WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says the prospect of international military intervention in Syria is premature and could lead to a civil war.

Speaking at a White House news conference, Obama says military intervention could lead to more deaths in Syria. The U.N. estimates that more than 7,500 people have been killed in a year-long struggle between Bashar Assad's regime and opposition forces.

Obama says he and British Prime Minister David Cameron discussed possible "immediate steps" their countries could take in order to make sure humanitarian aid is being provided to the Syrian people.

Cameron is in Washington for an official visit.

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