BEIRUT, Feb 6, 2012 (AFP) -Syrian forces launched a fresh bombardment of powderkeg city Homs at dawn on Monday, causing an unknown number of casualties, activists and correspondents said.
Arabic satellite channels broadcast images from Homs which showed plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, as calls to prayer went out from mosques across the battered central city.
A resident of Homs interviewed by Doha-based Al-Jazeera channel said the shelling began at around 6:00 am (0400 GMT).
"It is horrible right here," said the resident. "Rockets are falling. There are massive explosions that shook buildings. We don't know really what to do."
Opposition groups and activists reported a "massacre" overnight Friday in Homs, saying more than 200 civilians were killed during a heavy bombardment by regime forces who they said fired tank shells, nail bombs and mortars.
On Sunday, activists reported more shelling in the city, with at least 23 civilians killed.