As smoke rises above the skyline, amateur video shows the Syrian city of Homs under gunfire and shelling.<br/> The video - which could not be independently verified by Reuters - was uploaded on a social media website.<br/> Clashes between troops and suspected deserters have become frequent in recent weeks in Homs.<br/> Activists blame militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad for dozens of killings - which include local officials and university staff.<br/> In Idleb, in northwestern Syria - more amateur video showed men and women taking to the streets in large-scale day and night time protests.<br/> Reuters could not confirm where the demonstrations took place.<br/> The UN has said 2,900 people have been killed in Assad's response to mostly peaceful protests against his rule.<br/> Syria says it faces foreign-backed terrorist groups who have killed 1,100 soldiers and security personnel.<br/> Sarah Irwin, Reuters.
