A column of thick black smoke could be seen darkening the sky over Homs -- the frontline for the Syrian government's crackdown on opposition groups. This video posted to a social media website that Reuters cannot independently verify show streets littered with debris and buildings pockmarked with bullet holes.<br/> At this makeshift hospital, medics say they are treating civilians targeted by President Bashar al-Assad's forces. The government denies the claim, insisting the military has come under attack by armed gangs.<br/> The clashes have overshadowed local elections taking place throughout the country. Activists have derided the vote as irrelevant in light of the unrest that has gripped Syria for months.<br/> Mounting international concern about the turmoil in Syria is being compounded by the U.S. troop withdrawal in neighboring Iraq. Many fear a possible power vacuum could embolden Assad.<br/> Meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Washington, President Obama acknowledged differing views regarding Syria.<br/> SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama saying: We may disagree tactically believe that international pressure, reflected by sanctions<br/> Damascus has downplayed the anti-government protests in Syria and claims foreign powers and not Syrians are driving the unrest.<br/> Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
