The Pentagon on Monday deplored what it saw as an increasing use of air power by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government against rebels, but stopped short of suggesting a move toward any additional steps like a no-fly zone.

Asked about the use of Syrian air power at a briefing with reporters, Pentagon spokesman George Little was quoted by Reuters as having said, “We've seen a very troubling and despicable uptick in attacks from the air, perpetrated by the Syrian regime. This is yet another example of their depraved behavior. This needs to stop as does the violence they continue to pursue against their own people.”

Little did not comment on the possibility of establishing a no-fly zone, which would use the threat of force to stop Syrian warplanes from operating over all or part of Syria's territory.