Syrian War News Updates -- January 13, 2017

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Complete battlefield update, map of Syrian War. AMN

Reuters: Exclusive: Assad linked to Syrian chemical attacks for first time

International investigators have said for the first time that they suspect President Bashar al-Assad and his brother are responsible for the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict, according to a document seen by Reuters.

A joint inquiry for the United Nations and global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had previously identified only military units and did not name any commanders or officials.

Now a list has been produced of individuals whom the investigators have linked to a series of chlorine bomb attacks in 2014-15 - including Assad, his younger brother Maher and other high-ranking figures - indicating the decision to use toxic weapons came from the very top, according to a source familiar with the inquiry.

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Syrian War News Updates -- January 13, 2017

Obama Administration Sanctions Syria Over Past Chlorine Attacks -- NBC/AP/Reuters
US imposes sanctions on Syrian military, tech company -- AP
U.S. Sanctions Syria's Military, Regime Members For Using Chemical Weapons -- RFE
‘Israeli warplanes’ strike military airport used by Assad’s forces in Syrian capital Damascus leading to threats of ‘repercussions’ from regime army chiefs -- Daily Mail
Syria Says Israel Attacked Military Airport, Warns Of 'Repercussions' -- NPR
Israeli rocket hits major air base in Damascus, says Syrian army -- The Independent
Syria warns Israel after rockets hit air base -- The Al Jazeera
Turkish airstrikes kill 41 ISIL militants in Syria - military -- Euronews
41 ISIL militants ‘neutralized’ in northern Syria -- Hurriyet Daily News
US Gives Boost To Turkey’s Fight Against Islamic State -- Eurasia Review
Turkey says united, peaceful Syria impossible with Assad -- Reuters
Syria ceasefire 'largely' holding despite intense fighting in Wadi Barada valley -- IBTimes
Syria: Deal reached to repair Wadi Barada water supply -- Al Jazeera
Syria workers enter rebel area to restore Damascus water -- AFP
Syrian army advances towards damaged Damascus water source -- Reuters
Pentagon Backs Expanding Flight Deconfliction Agreement With Russia in Syria -- Sputnik
Turkey says US will be invited to fresh Syria talks -- AFP
Russia: US should be involved in Syria peace talks -- Middle East Monitor