(Image Source: The New York Times )

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Fighting in the Syrian capital continues to intensify near government headquarters after a suicide bomb killed several top regime officials on Wednesday. CNN has more .

“Rebel forces are ramping up their attack on Damascus overnight. They are vowing to liberate the capital city one night after a bomber took out president Assad’s top general and his defense minister.”

In the meantime, rumors circulate that president Bashar al-Assad has fled the presidential palace. The BBC has details .

“It is reported that president Bashar al-Assad has left the capital and may be in the coastal town of Latakia where he is said to be directing an operation to avenge the assassinations. He hasn’t been seen in public since...”

Although the regime has promised vengeance for the attacks in Damascus, The New York Times reports ...

“The impact of Wednesday’s events reverberated on multiple levels, piercing the psychological advantage that Mr. Assad [has] superior military strength... With the opposition energized and the government demoralized, analysts wondered if other military units and trusted lieutenants [are] more inclined to switch sides.”

Western powers say now is the time to impose sanctions against the regime to encourage more leaders to defect. The UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron has something to tell Syria’s current leadership. Sky News has the comments .

“We have a very clear message for president Assad, which is it is time for him to go. It is time for transition in this regime. If there isn’t transition, then it is quite clear there will be civil war.”

U.N. peace envoy Kofi Annan requested a crucial security resolution vote be delayed in light of recent events. But Russia once again has announced it will stand firm to veto any U.N. resolution involving sanctions against Assad — blaming the U.S. and its allies for the recent suicide attack. Al Jazeera reports .

“Russia accused the West of inciting the Syrian opposition after the defence minister and Assad's brother-in-law were killed in a bomb attack, arguing a proposed UN resolution amount[s] to support for the rebels and [will] lead to more bloodshed.”

The U.N. security resolution vote is scheduled to take place in New York City on Thursday.