Syria War News Updates -- January 4, 2017

The Guardian: Syria: Turkey takes fight to Isis in assault on western base of al-Bab

Erdoğan and Free Syria Army claim assault on Isis stronghold, thought to be where Istanbul nightclub attack was planned, will end in days

Turkey has said the operation to retake from Islamic State the Syrian town of al-Bab, the terror group’s westernmost stronghold, will be “finished soon” after launching the most intensive bombardment of the four-month campaign in the days after the Istanbul nightclub attack.

Using jets and artillery, Turkish officials claimed to have killed scores of Isis members following the shooting dead of 39 people in an attack on new year revellers claimed by Isis. The ground assault is being led by members of the Free Syria Army, which has carved out a swath of influence for Ankara in northern Syria as its troops have pushed towards al-Bab.

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Syria War News Updates -- January 4, 2017

U.S.-led coalition carried out flights to support Turkish forces in Syria -- Reuters
U.S. allows air support for Turkish troops in Syria, opens up to Raqqa role against Islamic State -- Washington Times
Turkey's Erdogan says offensive on Syria's al-Bab to be finished soon -- Reuters
Syria war: Air strikes kill 25 jihadists in Idlib province, monitors say -- BBC
Canadian reported killed fighting Daesh in Syria -- Toronto Star
British man who joined Kurdish forces to fight against ISIS is killed in northern Syria during battle to recapture Raqqa -- Daily Mail
Violence near Damascus rattles truce -- The Australian
Syria: Damascus goes thirsty as offensive causes water crisis -- AP
Hezbollah Leads Wadi Barada Battles -- Asharq Al Awsat
Water is the latest battleground in Syria -- CNN
Syrian cease-fire crumbles as government forces advance around Damascus -- Washington Post
Syria rebels freeze negotiations, saying truce violated -- Al Jazeera
Turks and rebels say Syria breaking truce, threatening peace talks -- CBS/AP
Turkey Warns Cease-fire Violations Threaten Syria Peace Talks -- VOA
Some Syria rebel groups suspend planned peace talks -- USA Today
Russian officials due in Turkey to discuss Astana talks on Syria: Turkish minister -- Reuters
Syria talks to start in Astana on January 23 - Turkish foreign minister -- TASS
Syria: What it will mean if rebels snub peace talks -- Tim Lister, CNN

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