Syrian civil war

Family buries Russian soldier dead in Syria, doubts suicide

Family and friends insist foul play involved in death of 19-year-old soldier Vadim Kostenko, but authorities claim it was suicide.

Iranian foreign minister will join Syria talks in Vienna

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will accept invitation to join talks for the first time, after US agrees to include Tehran.

With Washington's blessing: Iran to take part in Syria talks

Tehran invited to join talks in Vienna for the first time, as White House continues to seek engagement with Islamic regime.

Report: Russian jets strike rebel positions near Israeli border

Iranian news agency claims Russian air force hits jihadist targets close to the Golan Heights, in what would be closest strikes to Israel.

Visiting French MP: Syria deal means talking to Assad

Right-wing parliamentarian in controversial visit to war-torn country says western states will need to talk to Bashar al-Assad.

As Iranian deaths in Syria rise, debate opens at home

Increasing numbers of Iranians are expressing doubts over Iran's intervention in Syria - but military operations look set to expand.

First Russian serviceman dies in Syria

As military intervention continues, Russia's military claims 19-year-old recruit committed suicide - but others cast doubt on that claim.

Syria: 120,000 displaced in one month

Intense fighting in Aleppo, Hama, Idlib creating more refugees than ever before.

Assad: We must eradicate 'terrorism' before political solution

Syrian President says country must eradicate terrorism to find a political solution to its civil war.

Playing both sides? Russia offers air cover for Syrian rebels

Syrian rebels incredulous at Russian offer, as Russian air force still pounding their positions; but analysts say it could signal a shift.

Eight Iranians killed in Syria

Iran confirms that Eight Iranians, two of them Revolutionary Guards forces, have been killed in Syria in recent days.

Western countries to present UN resolution on Syria barrel bombs

Britain, France and Spain to present a draft resolution to Security Council on stopping the Syrian regime from using barrel bombs.

Putin accuses West of 'double game' with Syria terrorist groups

Russian President accuses West of declaring a fight against some Syrian groups while supporting others.

Iran: We won't keep Assad in power forever

Iran's deputy foreign minister says his country won't keep Syrian president in power forever and will let the people decide.

Kurds Expand Autonomous Region in Northern Syria

Mixed Kurdish-Arab town of Tal Abyad, seized from ISIS jhadists in June, formally incorporated into Kurdish 'Kobane canton.'

Syria: Russian Airstrikes Kill 370 in 20 Days

At least a third of casualties are civilians, including dozens of women and children - only 52 ISIS.

Tens of Thousands Flee New Syria Offensives

Emboldened regime, backed by Russian air power, makes bid to recapture rebel-held areas, sparking mass exodus of civilians.

United States, Russia to Sign 'Understanding' on Syria

Pentagon spokesman says the United States and Russia are set to sign an understanding on how pilots can avoid each other over Syria.

Battle-Weary Syrian Army Struggles Despite Russian Air War

Much-vaunted Russian airstrikes have 'restored morale' to fatigued regime forces - but achieved little else so far.

Kerry: We Want to Avoid Total Destruction of Syria

Kerry seeks to meet with representatives from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan to discuss Syria.

Airstrikes Kill 40 ISIS Jihadists in Syria

Airstrikes on an ISIS convoy kill at least 40 jihadists in central Syria.

Pentagon Says 'Khorasan Group' Leader Killed in Syria Air Strike

US claims core of veteran Al Qaeda terrorists known as 'Khorasan Group' has been plotting attacks on American soil from Syria.

Havana Denies Cuban Soldiers Sent to Syria

Officials strenuously deny reports up to 300 Cuban soldiers may be fighting for Assad.

Iran to Step Up Military Support for Syria

Iran says it will step up its support for Syria, but denies it will be in the form of fighters on the ground.

Syria: With Russian Air Support, Regime Troops Advance in Aleppo

Syrian army makes headway against rebels in Aleppo province, but locked in heavy fighting in Homs despite Russian airstrikes.

Moscow: Hundreds Protest Russian Intervention in Syria

One arrest made at rally demanding an end to Russian airstrikes. Police block route to prevent more protesters joining.

Turkey Downs Drone Near Syrian Border

Accusations remain airborne between Ankara, Moscow after Russia denies violating Turkish airspace.

Top Iranian Commander Visits Syria

Qassem Soleimani spotted in Syria addressing Iranian military officers and members of Hezbollah.

United States Ready to Drop Weapons to Syrian Rebels

American official says the United States military is poised to boost its supply runs to rebels fighting ISIS in northern Syria.

Iran Ready to Commit More Troops to Syria

Senior Iranian official says Tehran willing to bolster existing forces by sending more soldiers, if Assad regime requests.

American, Russian Militaries Close to Pact on Safety in Syria

American defense official says the United States and Russia could soon sign a pact establishing safety protocols in Syria.

Iran Confirms Two Senior Officers Killed in Syria

Senior Revolutionary Guard officers killed fighting ISIS in the same week as Iran suffers its highest-profile casualty.

Turkey Warns US, Russia over Support for Syrian Kurds

Turkish foreign ministry summons US, Russian ambassadors; Foreign Minister Davutoglu compares Kurdish fighters to Al Qaeda.

Syria: Regime Jets Bombard Rebel-Held Damascus Suburbs

As Russia ups its own bombing campaign against rebels and ISIS, regime targets rebel-held suburb of Jobar in capital Damascus.

Syrian Rebels Place Bounty on Assad, Nasrallah

Al Qaeda's Nusra Front offers millions of dollars to anyone who kills Syrian dictator or Hezbollah leader - even if they're non-Sunnis.

Hezbollah Buries Senior Commander Killed in Syria

Hezbollah buries leading commander who it says was killed "performing his jihadist duties in Syria".

Nusra Front Leader Calls for 'Revenge' Attacks on Alawites

Abu Mohammad al-Golani, head of Al-Nusra Front, calls for escalation against Alawites in revenge for Russian airstrikes.

International Coalition Drops Ammo to Anti-ISIS Syrian Rebels

United States-led coalition forces parachute ammunition to rebels fighting ISIS jihadists in northern Syria.

'Fiercest Clashes' as Damascus Advances with Russian Support

Clashes intensify both without and within Syria, as Russian-backed troops advance - and the EU talks tough on Syria.

Syria: Kurds, Arabs form Joint Military Force to Battle ISIS

As Washington abandons modest plans to train rebels, Kurdish forces making new headway in northern Syria against ISIS.

Syria Opposition to Boycott UN-Backed Talks

Syrian National Coalition announces it would boycott talks proposed by the UN envoy, citing Russia's airstrikes in the country.

Putin Discusses Syria with Saudi Defense Minister

Russian President meets Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince to discuss the possibility of a political solution in Syria.

Putin Rules Out Russian Ground Operations in Syria

Air campaign will continue at full force, but Russia not sending any more ground troops, Vladimir Putin insists.

Did Russia Use Cluster Bombs in Syria?

Human Rights Watch accuses Moscow of fighting dirty in anti-rebel bombings, providing dangerous cluster munitions to Damascus.

Russia Hits 60 Terror Targets in 24 Hours in Syria

Russian defense officials claim to have completed another bombardment against Islamist terrorists in Syria, amid doubts over accuracy.

Europe Urges US, Russia to Cooperate Over Syria

Germany and Spain try to make peace between Russia and US in differences over ongoing Syrian civil war.

Obama to Change Syrian Rebel Training Program

Faulty Pentagon-led training for 'moderate' rebels to be redirected after multiple problems, Ashton Carter reveals.

Turkey Threatens to Cut Energy Deals with Russia over Syria War

Analysts say that despite the rhetoric, Turkey is too energy-reliant on Russia to follow through with Erdogan's threats.

Popularity for 'Putin the Shiite' Sky-High in Iraq

Iraqi Shiites are very enthusiastic about Russia's involvement in neighboring Syria; 'Hajji Putin is better than Hussein Obama.'

Russian Navy Backs Major Ground Offensive Against Syrian Rebels

Joint ground offensive reaches Idlib, Hama; Russian warships launch 26-missile naval assault.

Russian Military Officials in Israel for Syria Talks

Russian Deputy Chief of Staff among several top military officials meeting counterparts in Tel Aviv to coordinate operations over Syria.

Syrian Rebels Unite against 'Russian Occupation'

Could Russia's large-scale military intervention backfire, uniting disparate rebel groups in the face of a common threat?

Assad: I Won't Hesitate to Step Down if That's the Solution

A change of tone? Syrian President tells Iranian TV he won't rule out stepping down if the situation requires.

Hollande Tells Putin: Attack ISIS and Only ISIS

French President tells Russian counterpart his country's airstrikes in Syria should target only the Islamic State.

Carter: Russia 'Pouring Gasoline on the Fire'

American Defense Secretary accuses Russia of inflaming Syria's civil war following its airstrikes on targets in Homs.

Russia 'Gave Israel Advanced Warning of Syria Airstrikes'

After meeting between Putin and Netanyahu to avoid accidental run-ins, Israel's National Security Adviser notified of airstrikes.

Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims Back 'Holy Battle' Against ISIS

Powerful Orthodox Church hails government decision to initiate airstrikes against rebels in Syria.

Russian Jets Pound Rebel Positions in Syria

After establishing military presence in Syria, Putin's forces go on the attack.

France Launches Criminal Probe Against Assad

French authorities launch criminal probe of Syrian President for alleged war crimes between 2011 and 2013.

Obama 'Prepared to Work With' Russia, Iran on Syria Conflict

US President Barack Obama pledges to work 'with any nation' to solve Ukraine, Syria conflicts.