Syrian tanks pound Homs after army defections

Amman: Syrian tanks pounded an old district in Homs on Saturday in one of the heaviest barrages since the military intensified an assault on the central city two weeks ago to crush protests and a nascent insurgency, residents said.

Several army deserters took refuge in the district of Bab Amro the day before, adding to hundreds who had already defected, they said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said initial reports indicated that one person was killed and at least five injured in the attack.