The International Red Cross says there is now a state of civil war across more parts of Syria, widening its earlier designation.

The group had previously said such conflict existed between government forces and opposition groups in the flash point areas of Homs, Hama and Idlib. But ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan said Sunday that hostilities have spread to other parts of Syria. Activists and residents said Sunday that Damascus was the scene of the heaviest fighting to hit the capital since the 16-month uprising against Mr. Assad's rule began.

The Red Cross finding comes as Syria denied its forces used heavy weapons and aircraft against the village of Tremseh last week, despite findings of the U.N. monitors who visited the area Saturday and Sunday.

A Syrian foreign ministry spokesman says the military operation in the village targeted armed fighters.