The truce in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey on 29 December 2016 seemed increasingly fragile on Wednesday 4 January.
Some rebel groups decided on Monday 2 January to leave the negotiating table, where talks were taking place under the aegis of Russia to prepare for discussions in Astana. The rebels left these talks in protest at violations of the truce by the Syrian army. The regime is continuing its aerial bombardments of Wadi Barada, an area held by the rebels 15 km from Damascus.