Children Caught in the Crossfire of Violence in Syria

What began as peaceful protests 9 months ago has become an increasing violent uprising against Syria's authoritarian President Bashar Assad. AP reports the latest violence Saturday, where Syrian forces fired on funeral processions and clashed with army defectors killing at least 12 people leading France to call on the international community to "save the Syrian people."

Despite the relentless bloodshed, Assad has refused to step down and has shown no signs of easing his crackdown. The United Nations estimates more than 4,000 people have been killed in the military assault on dissent since March.

Syria has banned most foreign journalists and prevented local reporters from moving freely, all the while denying the violence going on within its own borders against protesters. AP notes that accounts from activists and witnesses, along with amateur videos posted online, provide key channels of information.

CNN's Anderson Cooper reports on the sickening news of children caught in the middle of, and killed in the conflict, as well as the assault on a funeral procession. WARNING: this video features graphic images: