This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/feb/10/syria-aleppo-bombs-homs-tanks-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Syria: bombs hit Aleppo as tanks pound Homs - live updates Syria: bombs hit Aleppo as tanks pound Homs - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.35pm: A spokesman for the Free Syrian Army has told the Guardian that it was not responsible for the bombing in Aleppo.
Lieutenant Omar, who said he was part of the FSA's al-Farouk brigade based in al-Qasair district of Homs, said: "Don't believe it, the Free Syrian Army is not responsible."
Speaking to our colleague Mona Mahmood, he said:
They are claiming we are responsible to try to stop people demonstrating.
We never use car bombs. Yes we might use IEDs [improvised explosive devices] we might use guns, but we don't use car bombs. It is not in our interests, because it would give us a bad reputation.
Look at the timing of the attack. Aleppo has just started to join the protests - which is good for us. If we put a car bomb in Aleppo it would stop people demonstrating there.
There are so many checkpoints in Aleppo, you could never get to a security compound to blow it up. It's impossible.
Omar also claimed five defected soldiers were killed in the continuing assault on Homs. They include a colonel who he named as Ahmed Jumrek. He named two of the victims as Dhiya Albeen Jamoul and Muhammed al-Diri.
Omar also said the FSA had reports that the Syrian was moving 80 tanks towards Homs from the coastal areas of Tartus and Latakia.
1.33pm: While the Syrian government says 25 people have been killed and 175 injured by "terrorist" bomb blasts in Aleppo, opposition activists claim security forces have been killing protesters in the city.
The Local Co-ordination Committees group has named six people it says were killed by security forces in Aleppo.
It also accuses security forces of kidnapping four of the corpses.
The Guardian cannot independently verify the LCC's reports.
1.18pm: Syrian protesters continue to show their anger towards the Russian regime. This video shows people burning a Russian flag in el Atareb, in Idlib, north-west Syria.1.18pm: Syrian protesters continue to show their anger towards the Russian regime. This video shows people burning a Russian flag in el Atareb, in Idlib, north-west Syria.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has become the latest leader to condemn the Russian and Chinese veto of a UN resolution on Syria.Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has become the latest leader to condemn the Russian and Chinese veto of a UN resolution on Syria.
He said on Saudi state TV:He said on Saudi state TV:
There is no doubt that the confidence of the world in the United Nations has been shaken. Unfortunately, what happened in the UN, in my opinion, is an unfavorable initiative.There is no doubt that the confidence of the world in the United Nations has been shaken. Unfortunately, what happened in the UN, in my opinion, is an unfavorable initiative.


Activists in Saudi Arabia said a Shia protester was killed there on Thursday.

Activists in Saudi Arabia said a Shia protester was killed there on Thursday.
1.03pm: Here's a summary of events so far today.1.03pm: Here's a summary of events so far today.
• Syrian state media said at least 25 people were killed in two bomb attacks on security compound in the country's second city of Aleppo. The government blamed terrorists for the attack, while activists accused the regime of president Bashar al-Assad of staging the attack to discredit the opposition. The timing of the attacks, the way they were reported, and the subsequent dispute about who is to blame, resemble attacks in Damascus in December and January.• Syrian state media said at least 25 people were killed in two bomb attacks on security compound in the country's second city of Aleppo. The government blamed terrorists for the attack, while activists accused the regime of president Bashar al-Assad of staging the attack to discredit the opposition. The timing of the attacks, the way they were reported, and the subsequent dispute about who is to blame, resemble attacks in Damascus in December and January.
• One commander in the Free Syrian Army claimed it carried out the attacks, while other spokesmen for the rebel group have denied responsibility. The confusion underlines the chaotic leadership of the group.• One commander in the Free Syrian Army claimed it carried out the attacks, while other spokesmen for the rebel group have denied responsibility. The confusion underlines the chaotic leadership of the group.
• Residents and activists in the central city of Homs are preparing for a ground invasion by the Syrian army, after a week-long bombardment that has claimed hundreds of lives. "People are readying themselves for what they anticipate will be a final onslaught," Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of the city.• Residents and activists in the central city of Homs are preparing for a ground invasion by the Syrian army, after a week-long bombardment that has claimed hundreds of lives. "People are readying themselves for what they anticipate will be a final onslaught," Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of the city.
• A narrow majority of French people would back a UN-authorised military intervention in Syria, according to a new poll. A similar exercise in Britain found that the majority were opposed to military intervention, but would back the imposition of a no-fly zone.• A narrow majority of French people would back a UN-authorised military intervention in Syria, according to a new poll. A similar exercise in Britain found that the majority were opposed to military intervention, but would back the imposition of a no-fly zone.
• Protests have taken place across Syria to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Homs and to express opposition to Russia's continuing support to the Assad regime. The theme of the post-Friday prayer protests is "Russia is killing our children". A senior Russian official suggested Moscow would continue to veto any UN proposals aimed at ousting president Assad from power.• Protests have taken place across Syria to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Homs and to express opposition to Russia's continuing support to the Assad regime. The theme of the post-Friday prayer protests is "Russia is killing our children". A senior Russian official suggested Moscow would continue to veto any UN proposals aimed at ousting president Assad from power.
• Barack Obama has condemned the "outrageous bloodshed" in Syria, as the US upped it rhetoric against the Assad government. The US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, said a peaceful transition of power was not possible while "one side constantly initiates attacks against people taking shelter in their homes".• Barack Obama has condemned the "outrageous bloodshed" in Syria, as the US upped it rhetoric against the Assad government. The US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, said a peaceful transition of power was not possible while "one side constantly initiates attacks against people taking shelter in their homes".
12.56pm: This map shows the two main flashpoints in Syria today.12.56pm: This map shows the two main flashpoints in Syria today.
Meanwhile, demonstrations on the theme "Russia is killing our children" are taking place across the country.Meanwhile, demonstrations on the theme "Russia is killing our children" are taking place across the country.
12.42pm: Different arms of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) continue to say different things about the bombings in Aleppo. Its response is only likely to raise further questions about the leadership within the opposition movement.12.42pm: Different arms of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) continue to say different things about the bombings in Aleppo. Its response is only likely to raise further questions about the leadership within the opposition movement.
The BBC quotes Colonel Arif al-Hamoud - the same FSA member cited by al-Jazeera's Rula Amin earlier (see 11.06am) - as saying:The BBC quotes Colonel Arif al-Hamoud - the same FSA member cited by al-Jazeera's Rula Amin earlier (see 11.06am) - as saying:
What happened in Aleppo was just an explosion. A car bomb is not our style, we didn't do that.What happened in Aleppo was just an explosion. A car bomb is not our style, we didn't do that.
What happened in Aleppo was an military attack against military intelligence, with shells, rockets and bombs. A number of walls collapsed and there were some people killed from the military base. This was not a car bomb but a military operation.What happened in Aleppo was an military attack against military intelligence, with shells, rockets and bombs. A number of walls collapsed and there were some people killed from the military base. This was not a car bomb but a military operation.
The BBC says the deputy head of the FSA, Colonel Malik al-Kurdi, confirmed the claim.The BBC says the deputy head of the FSA, Colonel Malik al-Kurdi, confirmed the claim.
But the Syrian National Council has published a statement (in Arabic) it says is by the FSA, in which the renegade army "categorically denies" any connection to the bombings in Aleppo.But the Syrian National Council has published a statement (in Arabic) it says is by the FSA, in which the renegade army "categorically denies" any connection to the bombings in Aleppo.
11.58am: The theme of this Friday's protest in Syria is "Russia is killing our children".11.58am: The theme of this Friday's protest in Syria is "Russia is killing our children".
In Amouda, near the Turkish border, protesters held banners saying: "Russia stop supplying the butcher with weapons, stop using your veto".In Amouda, near the Turkish border, protesters held banners saying: "Russia stop supplying the butcher with weapons, stop using your veto".
Russia remains undeterred.Russia remains undeterred.
A senior Russian official signaled that Moscow will continue of veto any resolution aimed at ousting Syrian President Bashar Assad from power.A senior Russian official signaled that Moscow will continue of veto any resolution aimed at ousting Syrian President Bashar Assad from power.
AP reports:AP reports:
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would thwart any attempts by the West and major Arab powers to oust Assad using the United Nations.Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would thwart any attempts by the West and major Arab powers to oust Assad using the United Nations.
"If our foreign partners don't understand that, we will have to use strong means again and again to call them back to reality," he was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency."If our foreign partners don't understand that, we will have to use strong means again and again to call them back to reality," he was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency.
11.56am: Unlike the British, the French public favour military intervention in Syria (by a narrow margin), according to a new poll.11.56am: Unlike the British, the French public favour military intervention in Syria (by a narrow margin), according to a new poll.
A survey published on Wednesday showed that the majority of Britons oppose military intervention in Syria, although 60% would support a no-fly zone.A survey published on Wednesday showed that the majority of Britons oppose military intervention in Syria, although 60% would support a no-fly zone.
But a poll published today shows that 51% of French people would support UN-backed military action in Syria. That is a higher percentage than supported the UN mission in Libya (36%) that helped oust Muammar Gaddafi. Britain and France were the two main cheerleaders of the Libya mission.But a poll published today shows that 51% of French people would support UN-backed military action in Syria. That is a higher percentage than supported the UN mission in Libya (36%) that helped oust Muammar Gaddafi. Britain and France were the two main cheerleaders of the Libya mission.
The survey published today was carried out by pollster IFOP for right-leaning information website AtlanticoThe survey published today was carried out by pollster IFOP for right-leaning information website Atlantico
11.19am: All the indications point to an imminent ground invasion into Homs, Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of Homs.

Speaking via satellite phone he said:
11.19am: All the indications point to an imminent ground invasion into Homs, Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of Homs.

Speaking via satellite phone he said:

The bombing campaign into al-Khalidiyeh and Baba Amr and the surrounding areas has been very intense for the last week or so. There has been manoeuvring in the 12 hours in areas of Homs where they haven't moved before. People are readying themselves for what they do anticipate will be a final onslaught to follow the softening up with all this artillery and bombing.
The bombing campaign into al-Khalidiyeh and Baba Amr and the surrounding areas has been very intense for the last week or so. There has been manoeuvring in the 12 hours in areas of Homs where they haven't moved before. People are readying themselves for what they do anticipate will be a final onslaught to follow the softening up with all this artillery and bombing.
All indications point to an imminent ground invasion into Homs #Syria @martinchulov reports from the outskirts of the city (mp3)

Martin added:

All indications point to an imminent ground invasion into Homs #Syria @martinchulov reports from the outskirts of the city (mp3)

Martin added:

It is a relatively calm morning compared to the last couple of days. There was a lot of shelling overnight, there's been gunfire this morning. But the midday prayers are under way now, demonstrations are likely to gather in the towns and villages surrounding Homs, and inside Homs itself, and that will give us some idea of how the rest of the day will pan out.It is a relatively calm morning compared to the last couple of days. There was a lot of shelling overnight, there's been gunfire this morning. But the midday prayers are under way now, demonstrations are likely to gather in the towns and villages surrounding Homs, and inside Homs itself, and that will give us some idea of how the rest of the day will pan out.
People in the area are wary of state media reports of bomb attacks in Aleppo Martin says.People in the area are wary of state media reports of bomb attacks in Aleppo Martin says.
Every time we hear reports in this area about car bombs or suicide bombs, they are treated with wide scepticism, by the people here who seek us out and say 'there are no terrorists, there are no Salafists'. These things are either being staged by the regime [they say] or they are being cast as legitimate acts of resistance by the Free Syrian Army.Every time we hear reports in this area about car bombs or suicide bombs, they are treated with wide scepticism, by the people here who seek us out and say 'there are no terrorists, there are no Salafists'. These things are either being staged by the regime [they say] or they are being cast as legitimate acts of resistance by the Free Syrian Army.
The regime has been quite vehement from day one that this is an armed uprising backed by foreign states. And that they are fighting mostly terrorism rather than legitimate opposition groups. The battle of control of the narrative is just as important as the battle itself.The regime has been quite vehement from day one that this is an armed uprising backed by foreign states. And that they are fighting mostly terrorism rather than legitimate opposition groups. The battle of control of the narrative is just as important as the battle itself.
Martin also described the composition of the rebel fighters:Martin also described the composition of the rebel fighters:
Most of the Free Syria Army people, that we are dealing with, are military defectors. There are lot of older men amongst them who did military service, and they have taken up weapons again. And there are a smaller group of local businessmen, medics and various other people, who no longer have any work in these towns. They have joined the resistance cause as well. They have picked up weapons in many case, or are simply supporting the resistance fighters by establishing supply lines.Most of the Free Syria Army people, that we are dealing with, are military defectors. There are lot of older men amongst them who did military service, and they have taken up weapons again. And there are a smaller group of local businessmen, medics and various other people, who no longer have any work in these towns. They have joined the resistance cause as well. They have picked up weapons in many case, or are simply supporting the resistance fighters by establishing supply lines.
11.16am: Different people within the Free Syrian Army are saying different things about the attacks in Aleppo. While General Aref Hamoud told al-Jazeera's Rula Amin it had attacked two security targets, but not killed civilians (see 11.06am), FSA media spokesperson Captain Ammar al-Wawi told Channel 4 News that the regime was seeking to distract the world's attention from the massacres in Homs. He was quoted as saying:11.16am: Different people within the Free Syrian Army are saying different things about the attacks in Aleppo. While General Aref Hamoud told al-Jazeera's Rula Amin it had attacked two security targets, but not killed civilians (see 11.06am), FSA media spokesperson Captain Ammar al-Wawi told Channel 4 News that the regime was seeking to distract the world's attention from the massacres in Homs. He was quoted as saying:

I know this headquarter [sic] very well. It's strongly protected and no cars are allowed to park there [the regime claims a car bomb caused the explosions]. Usually it's full of security members, how come we don't have large numbers of death among them? This explosion has two goals: drawing the attention and pretext for the army to enter Aleppo since the rallies have started there.
I know this headquarter [sic] very well. It's strongly protected and no cars are allowed to park there [the regime claims a car bomb caused the explosions]. Usually it's full of security members, how come we don't have large numbers of death among them? This explosion has two goals: drawing the attention and pretext for the army to enter Aleppo since the rallies have started there.

Amin acknowledged that the FSA had initially distanced itself from the blasts but said it was now admitting to attacks on the security targets.
Amin acknowledged that the FSA had initially distanced itself from the blasts but said it was now admitting to attacks on the security targets.
11.06am: Al-Jazeera's Rula Amin says a member of the Free Syrian Army told her that they did carry out attacks in Aleppo.
11.06am: Al-Jazeera's Rula Amin says a member of the Free Syrian Army told her that they did carry out attacks in Aleppo.
General Aref Hamoud of the Free syrian army says #FSAattackedtwo security compounds in #Aleppo#SyriaGeneral Aref Hamoud of the Free syrian army says #FSAattackedtwo security compounds in #Aleppo#Syria
— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 10, 2012— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 10, 2012
Speaking on al-Jazeera, Amin said that the FSA described the military compounds as "legitimate targets" and said that if any civilians were killed they were killed by members of the regular army trying to fire at the FSA attackers. The FSA said it attacked with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, Amin said.Speaking on al-Jazeera, Amin said that the FSA described the military compounds as "legitimate targets" and said that if any civilians were killed they were killed by members of the regular army trying to fire at the FSA attackers. The FSA said it attacked with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, Amin said.
10.58am: Syrian state media is now reporting 25 killed and 175 wounded in the Aleppo bomb blasts, citing the health ministry (warning: link contains very graphic images).10.58am: Syrian state media is now reporting 25 killed and 175 wounded in the Aleppo bomb blasts, citing the health ministry (warning: link contains very graphic images).
Despite the blasts, people are demonstrating in Aleppo, according to the Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) activist group. Aleppo is Syria's second biggest city and to date has seen only relatively small and sporadic demonstrations compared to elsewhere in the country. The LCC says people are chanting in support of Homs.Despite the blasts, people are demonstrating in Aleppo, according to the Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) activist group. Aleppo is Syria's second biggest city and to date has seen only relatively small and sporadic demonstrations compared to elsewhere in the country. The LCC says people are chanting in support of Homs.
It reports a number of demonstrations in solidarity with Homs across Syria, including in Deraa, Idlib, al-Hasakeh, Qamishli and the Damascus suburbs.It reports a number of demonstrations in solidarity with Homs across Syria, including in Deraa, Idlib, al-Hasakeh, Qamishli and the Damascus suburbs.
10.49am: Once more activists are livestreaming video of the skyline of Babr Amr.10.49am: Once more activists are livestreaming video of the skyline of Babr Amr.

At present not much can be seen but the sound of shelling can be heard.

At present not much can be seen but the sound of shelling can be heard.

10.16am: Gruesome TV footage of the bomb blasts in Aleppo has been uploaded onto YouTube (warning: graphic).10.16am: Gruesome TV footage of the bomb blasts in Aleppo has been uploaded onto YouTube (warning: graphic).
9.56am: Ayat Basma, a Beirut-based reporter for Reuters, tweets a sample of what Syrian TV is showing from the aftermath of the reported bomb blasts in Aleppo.9.56am: Ayat Basma, a Beirut-based reporter for Reuters, tweets a sample of what Syrian TV is showing from the aftermath of the reported bomb blasts in Aleppo.
Image from syria state tv broadcast frm Aleppo , medics showing remains of bodies twitter.com/AyatBasma/stat…Image from syria state tv broadcast frm Aleppo , medics showing remains of bodies twitter.com/AyatBasma/stat…
— Ayat Basma (@AyatBasma) February 10, 2012— Ayat Basma (@AyatBasma) February 10, 2012
9.28am: Dissident Syrian blogger Ammar Abdulhamid argues that the continuing assault on Homs meets many of the legal elements included in the legal definition of genocide.9.28am: Dissident Syrian blogger Ammar Abdulhamid argues that the continuing assault on Homs meets many of the legal elements included in the legal definition of genocide.
"They are intentionally destroying members of a certain religious group," he claims."They are intentionally destroying members of a certain religious group," he claims.
When the Guardian quoted residents of Homs describing the attack as "genocidal", a reader complained that this was an incorrect and immoral use of the term.When the Guardian quoted residents of Homs describing the attack as "genocidal", a reader complained that this was an incorrect and immoral use of the term.
The reader, who gave his name as Joseph, wrote:The reader, who gave his name as Joseph, wrote:
The definition of genocide is: "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group". Your writers, and the writers of many other publications, use it incorrectly all too often. What is happening in Syria is tragic, certainly could be called a crime against humanity, etc, but it is not genocide. It is civil war. Misusing genocide as frequently and mainstream journalists seem to love to do is inappropriate, unprofessional, and immoral in the sense that it is crying wolf and diminishing the severity of the word and the magnitude of the times genocide has actually occurred.The definition of genocide is: "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group". Your writers, and the writers of many other publications, use it incorrectly all too often. What is happening in Syria is tragic, certainly could be called a crime against humanity, etc, but it is not genocide. It is civil war. Misusing genocide as frequently and mainstream journalists seem to love to do is inappropriate, unprofessional, and immoral in the sense that it is crying wolf and diminishing the severity of the word and the magnitude of the times genocide has actually occurred.
9.11am: Syria TV is reported to be showing the remains of people the government claims were blown up by terrorists in Aleppo.9.11am: Syria TV is reported to be showing the remains of people the government claims were blown up by terrorists in Aleppo.
It was quick to broadcast similar images of the apparent victims of the blasts in Damascus.It was quick to broadcast similar images of the apparent victims of the blasts in Damascus.
AP reports:AP reports:
A weeping television presenter on state-run TV showed graphic footage of at least five corpses, saying the blasts went off near a public garden where children had been playing. Debris filled the street and residential buildings appeared to have their windows shattered.A weeping television presenter on state-run TV showed graphic footage of at least five corpses, saying the blasts went off near a public garden where children had been playing. Debris filled the street and residential buildings appeared to have their windows shattered.
Activists continue to suspect the attack is a propaganda ploy.Activists continue to suspect the attack is a propaganda ploy.
Blow up people then broadcast the gory aftermath on morning TV. What an utterly disgusting regime! #AleppoBlow up people then broadcast the gory aftermath on morning TV. What an utterly disgusting regime! #Aleppo
— BSyria (@BSyria) February 10, 2012— BSyria (@BSyria) February 10, 2012
9.07am: Martin Chulov, who is near Homs, says fighting has been less intense so far today.9.07am: Martin Chulov, who is near Homs, says fighting has been less intense so far today.
Quiet so far near #Homs today. Rainy morning cleared & crowds gathering for rally. Gunfire crackling, but not like y'day #SyriaQuiet so far near #Homs today. Rainy morning cleared & crowds gathering for rally. Gunfire crackling, but not like y'day #Syria
— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) February 10, 2012— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) February 10, 2012
Intense battle this town near #Homs yday. Heavy FSA casualties. Medical clinic over-run. "They're coming for us," one Dr said. He's rightIntense battle this town near #Homs yday. Heavy FSA casualties. Medical clinic over-run. "They're coming for us," one Dr said. He's right
— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) February 10, 2012— Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) February 10, 2012
8.54am: Syria's state media said the bombs in Aleppo targeted a military security branch and a police headquarters.8.54am: Syria's state media said the bombs in Aleppo targeted a military security branch and a police headquarters.
The reported attacks come after similar Friday bomb attacks in Damascus on 23 December and 6 January. Activists claimed the Assad regime staged those attacks. Scepticism has also greeted reports from Aleppo.The reported attacks come after similar Friday bomb attacks in Damascus on 23 December and 6 January. Activists claimed the Assad regime staged those attacks. Scepticism has also greeted reports from Aleppo.
Two explosions rock Aleppo, obviously another Regime charade on the bodies of innocent civilians and some of its cronies #syriaTwo explosions rock Aleppo, obviously another Regime charade on the bodies of innocent civilians and some of its cronies #syria
— Ahmad Shaheen (@Ahmad_Shaheen) February 10, 2012— Ahmad Shaheen (@Ahmad_Shaheen) February 10, 2012
8.36am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. "A grinding war of attrition has now become an unforgiving battle to the death," the Guardian's Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of Homs. We hope to be hearing more frontline updates from Martin, later.8.36am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. "A grinding war of attrition has now become an unforgiving battle to the death," the Guardian's Martin Chulov reports from the outskirts of Homs. We hope to be hearing more frontline updates from Martin, later.
For now here's a roundup of the latest developments:For now here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Two explosions have hit Syria's second city of Aleppo, killing civilians and members of the security forces, according to state media. The state news agency Sana blamed terrorists for the attack.• Two explosions have hit Syria's second city of Aleppo, killing civilians and members of the security forces, according to state media. The state news agency Sana blamed terrorists for the attack.
• Syrian troops sealed off the population of a rebel stronghold in the city of Homs on Thursday and bombarded it using tanks, helicopters and artillery, as the international community struggled to find a common voice with which to confront President Bashar al-Assad. Eyewitnesses said roads in and out of Baba Amr, in the south-east of Homs, were blocked, preventing the evacuation of children or the wounded, and food, water and medicine were running out fast in the besieged suburb.• Syrian troops sealed off the population of a rebel stronghold in the city of Homs on Thursday and bombarded it using tanks, helicopters and artillery, as the international community struggled to find a common voice with which to confront President Bashar al-Assad. Eyewitnesses said roads in and out of Baba Amr, in the south-east of Homs, were blocked, preventing the evacuation of children or the wounded, and food, water and medicine were running out fast in the besieged suburb.
• All day medics at a makeshift triage centre tended dead and seriously wounded men, many of them members of the badly outgunned Free Syrian Army, Martin Chulov reports near Homs. A medical student told him:• All day medics at a makeshift triage centre tended dead and seriously wounded men, many of them members of the badly outgunned Free Syrian Army, Martin Chulov reports near Homs. A medical student told him:
There have been more than 100 people killed today. We all have family in Homs and we are very worried about the situation there. It is much worse than here. Every day it has been getting worse here and there. No one is coming for us and we accept our fate.There have been more than 100 people killed today. We all have family in Homs and we are very worried about the situation there. It is much worse than here. Every day it has been getting worse here and there. No one is coming for us and we accept our fate.
• Robert Ford, the US ambassador to Syria who was recalled last week, has spoken of his "horror and revulsion" at the Syrian government assault on Homs. In a Facebook update he posted satellite images showing evidence of mortar attacks on Homs.• Robert Ford, the US ambassador to Syria who was recalled last week, has spoken of his "horror and revulsion" at the Syrian government assault on Homs. In a Facebook update he posted satellite images showing evidence of mortar attacks on Homs.
He wrote:He wrote:
It is odd to me that anyone would try to equate the actions of the Syrian army and armed opposition groups since the Syrian government consistently initiates the attacks on civilian areas, and it is using its heaviest weapons ...It is odd to me that anyone would try to equate the actions of the Syrian army and armed opposition groups since the Syrian government consistently initiates the attacks on civilian areas, and it is using its heaviest weapons ...
As the United States' Ambassador to Syria I will work with colleagues in Washington to support apeaceful transition for the Syrian people. We and our international partners hope to see a transition that reaches out and includes all of Syria's communities and that gives all Syrians hope for a better future. My year in Syria tells me such a transition is possible, but not when one side constantly initiates attacks against people taking shelter in their homes.As the United States' Ambassador to Syria I will work with colleagues in Washington to support apeaceful transition for the Syrian people. We and our international partners hope to see a transition that reaches out and includes all of Syria's communities and that gives all Syrians hope for a better future. My year in Syria tells me such a transition is possible, but not when one side constantly initiates attacks against people taking shelter in their homes.

• A compilation of clips from the last 24 hours shows some of the latest violence in Homs and Idlib. The footage includes a Free Syrian Army attack on a military checkpoint in Homs.

• A compilation of clips from the last 24 hours shows some of the latest violence in Homs and Idlib. The footage includes a Free Syrian Army attack on a military checkpoint in Homs.

• Barack Obama has condemned the "outrageous bloodshed" in Syria. Speaking after a meeting with the Italian prime minister Mario Monti, he said:• Barack Obama has condemned the "outrageous bloodshed" in Syria. Speaking after a meeting with the Italian prime minister Mario Monti, he said:
We discussed a wide range of diplomatic concern, including the situation in Syria, where we both have a great interest in ending the outrageous bloodshed that we've seen and seeing a transition from the current government that has been assaulting its people.We discussed a wide range of diplomatic concern, including the situation in Syria, where we both have a great interest in ending the outrageous bloodshed that we've seen and seeing a transition from the current government that has been assaulting its people.
• Middle East analyst Marc Lynch sets out six reasons why the international community should not arm the Syrian opposition. Summing up his arguments in Foreign Policy magazine, he writes:• Middle East analyst Marc Lynch sets out six reasons why the international community should not arm the Syrian opposition. Summing up his arguments in Foreign Policy magazine, he writes:
Arming the Syrian opposition is not a cheap and effective substitute for military intervention, and it is not a generally harmless way to "do something." It does not guarantee either the protection of the Syrian people or the end of the Assad regime. It is more likely to produce a protracted stalemate, increased violence, more regional and international meddling, and eventual calls for direct military intervention. It's probably going to happen whether or not the United States plays a role, though -- but at least we should know what we're getting into.Arming the Syrian opposition is not a cheap and effective substitute for military intervention, and it is not a generally harmless way to "do something." It does not guarantee either the protection of the Syrian people or the end of the Assad regime. It is more likely to produce a protracted stalemate, increased violence, more regional and international meddling, and eventual calls for direct military intervention. It's probably going to happen whether or not the United States plays a role, though -- but at least we should know what we're getting into.
EgyptEgypt
• The Muslim Brotherhood, which dominates the new parliament, has called for the Egypt's military rulers to cede power immediately, the New York Times reports. The Brotherhood, had previously said it was content to wait for the June deadline by which the generals had pledged to turn over power.• The Muslim Brotherhood, which dominates the new parliament, has called for the Egypt's military rulers to cede power immediately, the New York Times reports. The Brotherhood, had previously said it was content to wait for the June deadline by which the generals had pledged to turn over power.
BahrainBahrain
• Bahrain should stop prosecuting "all persons accused of offences involving political expression," US chief human rights envoy said, the LA Times reports. Assistant secretary of state Michael Posner expressed concerns about police using excessive force, including "widespread and sometimes indiscriminate use of tear gas." But he also condemned protesters for attacking police with Molotov cocktails and urged them to eschew violence next week, the one-year anniversary of the protests.• Bahrain should stop prosecuting "all persons accused of offences involving political expression," US chief human rights envoy said, the LA Times reports. Assistant secretary of state Michael Posner expressed concerns about police using excessive force, including "widespread and sometimes indiscriminate use of tear gas." But he also condemned protesters for attacking police with Molotov cocktails and urged them to eschew violence next week, the one-year anniversary of the protests.