The U.N. is warning of new dangers to Syrian civilians as the regime of President Bashar al-Assad escalates attacks on embattled areas and Syrian rebels target government forces and infrastructure. U.N. observers have witnessed Syrian forces attacking towns with a new display of air power as well as Syrian rebels intensifying operations against government targets. A spokesperson for the U.N. observer mission in Syria said civilians are increasingly trapped in the crossfire.

Sausan Ghosheh: “They reported the use of heavy artillery and mortar shellings as well as firing from helicopters, machine guns and small arms. In Talbiseh, also U.N. observers reported that the Free Syrian Army captured members, soldiers from the Syrian army. The impact of the heavy artillery shelling and machine gun firing was also heard and seen from over Khalidiya and the city center. UNSMIS also received reports that a large number of civilians are trapped inside the town, and we’re trying to mediate their evacuation to a safe place.”