UN monitors shot at on way to massacre site

UN observers yesterday came under fire as they tried to reach the site of the latest reported mass killing in Syria — about 80 people, including women and children who were shot or stabbed. The deaths added urgency to diplomatic efforts to end the escalating bloodshed.

As reports emerged of what would be the fourth such mass slaying of civilians in Syria in the last two weeks, the US condemned president Bashar al-Assad, saying he has “doubled down on his brutality and duplicity”.

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said monitors were initially denied access to the scene in central Hama and “were shot at with small arms” while trying to get there.