Your move, Barack.

GAZIANTEP, TURKEY — Syrian authorities have moved prisoners from their jail cells to installations the government believes could be targets of western military strikes, pro-democracy activists in Damascus and the opposition said yesterday.

Residents in the Syrian capital yesterday described seeing on Wednesday night fully loaded busses moving from the military court in Damascus to Mezzeh airbase on the southwestern tip of the city, a likely target for US missiles.

Across Damascus yesterday there were other signs of residents bracing for possible US-military strikes. People stockpiled food, water and fuel, with regime supporters and opponents alike fearful an already brutal war may be about to dramatically escalate.

The plight of thousands of prisoners held in a vast network of security facilities throughout the country is a major concern for their families and opposition activists.

“People are really scared about the prisoners’ safety, and that the US will attack places where the prisoners are held,” one pro-democracy activist said. “They are afraid because military bases are in built-up areas so civilians may be caught in the attacks.

The opposition Syrian National Coalition also warned that President Bashar Al Assad’s forces were preparing to use the prisoners as human shields.