Syrian forces continue to shell the besieged city of Homs despite pleas to allow the free exit of trapped civilians. Speaking at the United Nations, Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco urged the regime of Bashar al-Assad to stop attacks on civilian areas like Homs.

Oscar Fernandez-Taranco: “The situation in Homs is particularly alarming. The tragic human suffering resulting from the escalating conflict calls for urgent and concerted efforts to avoid a full-scale civil war. Time is running out. The secretary-general has repeatedly underscored that the government of Syria bares the prime responsibility to change course and fully implement the six-point plan. Shelling and firing against population centers by government forces, including tanks and helicopters, must stop immediately.”