Tag Archives: Syria

Syrian forces continued their artillery barrage in Homs, killing more that 80 people, including a US journalist and a French photographer. Saudi King Abdullah told Russian President Medvedev that any further dialogue about the Syrian crisis would be fruitless. Russia, China, and Iran reaffirmed their support for Syria.

Iranian warships reached the Syrian port of Tartus. Syria’s military sent reinforcements toward Homs. China accused the West of provoking a civil war. The Red Cross attempted to negotiate a cease fire.

Opposition protests began in Damascus; government security forces fired on the crowd, and security forces spread out across the city to prevent further protests. China urged an end to the violence. Egypt recalled its ambassador.

The Syrian army launched an attack on the city of Hama. For the first time since the uprising began, Syrian army units occupied an area within Damascus. President Assad said a referendum on the draft constitution will be held Feb. 26.

The Syrian army continued shelling of Homs, “the heaviest in five days.” The Syrian army also attacked opponents in several other cities. Arab League members might start arming opponents. China said it would not protect any party, including the Syrian government.

Syrian army attacks continued in Homs. Opposition forces repelled an attack on Rastan. The Arab League recognized the opposition, and also proposed a joint Arab League-UN peacekeeping mission. Syria and Russia rejected the proposal.

Gunmen ambushed and killed a Syrian general inside Damascus, the first such attack in the capital. Syrian army forces launched new tank and rocket attacks on the city of Homs. Saudi Arabia began circulating a new peace resolution, one week after a similar resolution failed in the UN.