Syrian rights activists and witnesses say government forces have intensified attacks on the opposition protest hub of Homs, killing at least 20 people. This, ahead of an expected visit by Arab League monitors to the besieged city.
The activists and witnesses say the Baba Amr district of Homs came under heavy shelling and gunfire from forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday. Amateur video posted on YouTube shows several bodies lying in pools of blood in front of a house apparently struck by a shell. Another video appears to show tanks prowling the streets of the district.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Syrian security forces also opened fire on a protest in neighboring Hama province, killing three people.
A group of about 50 Arab League observers was due to arrive in Syria later Monday to monitor compliance with a league plan to end the government's violent suppression of a nine-month uprising against Mr. Assad's 11-year autocratic rule. A small advance team of observers already has arrived in Damascus in recent days, led by Sudanese General Mustafa Dabi.
Arab League officials say the observer mission will begin its work on Tuesday.
But, Syrian rights activists and the main opposition Syrian National Council say the monitors must go to Homs immediately to verify government commitments to withdraw security forces and start a dialogue with protesters. Mr. Assad has shown no sign of implementing those pledges.
France also called for the observers to visit Homs on Monday.
Activists say hundreds of people have been killed this month in attacks by Syrian security forces on civilians and in fighting between pro-Assad troops and army defectors. It is not possible to confirm casualty figures independently because Syria bars foreign journalists from operating freely.
Syria agreed to the Arab League plan under international pressure and threats of Arab sanctions. The plan requires Mr. Assad to give the monitors freedom of movement everywhere except sensitive military sites. Members of the team say they will avoid disclosing their travel plans in advance in order to maintain the element of surprise.
Syrian opposition activists have called on the observers to abandon the mission if the government blocks access to centers of anti-Assad protest such as Homs.
The United Nations estimates 5,000 people have been killed in violence linked to the uprising since it began in March. Syria says “armed terrorists” are driving the revolt and accuses them of killing 2,000 security personnel during that period.
