Syrian Death Toll

The UN estimates that almost 3000 have died in Syria's uprising:

"The United Nations has raised its tally of people killed during seven months of unrest in Syria to more than 2,900 - an increase of 200 people since the beginning of September.

"Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Thursday that the figure was based on 'reliable sources' inside and outside the country.

"He also said that the names of the dead had all been confirmed and likely included some members of the security forces...

"A army officer who has taken refuge in Turkey, Colonel Riad al-Asaad, claims to have established an opposition armed force called the 'Syrian Free Army', but its strength and numbers are unknown."