Russian FM Spokeswoman Zakharova Comments On Syria
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has made some comments on the situation in Syria in her latest press briefing.
Here is an overview of Zakharova's remarks:
- "Terrorists" in Syria have become more active ahead of planned peace talks and are "trying to change the situation in the theater of war to their favor. Attempted counter-attacks on government forces have been carried out by fighters from the Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham. They have received serious support from Turkey in Aleppo province."
- "External forces" are continuing to "supply terrorists in Syria, including with weapons" ahead of the talks.
- Russia is concerned that militants may make use of the fortifications that Turkey is constructing along its border with Syria.
- Russia will continue to supply humanitarian aid to affected populations in Syria.
- Russia is "surprised" that the United States "does not see" Moscow's efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Syria. "This is very strange, all the more so because the State Department sees everything -- the Russian tanks, which are being flown or crept into the territories of other states, but it doesn't see humanitarian aid."
Ongoing Clashes, IS Advances, Deteriorating Conditions In Deir al-Zor, Syria: UNCHA
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has published an update on the situation in the eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zor, which is under attack and siege by IS militants.
Here are some key points:
- As of today, IS has reportedly been pushed back from the Arwad area of the town but have advanced and gained control of al-Baghliyeh, the Ayyash ammunitions warehouses, the Mowazafeen neighbourhood, and some parts of brigade 137 (a military base).
- There have been heavy casualties on both sides.
- Living conditions in the city have deteriorated significantly due to the IS siege, which began in January 2015.
- Limited supplies of foods and other commodities are likely to diminish soon putting 200,000 individuals at risk of increased malnutrition.
- Those living in government-controlled areas are under threat should IS overrun the entire city.
- Russia announced on Jan. 19 that it had dropped 40 tons of aid from the air.
UN Envoy to Libya Martin Kobler has tweeted about this morning's attack by IS militants on oil storage tanks at Ras Lanuf.
IS has released disturbing images of punishments and the execution-style killing of aLibyan National Army (LNA) fighter in its stronghold of Sirte.
IS Shelling Of Ras Lanuf 'A Disaster': NOC
Libya's National Oil Company has called today's renewed attacks by the IS group on oil storage tanks in the port of Ras Lanuf a "disaster."
IS has built a new prison near its Libyan stronghold of Sirte, the Alwasat news site reports, citing a security source.
U.S.-Led Coalition Concentrating On Iraq In Air Strikes
The U.S.-led coalition has concentrated on Iraq in its latest air strikes against the IS group, its latest announcement shows.
On January 20, the coalition carried out 16 strikes against IS in Iraq and Syria -- 15 of those strikes were in Iraq and just one targeted militants in Syria, near Deir al-Zor.
Video Shows Extent Of Destruction In Syria's Homs
Video footage shows the extent of destruction in the Syrian city of Homs since the Syrian civil war began.
No 'Fundamental Delay' In Syria Talks: Kerry
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says there will be no "fundamental delay" in the internationally-brokered peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups scheduled to begin this month.
"When you say a delay, it may be a day or two for invitations, but there is not going to be a fundamental delay. The process will begin on the 25th and they will get together and see where we are," Kerry told reporters in Davos this morning.
Air Strikes Against IS Will Accelerate: Hollande
French President Francois Hollande has said that air strikes against the IS group will accelerate in the coming months.