BEIRUT (TAP) - More than 200 people were killed in shelling by Syrian forces in the city of Homs, activists said on Saturday, ahead of a U.N. Security Council vote on a draft resolution backing an Arab call for President Bashar al-Assad to give up power.

Amid the surge in violence, the United States called for international solidarity against Assad, but Russia's foreign minister warned of a "scandal" if the draft came to a vote, suggesting Moscow would use its Security Council veto.

Death tolls cited by activists and opposition groups ranged from 217 to 260, making the Homs attack the deadliest so far in Assad's crackdown on protests which erupted 11 months ago, inspired by uprisings that overthrew three Arab leaders.

Residents said Syrian forces began shelling the Khalidiya neighbourhood at around 8 p.m. (1 p.m. EDT) on Friday using artillery and mortars. They said at least 36 houses were completely destroyed with families inside.