UN blames Syrian forces for shelling Houla

The U.N. Security Council has blamed Syrian government forces for artillery and tank shelling of residential areas in the town of Houla and it is strongly condemning the killing of dozens of civilians.

The council said in a press statement issued after an emergency meeting Sunday afternoon that it also "condemned the killing of civilians by shooting at close range and by severe physical abuse" in Houla. It did not say who was responsible for the close-range attacks. The U.N. says at least 108 people, including 49 children and 34 women, died in Friday's attacks in Houla.

The council statement says the "outrageous use of force" against civilians violated international law and Syrian government commitments under Security Council resolutions to cease violence, including the use of heavy weapons in populated areas.