Shelling continues in Homs

By Martin Fell

The Syrian government has continued attacking the city of Homs. The offensive is five days old and residents in the area claim scores of people have been killed.

President Bashar al-Assad has shown unwaivering determination to crush the popular rebellion despite widespread condemnation from the majority of western nations.

Activists believe the new wave of attacks has killed an additional 40 people.

Speaking to the BBC, a resident from the city said: "Every house here in Baba Amr is a target.

"You have to be lucky to survive."

Russia and China have been criticised for vetoing a UN resolution condemning the action that the Syrian regime is taking to subdue its population.

The Syrian government has blamed the attacks on a surge in terrorism in the region.

However, the European Union is preparing tougher sanctions against the regime and is even contemplating banning all commercial air flights to and from the region.

Freezing banking assets is another option on the table as the EU vies to stem the rising tide of violence.