Escalating violence in Syria forces 300 UN observers to suspend operations amidst a failing peace plan brokered by Kofi Annan.
The bloodshed is threatening unarmed observers. The UN was fired upon four days ago while observers tried to carrying out their mandate to monitor Mr Annan’s 12 April ceasefire declaration.
“This escalation is limiting our ability to observe, verify, report as well as assist in local dialogue and stability projects – basically impeding our ability to carry out our mandate,” the UN said in statement.
“The lack of willingness by the parties to seek a peaceful transition, and the push towards advancing military positions is increasing the losses on both sides: innocent civilians, men women and children are being killed every day. It is also posing significant risks to our observers.”
The UN Security Council is to be briefed on Monday on Damascus, which the head of UN peacekeeping said this week was in the throes of full-scale civil war.
The council is expected to discuss Syria on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Mexico on Monday hoping to break the deadlock on international sanctions against Syria.
The violence posed “significant risks” to the unarmed members of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria operating since late April, the UN said.
“This suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis. Operations will resume when we see the situation fit for us to carry out our mandated activities.”
“UNSMIS is committed to the people of Syria. We stand ready to work with all parties to assist in bringing an end to the violence and promote political dialogue. A return to normal operations remains our objective,” the UN said.
The shots on Tuesday were fired at a car carrying UN observers after they were turned away from the town of Haffeh by angry government supporters who threw stones and metal rods at their convoy.
Many hundreds of people, including civilians, rebels and government forces, have been killed since Mr Annan’s ceasefire deal was supposed to come into effect.
“There has been heavy shelling in Homs since early morning,” a local activist who declined to be named said by Skype.
Syria restricts access to international media, making it hard to verify accounts by activists and authorities.