BEIRUT — Syrian forces have intensified their aerial bombardment of southern Syria amid reports that opposition fighters were preparing to launch a wide offensive in the province bordering Jordan.

The Local Coordination Committees activist network said air raids and government shelling in the southern province of Daraa killed at least two people there on Friday.

Daraa is where Syria's crisis started nearly three years ago with anti-government protests that later spread throughout the country.

Activists say the army has in recent days stepped up its use of crude barrel bombs in deadly airstrikes on rebel held areas of Daraa.

Other activists confirmed the shelling and said it comes as opposition fighters were preparing to launch a push toward the heavily-guarded Syrian capital Damascus from the province in coming days.