Syria forces attack Homs as Annan says civilians trapped

Syrian government forces have renewed their attack on the city of Homs, one of the focal points of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Video published on the internet purportedly from Homs appeared to show intermittent shelling and black smoke.

Syrian government forces have renewed their attack on the city of Homs, one of the focal points of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. Video published on the internet purportedly from Homs appeared to show intermittent shelling and black smoke. International mediator Kofi Annan expressed concern about the shelling in Homs and reports of an attack on the town of al-Haffa, in Latakia province. His spokesman said civilians were trapped in both places. Mr Annan had demanded that UN military observers be allowed immediate entry to al-Haffa, Ahmad Fawzi said in a statement. As joint envoy for the UN and the Arab League, Mr Annan brokered a six-point peace plan, including a ceasefire which came into nominal effect two months ago but has now been virtually abandoned.