The Syrian military deployed helicopter gunships and tanks Monday (June 11th) against opposition forces in central and northwestern Syria as violence killed 74 people across the country, AFP reported.

For the past week, government forces have targeted the city of al-Heffa in northwestern Latakia province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Army tanks are deployed at the town entrances," said local activist Sema Nassar. "They have never come this close before."

Government helicopters attacked opposition forces in the Rastan, Homs province, which has been subjected to shelling for months, according to the Observatory. Four civilians, including a young girl, were killed in the violence, it stated.

The latest violence follows at least 63 deaths reported on Sunday, including 38 civilians, 19 soldiers, and six opposition fighters.