Syrian forces shell Homs, Damascus

Syrian government forces yesterday shelled rebel bastions in Homs and Damascus, despite opposition pleas for help and a UN warning that such bombardments amounted to crimes against humanity.

Dozens were reportedly killed in the latest violence a day before Major General Robert Mood (today) briefs the UN Security Council following the suspension of his UN observer mission’s operations in Syria.

“Shelling and shooting renewed in Homs city, with explosions heard in the Khaldiyeh neighbourhood,” said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which put yesterday’s toll for people killed across the country at 52.

In the southern province of Daraa, cradle of a revolt against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule that erupted in March 2011, the town of Tafas was under siege and shelling by regime troops, the rebel Free Syrian Army said.

“The regular army was able to break into the town from the southern entrance, where they launched a campaign of raids, but did not penetrate the whole town,” said FSA spokesman Louay Rashdan.

“The FSA fighters are still resisting,” with the help of young fighters from nearby towns, Rashdan said.

UN rights chief Navi Pillay demanded the immediate cessation of bombardments of populated areas, warning such violence amounted to crimes against humanity.

“The government of Syria should immediately cease the use of heavy armaments and shelling of populated areas, as such actions amount to crimes against humanity and possible war crimes,” she told the Human Rights Council.

The Observatory said yesterday that a blast killed seven people, including two rebel commanders, at Mohassan in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. Clashes and shelling persisted in several areas of Damascus province, including the towns of Douma and Qudsaya which have been under regime bombardment for the past five days.

Speaking to AFP via Skype, an anti-regime activist who identified himself as Mahmoud Doumani said there was much “destruction in Douma” and that the “situation is very sad.”

“The army has escalated its operations in Douma in recent days,” Mr Doumani said.

“Regime forces have destroyed homes, farms and many mosques over the past week. But in the past couple of days, in the absence of the UN monitors, attacks on Douma have become even worse than before.”

The UN observers were severely restricted in their movements, Mr Doumani said, “but at least there was some kind of plan. Now the Syrian army is operating without any obstacles whatsoever. This is very dangerous for us.”

Meanwhile, Russia said it is preparing to send two amphibious assault ships to the Syrian port of Tartus where Moscow has a strategic naval base to ensure the safety of its citizens.