Syrian fighters ride a tank across what is said to be Houla, Syria.

Local social media network Shaam News says the footage shows Free Syrian Army taking control of the town.

Reuters cannot verify the authenticity of the videos, which purportedly capture government strikes north of Homs.

And the destruction left behind.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNNAMED SYRIAN MAN, SAYING:

"They targeted civilian houses with MIG aircraft, and with tanks and mortars. This missile was made in Russia. And this is one of the mosques targeted by planes and tanks."

The civil war between President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebel fighters has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced many to flee to neighbouring countries.