Arab league observers in Syria have been dispatched to the city of Homs where new violence took at least 34 lives since Monday. Troops loyal to President Bashar Al-Asad were reported to have used point-blank tank fire against civilians in the city that has featured prominently in the anti-government unrest that began nine months ago. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the army pulled its artillery back as the Arab League contingent neared Homs. Al-Asad is accused of increasing the level of violence since he signed the agreement with the Arab League to end his siege. According to the United Nations, more than 5,000 people have died since unrest began. Doubts that Al-Asad will honor the Arab League agreement persist.