The onslaught in the Syrian city of Homs has prompted Turkey to call for an international conference.
Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, said on Wednesday that if the UN cannot protect Syrian civilians, then like-minded countries need to find another way.
Syrian government forces have been shelling Homs for a fifth day, with the district of Bab Amr being the main target.
Activists said three families were killed by armed men loyal to the Syrian government who stormed their homes overnight.
Troops have also targeted the residential areas of Al Inshaat and Al Khalidia.
Al Jazeera's Omar al Saleh reports on events in Homs.
