FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 file photo, a Syrian fighter fires his weapon during clashes with Syrian army forces in town of Harem on the outskirts of Idlib, Syria. Through mid-2012, rebel power grew and Assad&#39;s army ramped up its response. Relentless government shelling leveled neighborhoods and killed hundreds. Regular reports emerged of mass killings by the regime or thugs loyal to it, pushing more Syrians toward armed struggle. The government, which considers the opposition terrorist gangs backed by foreign powers, denied any role, and does not respond to requests for comment on its military. The rebels, too, were accused of atrocities. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra, File)
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