Firing from helicopters marks ` ` a very serious situation , '' Nuland says . U.N.-Arab League envoy seeks protection of civilians , access for U.N. observers . The ruling Syrian National Council gives up its leadership . CNN can not independently confirm reports of casualties or violence in Syria , as the government has restricted access by international journalists . The Syrian regime blames an Al Qaeda - linked group for deadly attacks in Damascus .
Firing from helicopters marks ` ` a very serious situation , '' Nuland says . U.N.-Arab League envoy seeks protection of civilians , access for U.N. observers . The ruling Syrian National Council gives up its leadership . The Syrian regime blames an Al Qaeda - linked group for deadly attacks in Damascus .