Fighting is once again escalating in Syria today, with rebel attacks killing 22 Syrian troops, the deadliest single day since the ceasefire began nearly three weeks ago. Three rebels and four civilians were also reported slain in the fighting.
The biggest altercation was reported in Aleppo, where rebels ambushed a patrol at dawn, killing 15 soldiers, including two colonels. Another significant battle was reported in Damascus, where seven soldiers were slain.
Syria’s state media did not touch on the big military losses, but instead focused on smaller incidents, blaming “terrorist” groups for the deaths. Rebel factions also issued statements accusing the regime of “human rights violations.”
UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan is planning to issue a “state of the ceasefire” report over the weekend. French officials have said they expect to push a resolution calling for a UN invasion of Syria afterward, saying it would prove the regime’s “defiance.”
