In Syria, United Nations patrols have suspended their work, citing an "intensification of armed violence" that has prevented their marching orders, according to the New York Times.
"U.N. observers will not be conducting patrols and will stay in their locations until further notice," the head of the mission, Maj. Gen. Robert Mood, said in a statement. The suspension of activities, he said, would be reviewed "on a daily basis."
"Operations will resume when we see the situation fit for us to carry out our mandated activities," General Mood said.
Citing the escalating violence and a "lack of willingness by the parties to seek a peaceful transition," General Mood said losses were increasing on both sides — with innocent civilians, including children, being killed every day. A day earlier, General Mood noted that violence had been intensifying over the last 10 days on both sides of the fight.
Read more at the New York Times.