Syrian security forces fired on funeral processions as at least 12 people were killed across Syria today, activists said.

As the nine-month-old revolt against President Bashar Assad's regime continued, they also reported clashes between soldiers and army defectors.

Many of the dead were in Homs, the epicentre of the revolt.

Meanwhile France warned a major attack by Syrian forces against Homs may be in the offing and urged the international community to "save the Syrian people".

A statement by the French Foreign Ministry said France is "deeply concerned" by information that a major military operation is being planned against Homs.

The ministry warned Syrian authorities that they will be held responsible "for all actions against the population and the consequences such an operation against Homs could have".

It said "the entire international community must mobilise to save the Syrian people".

Despite the bloodshed, Mr Assad has refused to halt the crackdown. The United Nations estimates more than 4,000 people have been killed in the military assault on dissent since March.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Co-ordinating Committees collected details of today's bloodshed using a network of sources on the ground.