Syrian activists blamed pro-government militiamen for the latest killing of civilians in the city of Homs. At least a dozen people, including children, were killed, state media confirmed, saying instead that the perpetrators were "armed terrorists."

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 12 people were killed, but the Local Coordination Committee had a much higher figure – 45, according to The Associated Press.

The AP quoted the LCC and the Observatory as saying:

the attack was carried out by gunmen known as "shabiha" who have been playing a major role in crushing the year-old uprising.The Observatory called on the United Nations to form an independent investigative committee to find "those committing massacres and have them face justice."

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