Syrian War News Updates -- April 12, 2016

IBTimes: As The Syrian Regime And Opposition Forces Announce New Operations, Civilians Continue to Be Killed During Syria’s Ceasefire

BEIRUT— It might seem pointless to ask for a death toll during a ceasefire, but the five-year conflict in Syria has gone through so many permutations that its complexities no longer fit the confines of conventional warfare, including what is generally understood as a ceasefire. But in this civil war, which courts fighters from every corner of the globe, a truce or ceasefire means a lower body count, not a break from fatalities.

At the end of February, a partial cessation of hostilities was implemented with the intention of clearing a path to achieve a political solution to the crisis. Despite a reduction in fighting, aerial bombardments and ground clashes have continued, allowing both the Syrian opposition and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad to consolidate their respective gains. Over the weekend, both parties announced new operations, leaving onlookers to question the viability of an enduring truce.

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Syrian War News Updates -- April 12, 2016

Syria Pushes Offensive on Eve of Elections, Talks in Geneva -- AP
Syria ceasefire withers as ‘Russia plans offensive’ -- AFP
Russia says there are no plans to storm Syria's Aleppo -- Reuters
Fighting continues in Homs and Aleppo provinces on eve of Syria election -- Euronews
ISIS retakes Syrian town, militants threaten truce -- Al Arabiya
ISIS regains stronghold along Turkish-Syrian border 4 days after losing it to rebels -- Reuters
Month-long protests force concessions from Nusra in northern Syria -- Middle East Online
4 Iranian commandos reportedly killed in Syria fighting -- Times of Israel
Four Iranian Army Soldiers Killed Fighting for Assad in Syria -- The Tower
There are many Iranian military instructors and advisors in Syria — deputy FM -- TASS
Turkey shells ISIS targets in Syria, state news agency says -- AP
Turkey strikes Islamic State in Syria after attacks on border town -- Reuters
Turkish army shells IS targets along border with Syria -- DW
Human rights groups sound alarm over safe zones for Syrian refugees -- The Guardian
Iran says concerned by cracks in Syria truce -- Reuters
Iran, France concerned at Syria violence with talks set to resume -- Reuters
US 'Very Very Concerned' About Increased Fighting in Syria -- VOA
UN envoy says next phase in Syria talks 'crucial' -- AFP
Assad: Putin Is the Most Popular Politician in Syria -- Newsweek