Firing from helicopters marks `` a very serious escalation , '' U.N.-Arab League says . The United Nations has said at least 9,000 people have died since the crisis erupted in March 2011 . Syrian National Council envoy seeks protection of civilians , access for U.N.-Arab League observers . The opposition al Qaeda shakes up its leadership . The Jordanian regime blames an al Qaeda -linked group for deadly attacks in Damascus .
Firing from helicopters marks `` a very serious escalation , '' U.N.-Arab League says . Syrian National Council envoy seeks protection of civilians , access for U.N.-Arab League observers . The opposition al Qaeda shakes up its leadership . The Jordanian regime blames an al Qaeda -linked group for deadly attacks in Damascus .