Syria
SyriaIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Forces loyal to Syrian strongman Bashar Assad renewed their attack on the city of Homs Monday. At least 50 people have died since morning, according to reports from the city in western Syria.

The Syrian opposition says Syrian Air Force combat helicopters have been firing missiles at targets in the city. Ground forces have been firing tank shells and mortar rounds at various locations in the city as well.

The main thrust of the military offensive is aimed at the Baba Amar neighborhood.

Simultaneously, the town of Zabadani on the outskirts of Damascus is being pummeled by Assad's forces. Arab television networks are broadcasting live coverage of the attacks on Homs and Zabadani.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Sunday that her country and its allies would be advancing meaningful sanctions against Syria despite a U.N. Security Council veto cast by Russia and China against such sanctions.