BEIRUT - United Nations monitors reportedon Monday Syrian helicopters firing on two rebel towns north ofthe city of Homs, a spokeswoman for the observer mission said.
"UN observers reported heavy fighting in Rastan andTalbiseh, north of the city (of Homs), with mortar shelling aswell as firing from helicopters, machine guns and smaller arms,"Sausan Ghosheh said in a statement.Syrian activists have frequently said the Syrian militaryhas used helicopters to fire on rebel targets, but Ghosheh'scomments were the first time the observers had reported theiruse in the conflict.