Syrian activist Haytham al-Abdullah told DPA. The attack came after the UN observers twice visited Douma and met with its people, the activist added. --SPA 13:03 LOCAL TIME 10:03 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/992181