Straight after the attack, hundreds of people began to protest against President Bashar al-Assad, according to activists, as some blamed the regime for the attack.
The UN observers are trying to shore up a shakey ceasefire in Syria as part of a political solution to the conflict that has killed more than 9,000 people.
Government troops reportedly opened fire on the streets of Hamas, killing dozens and raising fears the regime is targeting opponents emboldened to protest by the UN monitors.
The UN-brokered cease-fire appears to be quickly unraveling despite the presence of foreign observers, as government troops launched another day of attacks on Homs.
The reported bombardment came as the UN prepared to vote on a resolution authorising the deployment of the first wave of military observers to monitor the ceasefire.
The Guardian has today published details from thousands of emails it reports were sent and received by the embattled president Bashar Assad and his wife in recent months.
Abdo Hussameldin announced he was defecting in a YouTube video, making him the first high ranking official to abandon the Assad regime since the uprising began a year ago this month.
The military crackdown has turned to southern Daraa province, where the uprising began a year ago as pro-Assad troops shelled a village there and clashed with military defectors.
Nine things you should know this morning, including: Central Bank warning, Taoiseach vows a “one-off” vote on fiscal compact, and a chicken nugget that fetched $8,100 on eBay.
INDEPENDENT TD MICK Wallace is to file a complaint about the Minister for Justice’s use of information on RTÉ’s Prime Time last week.
Alan Shatter said on live television that the Wexford deputy benefited from garda discretion when he was cautioned for using a mobile phone – but not given penalty points. Wallace insists he is not aware of such an incident.
Shatter has stood by his remarks and he has also been backed by the Taoiseach who said that “people can’t have it both ways”. “You cannot be saying no discretion and at the same time availing of discretion.”
Labour Deputy Kevin Humphreys told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that he thought making the remarks was “poor judgement” on the minister’s part. He called on Shatter to explain how he received the information. Others have claimed the information could have been made public in a different manner, and not on live television without giving Wallace prior warning.
In today’s poll, we ask: Should Alan Shatter have made his comments about Mick Wallace on Prime Time?
Sunny intervals with a shower in places
Max: 16 °C
Min: 7 °C
Partial sunshine
Max: 15 °C
Min: 8 °C
