Syrian War News Updates -- April 18, 2016

Al Jazeera: Syria rebels declare new offensive on government

Several Syrian rebel groups have announced a new offensive against the government in a move they said was a response to ceasefire violations from the forces of President Bashar al-Assad.

The groups, which included factions fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army and Ahrar al-Sham, said in a joint statement on Monday that they would respond with force to any army units that fired on civilians in what they called a fresh "battle".

The statement was sent to the Reuters news agency by Mohamed Rasheed, a spokesman for the Jaish al-Nasr rebel group.

It said the groups would set up a joint operations room and gave no further details about where any fighting might take place.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the Syrian peace talks are dead .... Syrian opposition asks U.N. to halt peace talks (Reuters). More here .... Syria Talks Collapse Looming as Only 3 Out of 15 HNC Members Arrive (Sputnik).

Syrian War News Updates -- April 18, 2016

Syrian rebels launch new battle, accuse U.N. envoy of bias -- Reuters
Rebels in Syria launch 'retaliation' attacks amidst government air raids -- DW
As Syria talks resume, chances seen as very slim amid violence -- AP
Syria conflict: Rebels vow retaliatory attacks against government -- BBC
Syria Opposition Warns Talks Under Threat as Fighting Escalates -- Bloomberg
Syria opposition declares new battle against Assad after Aleppo attacks -- Middle East Online
Syrian opposition says talks should not go on if 'violations' persist -- Reuters
Syria opposition threatens to quit talks as fighting flares -- France 24
Islamist-linked group declares battle on Damascus -- RT
Shelling kills 10 children in Aleppo as Syria violence rises -- AP
IS rockets kill Syrian children in southern Turkey -- BBC
Fierce Fighting Resumes in Syria's Latakia Near Turkish Border -- Sputnik
More than 100,000 trapped in Syria’s north as fighting resumes — MSF -- TASS
UN: Thousands face starvation risk at Palestinian refugee camp in Syria -- PBS Newshour
Palestinians trapped in Syria "facing starvation," U.N. says -- AP
Iran Ramps Up Presence In Syria, Deploys Troops As Ceasefire Breaks Down -- IBTimes
In Race to Capture Syria's Raqqa, Assad May Have Edge -- VOA
US should ditch 'plan B' for Syria -- Al-Monitor