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The United States has closed down its embassy in Syria and pulled all of its staff out of the country.

The move comes amid reports that the Syrian government forces have intensified their attacks on the city of Homs.

The UK also announced on Monday it would recall its ambassador to Syria for what it called consultations.

The reports on Tuesday also said that the attack on the city Homs is continuing.

Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed since government troops began attacking opposition strongholds.

Russia and China, have faced international criticism after vetoing a UN resolution that backed an Arab League peace plan for Syria.

Meanwhile, the US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland has said Russia could use the opportunity to clarify for the regime in Syria that it is isolated.

"Our hope and expectation is that foreign minister Lavrov will use this opportunity to make absolutely clear to the Assad regime how isolated it is and to encourage Assad and his people to make use of the Arab League plan and provide for a transition," Nuland has said.

Violence has recently increased in Syria and there have been reports of dozens killed in the recent days.