Syrian rebels launch offensive

UPSOUND ROCKET BEING FIRED

This amateur video, which could not be independently verified, reportedly shows anti-government forces launching an attack on Monday.

The escalating battle here in Homs follows President Bashar al-Assad's decision to target the nation's commercial hub of Aleppo, where fighting and street warfare remains fierce.

UPSOT STATE TV

In Damascus, Syrian state tv reports the government had raided numerous "terrorist strongholds" across the capital, killing and arresting an unknown number of people.

The report says authorities had also found tunnels under homes in the Old City storing weapons and ammunition.

UPSOT REFUGEES

Caught in the crossfire are terrified Syrian civilians now seeking shelter in neighbouring Turkey.

Activists believe that more than 18,000 people have died in Syria since the uprising against Assad's government began in March 2011.