Armed rebels have seized Syria’s largest hydroelectric dam amidst ongoing fighting in the capital Damascus. The news comes as rebels are also preparing an offensive to seize the eastern city of Deir al-Zor, a move that would bring them control of an entire province for the first time. At least 13 people were killed and dozens wounded when a bus exploded near Syria’s border with Turkey. Speaking at a public event in New York, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued to warn Syria is being torn apart.

Ban Ki-moon: “Fighting rages. Sectarian hatred is on the rise. The catastrophe — the catalog of war crimes is mounting. Sexual violence is widespread. The destruction is systematic. Syria is being torn apart, limb by limb.”

Amidst the unrelenting violence, both the Assad regime and the opposition are opening the window to potential negotiations. Responding to a rebel offer for talks in the opposition-controlled north, the Assad regime said Monday it is willing to meet anywhere abroad. In an interview, Assad Cabinet member Ali Haidar said he would sit down with opposition leader Moaz al-Khatib “in any foreign city … to discuss preparations for a national dialogue.”