Syrian city of Hama 'cut off' amid fresh unrest
Syrian troops and tanks have reportedly advanced deep into the central city of Hama to put an end to weeks of anti-government protests.
Residents said tanks had reached Assi Square in the city centre, focus of mass rallies against President Bashar al-Assad.
There are reports of severe destruction and piles of bodies in the city.
After days of debate, the UN Security Council has agreed on the wording of a statement to condemn the violence.
The BBC's Jim Muir said communications to Hama have been lost, but that unverified footage appears to show Syrian military tanks are active in the city.
03 Aug 2011
- From the section Middle East