Tag Archives: Syria

Two car bombs targeting government buildings exploded in Syria’s second largest city, Aleppo, killing 28. Tanks entered the city of Homs. The head of Iran’s Quds Force visited Syria to advise the regime on suppressing the protests.

The Syrian army intensified its artillery bombardment of Homs, causing widespread casualties. Russia said Syria was not bombarding Homs or other urban areas. The opposition claimed Syria’s military is stockpiling chemical weapons near Homs. China met with the Syrian opposition for the first time.

Heavy shelling continued for the fifth day in the city of Homs; up to 100 people have been killed in the last 24 hours as tanks enter the city. The EU reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Syria’s central bank.

Following similar action by the US, Britain, and Belgium, Italy and France recalled their ambassadors to Syria. Six Gulf nations recalled their ambassadors and asked the Arab League to “take decisive action.” Russia criticized the actions and sent a delegation to Syria. Turkey started a new initiative after the failure of the UN resolution.

China and Russia defended their veto of the UN resolution on Syria. The US, France, Saudi Arabia, and Russia planned their next course of action. The US closed its embassy in Syria due to security concerns. The Syrian army resumed heavy shelling of Homs. Syrian army defectors formed a high-level military council.

Arab nations, Turkey, Britain, and the US criticized the veto by Russia and China of the UN’s Syria resolution. A senior Syrian army defector said the Syrian Army was close to collapse.

Russia and China vetoed the UN resolution on Syria. Government forces killed 260 people in a major assault on the city of Homs. The Arab League called on all Arab countries to sever diplomatic relations with Syria. Protesters in Kuwait attacked the Syrian embassy.

The Syrian army attacked opponents in a suburb of Damascus. After heavy fighting, Free Syrian Army rebels withdrew from the area. Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council urged Syria to accept the Arab League peace plan. The Arab League sought support from China and Russia.

Escalating violence caused the Arab League to suspend its observer mission. The leader of Hamas left his offices in Damascus. The UN Security Council debated a draft resolution calling for the ouster of President Assad.