Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces launched a major offensive today against rebels in Homs, a centre of the two-year uprising.
It is Mr Assad’s latest drive to secure an axis linking Damascus to the Mediterranean.
Activists said jets and mortars pounded rebel-held areas of the city which have been under siege by Mr Assad’s troops for a year, and soldiers fought battles with rebel fighters in several districts.
There were no immediate details on casualties but video uploaded by activists showed heavy explosions and white clouds of smoke rising from what they said were rebel districts.
Loud, concentrated rounds of gunfire could also be heard.