Renewed assault on Syria city of Homs At least 27 people were killed across Syria on Thursday, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. More than four people died in Homs, the city that is very much seen as the command post for the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. New amateur video, purportedly filmed on Thursday, is said to show the devastation caused by what activists say is the heaviest bombardment by government forces in recent months. Witnesses on the ground say the renewed shelling has left many neighbourhoods in ruins. UN observers reportedly attempted to visit Homs province earlier in the week even though their monitoring mission is currently suspended due to the level of ongoing violence. Their three month mandate ends on July 20. The head of mission wants the 300 strong team restructured to help support the political process rather than monitor a non-existent ceasefire. More about: France, Friends of Syria, Syria, Syrian politics, United Nations