US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has visited Istanbul to discuss a solution on Syria. She met Turkey’s foreign minister, Prime Minister and President as well as a number of Syrian exiles.

Despite diplomatic efforts, international pressure has done little to stop the bloodshed that’s left some 17-thousand people dead.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened violence in the embattled country.

"The crisis has deepened significantly".

Fighting continues across the country as more high profile government loyalists change sides.

Both the US and Turkey have agreed to ramp up their efforts to stop the bloodshed.

Sources close to the talks reported the arming of the Syrian opposition along with a no fly zone was discussed.

Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, said, "What the minister and I agreed to today was to have very intensive operational planning. We have been closely coordinating over the course of this conflict but now we need to get into the real details of such. Our intelligence services, our military have very important responsibilities and roles to play."

Clinton also announced a pledge of 5 million US dollars to the United Nations High Commission of refugees along with 500,000 to the International organization for migration to support displaced Syrians inside Turkey.

Over a hundred and 40 thousand Syrians have fled the violence, seeking refugee in neighbouring countries. Turkey is currently building four new refugee camps to help house the hundreds more that cross over daily.

Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkesh Foreign Minister, said, "The humanitarian situation is getting worse. From today the number of refugees in Turkey is more than 55,000. And everyday 2-3 thousand more are crossing the border."

Davutoglu also highlighted concerns that certain groups may capitalize on the fragile political uncertainty in Syria.

Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkesh Foreign Minister, said, "Turkey and the US have decided to work together on actions against any terrorist groups including PKK who want to take advantage of vacancy of power in Syria."

The two countries are working with Syrian opposition groups to develop a post Assad contingency plan.

"With US Presidential elections coming up in November, solving the Syrian situation could certainly bring Hillary Clinton’s boss Barack Obama a lot of votes. Yet there still remains concern over who will fill the power vacuum should Assad’s government fall before an interim government can be properly implemented and it could prove an even greater challenge for the next US president. Natalie Carney CCTV Istanbul"