Rebels defend their positions in the battle for Aleppo.br br Amateur video out of Syria which could not be independently verified bybr br Reuters comes as UN monitors quit their peacekeeping mission.br br A UN official said Syria's government and rebels have "chosen the path of war."br br As fighting rages around Syria's biggest city Western powers and Russia remain resolutely at odds in the Securitybr br Council over the fate of President Bashar al-Assad.br br U.N. agencies say that refugees are fleeing Syria in ever greater numbers.br br More than 170,000 Syrian refugees have been registered in neighboring countries.br br More footage appears to show the shelling of Rastan.br br Video of the aftermath shows devastated streets.br br The UN says 1.2 million people are uprooted within Syria. Many are staying in schools or other public buildings, any place they can find shelter.