President Bashar Assad’s regime has dramatically escalated the crackdown on a five-month-old uprising since the start of the holy month of Ramadan in August, killing hundreds and detaining thousands. Despite broad international condemnation — most recently from neighboring Turkey and Jordan — the regime has unleashed tanks, ground troops and snipers in an attempt to retake control in rebellious areas.

In a statement Wednesday, Tunisia’s foreign ministry says it took the decision because of recent “dangerous” developments in Syria.