Syrian tanks attack convoy carrying head of UN observer mission

This image made from amateur video released by the Ugarit News and accessed Monday, July 30, 2012, purports to show Free Syrian Army soldiers standing near a military tank in Anadan 16 kilometres from Aleppo, Syria. (AP /Ugarit News via AP video)

Syrian tanks attacked a convoy carrying the head of the UN observer mission, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday. He again told the government to halt its violent crackdown on those fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad's regime.

"Yesterday, the convoy of Lt. Gen. Babacar Gaye was attacked by armed tanks. Fortunately, there were no injuries," Ban told reporters. He said a dozen armoured vehicles used by the observers have been destroyed by blasts and shelling.

The UN observer mission's latest 30-day mandate is due to expire in August. The mission has largely been sidelined by the violence.

"It's important, again, that the Syrian government must fully co-operate with the UN mission and must cease these violent measures. We are deeply concerned that they are using all kinds of heavy equipment, including military airplanes, attack helicopters and heavy weaponry," Ban said. "This is an unacceptable situation. Every day, more than 100 people are being killed."

Turning to fears of a wider Middle East war, Ban said, "A sectarian civil war would also gravely imperil Syria's neighbours." They are Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.

"As many as 2 million people are affected by violence. More fighting is not the answer," Ban said.

Syria recently acknowledged for the first time that it possesses chemical weapons but said it would only use them if the country came under foreign attack.

"The use of these arms is prohibited under international law. Any use of such weapons would be an outrageous crime and a major concern for the entire international community," Ban said.

The UN Security Council has been stalemated with Russia and China vetoes of Western and Arab attempts to impose sanctions on Assad's government.

Saudi Arabia is circulating a draft General Assembly resolution demanding an end to the violence in Syria, backing political dialogue and transition and calling for Syria's chemical weapons to be held secure.

However, General Assembly resolutions are not enforceable by sanctions or military intervention. No date has been set for the introduction of the Saudi Arabia-sponsored, Arab-backed draft resolution.