Syrian War News Updates -- January 16, 2017

VOA: Syrian Rebels Say They Support Upcoming Peace Talks in Kazakhstan

Syrian rebel negotiators announced Saturday their support of Russia-Turkey brokered talks aimed at finding a political solution to the nearly six-year-long conflict in Syria, but they say a planned meeting this month in Kazakhstan should be seen only as a first step toward the resumption of the long-stalled U.N.-backed Geneva peace process.

The Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee, which has been shut out of the Russian-Turkish talks process, said in a statement that it backed a military delegation, which will attend the meeting in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

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Syrian War News Updates -- January 16, 2017

Syria's war: Rebel groups to attend Astana peace talks -- Al Jazeera
Syria Rebel Factions to Attend Russia, Turkey-Backed Talks -- AP
Syrian rebels to attend Astana peace talks -- The AFP
Syrian rebels agree to attend peace talks in Kazakhstan -- The Guardian
Syrian rebel groups say they will attend peace talks in Kazakhstan -- DW
Russian, Kazakh top diplomats discuss preparations for Astana peace talks -- TASS
Russia asks US to join Syrian peace talks -- RUDAW
Kerry urges Trump administration to attend Syria peace

talks -- AP
IS launches new assault on besieged eastern city in Syria -- AP
'Islamic State' starts major offensive in eastern Syria -- DW
Islamic State attacks Syria's Deir al-Zor city, dozens dead: monitor -- Reuters
Daesh Terrorists Surround Deir ez-Zor Airbase in Syria - Reports -- Sputnik
Isis launches biggest attack in Syria for months, at least 30 dead in Deir ez-Zour -- International Business Times
Deadly clashes grip flashpoint area near Syria capital -- AFP
'Shelling kills civilians' in Syria's Wadi Barada area -- Al Jazeera
Syrian reconciliation official shot dead after leaving meeting with militants – state media -- RT
Obama’s parting thoughts on Syria, Israel -- The Hill
Obama doesn't regret 'red line' over Syria conflict -- AFP
Obama Adviser Susan Rice Cites Syrian War As Biggest Disappointment -- NPR
Russia's Deal With Turkey on Flights Over Syria is More Than Meets the Eye -- Sputnik
UN chiefs call for urgent access to get aid to people still under siege in Syria -- The Guardian
Humanitarian Officials Warn of Repeating Syria 'Tragedies' in 2017 -- ABC News
What's Behind Saudi Proposal to Join Fight in Syria, Iraq -- Sputnik