Assad forces continue bombardment of rebel areas

Syrian opposition activists have accused forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad of bombarding rebel areas, as a UN mission was expected to arrive in Damascus in a first step in the implementation of an international peace plan.

Activists said at least 80 people have been killed since Tuesday despite the imminent arrival of the advance team from the UN peacekeeping department.

The advance mission is part of the latest international effort to end a year of bloodshed.