Smoke and the burnt out shells of cars activists say were destroyed by government shelling in Homs. Video posted to a social media website which Reuters cannot independently verify purported to show violent eruptions throughout Syria.

Protests against President Bashar al-Assad in Douma, amid reports that rebel fighters in the eastern part of the country were forced to flee after a punishing attack by the military.

In a separate blow to their cause, a respected human rights group is accusing opposition groups of committing torture and arbitrary executions during the 12-month uprising.

Despite strong international concern about ending the bloodshed, consensus on whether it should take the form of arming rebels, direct military action or sanctions has been more difficult.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.