Footage Shows Dramatic Syrian Tank Attack

Dramatic new footage has emerged showing tense fighting between security forces and protesters in the Syrian city of Homs.

Amateur recordings show tanks and other armoured vehicles being flanked by a large number of soldiers.

In the distance, protesters can be seen crouching behind small, crumbling walls. Some of them are attempting to film the events.

The footage comes just two days after Syrian president Bashar al Assad claimed he was not giving orders to attack his own people.

Speaking in the country's capital Damascus, Mr Assad told ABC News' Barbara Walters that he did his "best to protect the people" and that he gave "no command to kill or to be brutal".

Violence in the area was reported to have continued into Friday, with activists saying that 14 people were killed when soldiers opened fire.

Four children were among the dead, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told reporters.

The Syrian government is desperately trying to quell protests which have now lasted over nine months.

Homs has been a focus of the violence. Sky's Stuart Ramsey spent four days in the area, describing daily life as being "ripped apart by daily battles".

Activists are demanding the ousting of Mr Assad, whose family has ruled Syria for more than 40 years.

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