Torn to Pieces? 'Syria military intervention around corner'

12 people have reportedly been killed in clashes in Syria as the Arab League's ultimatum against the country's leadership expires later on Saturday. Earlier this week the Cairo-based body suspended the country and promised tougher action if President Bashar al-Assad fails to end the violence. Pressure on the Arab country has been mounting throughout the week with France insisting it's now too late for the regime to try and save itself through reforms. The UK has officially begun talks with the Syrian opposition with critics saying this mirrors the build up to the operation in Libya. However, Russia believes the situation is being dramatised by foreign parties, and stressed that opposition groups should also to lay down their arms. Turkey and Jordan announced plans to establish two buffer zones for refugees on Syrian territory - a move War Correspondent Eric Margolis thinks signals the start of outside intervention.

New violence comes a day after Syria agreed to allow Arab observers into the country to oversee a peace plan proposed by the Arab League. The deadline for Damascus to put an end to the violence expires at 2200 GMT on Saturday.

Meanwhile the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees claim the regime’s latest attacks on opposition occurred early Saturday, a day after 15 civilians, including two children, had reportedly  been  killed by government forces.

Syria's decision to accept observers came on Friday after surprisingly heavy pressure from

the Arab League, which brokered the plan. Earlier this week LAS suspended Syria from the 22-member organization for failing to end the crackdown.

Pressure on the Arab country has been mounting throughout the week with France insisting it's now too late for the regime to try and save itself through reforms.

However, Russia believes the situation is being dramatized by foreign parties, and stressed that opposition groups should also lay down their arms. Source