24 January 2016
Government troops backed by intensive Russian airstrikes capture Rabia, the last major town held by rebels in Latakia province, ahead of the third round of Geneva peace talks. Russia-Turkish tensions rise amid reports that Russian forces are supporting Kurdish militia to expand their control of the Turkish border.////// Backed by intense Russian airstrikes, troops loyal to the Assad regime retake strategic territory near the stronghold of Latakia, scoring a key victory before possible peace talks in Geneva.