The Syrian army is shelling the eastern city of Deir al-Zour for a second day, as regional pressure mounts on President Bashar al-Assad. Activists and residents said explosions and gunfire resumed early today, and that troops backed by tanks had re-entered the city's eastern side. The Local Co-ordination Committees, an activist group that documents and organises protests, said machine-gun and artillery fire could once again be heard in Deir al-Zour. At least 50 people died yesterday after the army launched a pre-dawn assault. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah said the violence against civilian protesters in Syria was unacceptable. He said if Mr Assad's government had to implement real reforms it stopped what he called the death machine before it was too late. Turkey and the Arab League earlier made similar appeals while Jordan has called for dialogue between the government and protesters. Human rights activists say at least 1,700 civilians have been killed and tens of thousands arrested since the uprising began in mid-March. More than 300 people are believed to have died in the past week alone.