But some Syrian opposition figures gave little heed to U.N. moves.

WSJ: Rebels Attack in Damascus as U.N. Nears Face-Off

"It wasn't so much about planning to initiate operations on a 'date certain, ' as it was about determining if the regime would heed the warnings of the international community and comply" with a U.N. resolution, the official said.

WSJ: Libyan Raids Show Obama Doctrine in Action