ESCALATION

Syrian Violence ‘Extreme’ After U.N. Vote

Shelling of Homs, Damascus intensifies.

Violence has only escalated in Syria following the U.N. vote yesterday to back a plan calling for President Assad’s resignation. One opposition group told the BBC that shelling in Homs was the heaviest it’s been since troops stepped up their crack down nearly two weeks ago in attempt to break up the city’s rebel-backed Free Syrian Army. Rebels have also reported bombardment in Damascus and Deraa. Of the 137 member nations that participated in yesterday’s U.N. vote, Russia and China were among those that voted against the resolution, which called for Assad to hand over power to his deputy. The two countries had also vetoed a similar resolution two weeks ago. A senior Chinese envoy is scheduled to meet with President Assad, though the date of their meeting is not yet known.