The overall death toll in devastated Syria has surpassed an estimated 60,000 people, the United Nations said Wednesday, a dramatic figure that could skyrocket as the civil war persists. To put it in perspective: 60,000 people is roughly the population of Terre Haute, Indiana; or Cheyenne, Wyoming. It's how many people would fit in Dodger Stadium, and it's more than the 50,000-plus U.S. combat deaths in Vietnam. The figure is about 15,000 higher than the death toll CNN had cited from a collection of sources. It's "truly shocking" and shameful, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who blamed the international community for inaction.
@highlight
United Nations' Navi Pillay: "We have fiddled at the edges while Syria burns"
@highlight
Syrian planes hit Damascus suburbs and other targets, killed dozens at a fuel station
@highlight
Al-Nusra Front is among three factions attacking the Taftanaz military air base in northern Syria
@highlight
The militant group is a cover for al Qaeda in Iraq, the U.S. State Department says
"The battle to liberate @placeholder military airport has started," the rebels said.