Civil war continues unchecked in Syria

Pitched battles between Syrian government forces and the rebel Free Syrian Army continue unchecked in various locations in the country without clear indications of which side is gaining any significant advantage. The large number of civilian refugees in neighbouring countries continues to frustrate relief efforts, while tensions and confrontations spilled over outside Syrian borders. The shelling of Turkish border areas prompted a strong response from Turkish armed forces as several hundred tanks were moved into position along the border. Homs, Aleppo and Damascus continue to be focal points for violent armed conflict. International tensions increased when Turkey forced a Syrian passenger plane to land in Turkey under suspicion it was carrying military supplies for Syria.

Travellers should avoid all travel to Syria due tot he violent civil war.