The U.N. has demanded immediate access to a number of areas amid heavy clashes between rebels and Syrian troops. A spokesperson for special enjoy Kofi Annan said civilians in Haffeh are particularly at risk.

Ahmad Fawzi: “Mr. Annan is particularly worried about the recent shelling in Homs as well as reports of the use of mortar, helicopters and tanks in the town of al-Haffeh in Latakia. There are indications that a large number of civilians are trapped in these towns. Mr. Annan demands that the parties take all steps to ensure that civilians are not harmed, and he also further demands the entry of the U.N. military observers into the town of al-Haffeh immediately.”