Syrian government is 'pounding rebel stronghold'

Syrian government forces are pounding a rebel stronghold with mortar fire, activists said today, violating a week-old ceasefire the international community is reluctant to declare dead despite ongoing violence.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the regime has resumed its attack on the city of Homs, battered by artillery for weeks.

The truce is part of an international plan to launch talks between president Bashar Assad and opponents trying to topple him. It took effect a week ago, but Syrian forces have continued attacks after a brief lull on the first day of the ceasefire.

A small UN observer team is in Syria, but UN chief Ban Ki-moon wants a larger mission of at least 250 members backed up by planes and helicopters.