Syria War News Updates -- December 30, 2016

Reuters: Clashes, air raids tarnish Russia and Turkey's Syria truce

Clashes, shelling and air raids in western Syria marred a Russian- and Turkish-backed ceasefire that aims to end nearly six years of war and lead to peace talks between rebels and a government emboldened by recent battlefield success.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced the ceasefire on Thursday after forging the agreement with Turkey, a longtime backer of the opposition.

The truce went into force at midnight but monitors and rebels reported almost immediate clashes, and violence appeared to escalate later on Friday as warplanes bombed areas in the country's northwest, they said.

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WNU Editor: Not everyone is on board for this ceasefire .... Syrian rebel group rejects cease-fire agreement at last moment (Market Watch).

Syria War News Updates -- December 30, 2016

The State of the War in Syria -- New York Times
Syria ceasefire threatened by attack on rebel-held towns near Damascus -- The Guardian
Syria ceasefire backed by Russia and Turkey in doubt amid fresh clashes -- The Independent
Russian jets target Islamic State around Syria's al-Bab: Turkish military -- Reuters
Clashes erupt near Damascus despite truce -- Al

Jazeera
Syrian Observatory says warplanes carry out 16 raids in Hama province -- Reuters
'Clashes erupt' near Damascus despite Syria truce -- France 24
Syrian forces and allies clash with rebels near Damascus: monitors, rebel official -- Reuters
Syria conflict: Nationwide truce holding despite 'clashes' -- BBC
Syria's cease-fire holding despite minor violations -- AP
Syrian Cease-Fire Appears to Be Holding, for Now -- NYT
Syrian truce holding despite minor clashes -- DW
Syria’s cease-fire holding despite minor violations -- USA Today
Fragile Calm Settles Over Syria -- WSJ
Air strikes kill 10 children in ISIL-held Deir Az Zor -- Al Jazeera
Russia to ask U.N. Security Council to endorse Syria ceasefire: ambassador -- Reuters
Kazakh leader orders foreign ministry to prepare for Syria talks -- Reuters
Russian embassy mocks Britain over its silence on Syria ceasefire deal -- The Independent
Iran: Saudi should play no role in Syria talks -- Middle Easy Monitor
Turkey says Kurdish YPG should not be involved in Syria talks -- Reuters
After promising start, 2016 has been worst for civilians in Syria – UN expert -- UN News Centre
Russia And Turkey Have Agreed On Cease-Fire For Syria, What's Next? -- NPR