Syria has challenged the UN chief over the scope of a UN truce monitoring mission, resisting a larger presence as its army shelled targets in Homs.
Continued military bombardments in central Syria is dashing the prospects of a UN-brokered ceasefire taking hold.
Syrian activists have accused forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad of bombarding rebel areas as a UN mission is expected to arrive in Damascus.
Two explosions struck the heart of Damascus on Saturday, killing at least 27 people in an attack on security installations.
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/ 12 February 2012
Syrian forces are bombarding Homs in their drive to crush a revolt against President Bashar al-Assad, ahead of a meeting of Arab foreign ministers.
Western countries have been seeking a new strategy to end the violence in Syria, while President Bashar al-Assad’s forces continue to bomb districts.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has blamed "foreign planning" for a 10-month-old uprising in which thousands of people have been killed.
Frustrated with the Arab League’s lack of progress, the head of the Free Syrian Army has threatened to step up attacks on Bashar al-Assad’s forces.
Fierce fighting has continued in Syria shortly before officials arrive to prepare for an Arab League effort to end nine months of bloodshed.
Syrian troops swept into Hama to break a strike by President Bashar al-Assad opponents, killing 10 people but facing resistance from armed insurgents.