Fierce fighting is reported between men loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebels, raising questions about the potency of a U.N.-brokered peace plan.

UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is due to hold talks with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad as he embarks on a peace mission to Damascus.

Syria’s deputy oil minister says he is resigning and joining the anti-government revolt, denouncing President Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown as “brutal”.

As Syria's indiscriminate crackdown continues, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice made clear on CNN that the U.S. has lost patience with President Bashar al-Assad.

America has warned Russia that giving its full backing to Syria’s President Bashar al Assad is a “recipe for failure”.

The Syrian government’s computer system has reportedly been hacked, to reveal private memos, documents and emails apparently advising President Bashar al Assad on how to tackle reactions to his crackdown on protesters.

The Syrian city of Homs remains under siege as the crackdown on opponents to President Bashar al Assad enters a fourth day.

The UN Security Council is considering a draft resolution against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, amid an upsurge in violence.