UN monitors in Damascus
SKY NEWS
The UN peacekeeping chief has said that Syria is now in a full-scale civil war with a "massive increase in the level of violence".
On being questioned on whether the situation in Syria warrants Civil War, Chief Herve Ladsous said: "Yes I think we can say that. Clearly what is happening is that the government of Syria lost some large chunks of territory, several cities to the opposition, and wants to retake control.
"There is a massive increase in the level of violence."
President Bashar al-Assad's military continues to battle opposition forces around the country, reports Sky News.
At least 36 people were killed today according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Regime forces rained fire on rebel positions in the north-western Latakia province, pounding the town of Al-Haffe for the eighth straight day as they appeared to be prepared to attack it.
Troops shelled rebel bastions in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, the northern province of Aleppo and several parts of the central province of Homs.
Angry crowds also blocked UN observers from reaching the rebel-held town of Haffa. They were met with gunfire and their vehicles were hurled with stones and metal rods - no one was injured.
The Red Cross has said the situation is deteriorating in several parts of Syria simultaneously making it impossible to respond to all humanitarian needs at once.
Latest figures suggest that at least 120 people have died in fighting in Al-Haffe over the past week, including 68 troops, 29 civilians and 23 rebels, with hundreds wounded.
Troops also stepped up attacks on the central city of Homs and its suburbs, pounding rebel positions.
Nationwide violence cost the lives of at least 111 people on Monday, including 79 civilians.
It is estimated that more than 14,100 people, most of them civilians, have been killed since the anti-regime revolt erupted in March 2011.
Hilary Clinton, US Secretary of State, has expressed concerns that Russia may send attack helicopters to Syria, which could fuel the tensions further.