At least 27 Syrian military and security personnel were killed Thursday in clashes with deserters in the restive province of Daraa. Meanwhile, a human rights group says dozens of Syrian military commanders and officials authorized or gave direct orders for widespread killings and torture during the country's wave of anti-government protests that began nine months ago. Human Rights Watch released its 88-page report on Thursday. The report is based on more than 60 interviews with defectors from the Syrian military and intelligence agencies. It identifies 74 commanders and officials behind the alleged abuse.