RIA Novosti photos show the ruined Syrian city of Homs after street fighting.
The Syria crisis and how to resolve it have been discussed by the G20 at its summit in St. Petersburg. The possibility of outside intervention in the conflict has increased since August 21, when media reports claimed the Syrian government had launched a large-scale chemical attack near Damascus. The Syrian authorities rejected the allegations, claiming rebel forces were responsible for using the weapons.
Photo: A view from a high-rise in downtown Homs
Photo: A view from a high-rise in downtown Homs
After regaining the city of Homs from rebels, forces loyal to the Syrian leader, Bashar Assad, are preparing for new attacks to be launched - this time, by the West.
Photo: A government soldier inside an APC during clashes with militants in downtown Homs.
Photo: A government soldier inside an APC during clashes with militants in downtown Homs.
Government troops look at the ruins of Homs following their entry into the city.
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© RIA Novosti . Andrei Stenin
After the military “mopped up” certain areas in Homs, civilians – mostly Christians like the girl and her father in this photograph – started going back to their homes.
Only ruins remain where residential buildings once stood in the suburbs of Homs.
A government soldier in a house in downtown Homs.
A Damascus residential building damaged by mortar shells.
Men pushing a car aside to clear a route for fire engines.
Syrian troops seek to move from position to position as often as they can to avoid coming under sniper fire.
Troops exercising in a yard in downtown Homs.
A government soldier in a school chemistry laboratory retaken from rebels in downtown Homs, where militants reportedly stuffed old artillery shells with chemicals.
These obstacles serve as cover from sniper fire and militants’ attacks in Homs.
Working stores can still be found in downtown Homs.
Local residents at the entrance to their home in Homs.
