Russia building airstrip at airport in Syria's Latakia, says monitor:
"Russian forces are building a long runway capable of accommodating large aircraft near the Hemeimeem military airport in Latakia province," The Observatory said, adding that hundreds of Russian technicians and military advisers had been brought to the site. Ref. Source 4c
Turkey warns it may strike Kurdish rebels inside Syria:
"In the north, it (President Bashar Al Assad's government) has allotted five provinces to the Kurds, to the terrorist organisation," Erdogan said on Turkish television late on Wednesday, referring to the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK). Ref. Source 3
Syria opposition dismissive of Russia peace talks:
Syria said on Saturday it was willing to participate in "Preliminary consultations" In Moscow aimed at restarting talks next year to end its civil war but the Western-backed opposition dismissed the initiative. Ref. Source 6
Russian helicopters spotted at Syria airfield: U.S. Officials:
The United States has identified a small number of Russian helicopters at a Syrian airfield, U.S. Officials said on Wednesday, the latest addition to what Washington believes is a significant Russian military buildup in the country. Ref. Source 9d