Ahead of the Security Council vote on Arab call for President Bashar al-Assad to quit, Syrian forces bombarded protesting people in Homs city killing more than 200 persons and destroying hundreds of houses today.

Independent groups and opposition leaders said the death toll could vary from 217 to 260 and the toll may go up further.

This is the deadliest of the attack of Syrian forces on their people after protests began in Syria 11 months ago seeking President Assad to step down. Uprisings in the Arab world have thrown out three Arab leaders till now and if Assad steps down it could be the fourth regime to fall.

After the news of killing broke out, Syrians in Egypt, Britain, Germany and the United States came on to the roads and held rallies out side the Syrian embassies.

Reports said violence broke out in the city of Homs after some army personnel defected to the side of protestors. (JUBS)