The Syrian army launched another attack in the cities of Homs and Hama with the death toll at least 40 people. Syrian human rights activists said the attack by security forces had taken place since Thursday (26/01). The people of Syria continue to carry out demonstrations to demand the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad.
The worst violence was reported in Homs and video footage published on the internet by activists included showing the bodies of five young children and five women of various ages.
The UK-based human rights watchdog said the attack on the city of Hama had been going on since Friday morning using heavy weapons and heard loud explosions.
In a separate development, a UNICEF report issued on Friday (27/1) said at least 384 children died in violence during the 10 months since the protests against the Damascus government took place.
"As of January 7, 384 children have died and most of them are boys," said Rima Saleh, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, as quoted by the AFP news agency.
UNICEF also said 380 children were detained and some were under the age of 14.
The BBC's Damascus correspondent, Jeremy Bowen, reports that the government led by President Bashar al-Assad appears to be losing control of several areas in the capital.
The resistance groups have set up checkpoints in the Douma and Saqba areas and they can move freely there.
In Saqba, thousands attended the funeral of an anti-government protester who died on Thursday.
A number of mourners squealed, "It is better to die than be humiliated."
The UN Security Council will hold a meeting to discuss the resolution on Syria and a Twitter message from the French Embassy to the United Nations saying the session will be closed.
Russia has said it will consider what it calls a "constructive proposal" to end violence but oppose foreign sanctions and intervention in Syria.
In October, Russia and China vetoed a draft EU-proposed resolution threatening to take "measured steps" on Syria. (Mel / BBC). *
