Syria's city of Homs under attack from government forces - according to amateur video uploaded to the Internet.<br/> <br />Scenes like this have prompted a stark warning from international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi that the Syrian crisis is worsening.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"This is an extremely dangerous situation and it is getting worse. It is posing a threat to the Syrian people and the region and even to the whole world."<br/> <br />The veteran Algerian diplomat added in English however that he was still hopeful for change, despite the difficulties involved.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI , SAYING:<br/> <br />"This kind of mission needs to be undertaken. I am not undertaking it because I am looking for a quick success of myself. I have undertaken it because I am very hopeful that I will be able to help - however little - the people of Syria."<br/> <br />Brahimi was speaking in Damascus following his first meeting with President Bashar al-Assad since he replaced Kofi Annan as peace enyoy earlier this month.<br/> <br />The new mediator said Assad and his officials had pledged to support his work, and said he would return after talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.<br/> <br />Activists say more than 27,000 people have been killed in the 18-month conflict between Assad's forces and rebels.
