Syrian security forces have launched new raids in the flashpoint Homs region.

Activists and residents say heavy shelling could be heard in the central district Saturday as government forces in armored vehicles moved into the area.

The apparent crackdown on dissent comes a day after activists said security forces killed at least 40 people as anti-government protesters rallied across the country. They said most of the deaths occurred in the Homs and Hama regions.

Meanwhile, Arab League ministers have announced plans to meet with Syrian officials on Sunday to discuss ways to end the deadly violence from anti-government protests.

The group announced the upcoming meeting in Qatar Friday as its senior ministers sent an urgent message to President Bashar al-Assad to stop the crackdown on opposition protests.

President Assad has been facing growing international condemnation for his crackdown. The United Nations says the death toll from seven months of anti-government protests has topped 3,000.

Opposition activists had urged protesters to rally Friday for a “no fly” zone. The activists made the call on social media sites, saying the flight restrictions are needed to help protect civilians from government forces.