Syrian civil war (brief summary)

While rebel Free Syrian Army forces have focused their recent attacks on military air bases to attempt to curb the government’s air power, government forces have focused on attempts to clear rebels from suburbs of Damascus that are sympathetic to the rebel cause. Both civilian and combatant casualties continue to increase to high levels with an estimated 60,000 people killed in the conflict so far. The plight of Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries remains difficult since aid organizations are hard pressed to meet basic needs as winter weather sets in.

Travellers should avoid all travel to Syria due to the total lack of personal protection during the protracted war.