Syrian War News Updates -- January 12, 2017

DW: UN warns of 'imminent danger' of escalation in Syria

Regime forces have launched an offensive to retake water sources near Damascus, independent monitors have reported. But the UN cautioned warring parties of escalating the situation as a ceasefire holds across the nation.

The UN envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Thursday said a nationwide ceasefire was "largely holding with some exceptions" as independent war monitors reported airstrikes near Damascus.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said regime forces stepped up a campaign to wrestle Wadi Barada on the outskirts of Damascus from rebel control.

The monitor reported an increase in airstrikes and shelling in the area, where water pumping facilities serving more than 5 million people in Damascus have been damaged by renewed violence.

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Syrian War News Updates -- January 12, 2017

Syria ceasefire 'largely holding' but 'exceptional' strikes kill dozens - reports -- Euronews
Syrian ceasefire largely holding, aid not going in - UN -- Reuters
Airstrikes escalate despite Syria cease-fire -- AP
Syria conflict: Family killed in air strike near Aleppo -- BBC
UN Warns Cutoff of Water Supply to Damascus Could Trigger Military Action -- VOA
Syrian authorities say preliminary agreement reached with rebels on Damascus water supply -- RT
Syrian regime announces deal to restore Damascus water -- France 24
US Decision on MANPADS Delivery to Syria 'Insane' - Russian Foreign Ministry -- Sputnik
In Syria, a rebel fighter clears Islamic State minefields -- Reuters

href="http://ift.tt/2jb8ENM">The Fifth Corps and the state of the Syrian army -- UPI
Russia sends 12 more warplanes to Syria despite announcing military withdrawal -- The Independent
Russia steps up military presence in Syria, despite Putin promise -- FOX News
Russia reduces military presence in Syria, Su-25 transfer to Khmeimim is planned rotation – MoD -- RT
Russian MoD Slams US Media Allegations of Increased Military Presence in Syria -- Sputnik
Kremlin says Putin and Erdogan believe Syria ceasefire broadly holding -- Reuters
Turkey, Russia sign memorandum to coordinate air operations against terrorist targets in Syria -- Daily Sabah
Russia, Turkey Agree to Coordinate Airstrikes Against Terrorists in Syria -- Sputnik
Turkey spars with US military over Syrian Kurds -- DW
Syrian medics report 'systematic' targeting of hospitals and medical personnel -- The Independent
Activists urge U.N. to cite Russia, Iran war crimes in Syria -- Reuters
France says Syria talks must convene quickly under United Nations -- Reuters
U.S. sanctions Syria for use of chemical weapons -- USA Today
U.S. sanctions Syrian officials for chemical weapons attacks -- Reuters
US sanctions 18 in Syria over its chemical weapons use -- AFP
Tillerson: US Must Prioritize Defeating Daesh in Syria Before Dealing With Assad -- Sputnik
'We have to re-engage with Erdoğan on Syria,' Rex Tillerson says -- Daily Sabah
Syria's Civil War: Aleppo's heritage sites 'in danger' -- Al Jazeera