Air strikes in Syria

(Vatican Radio) Syrian fighter jets have struck rebel positions around the city of Homs as the international envoy appointed to try to resolve the crisis prepares to hold talks in China.

Two rebel fighters were killed and 10 wounded on Tuesday near Homs, where fighters have besieged a compound guarding a tank maintenance facility, opposition activists said.

The attacks came as Lakhdar Brahimi, the envoy appointed by the Arab League and United Nations, arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, part of an attempt to secure support from Syria's allies before a visit to the UN Security Council next month.

The opposition claims at least 32,000 people have been killed since the uprising against Assad's rule began in March last year. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to neighbouring countries.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report: