Humanitarian aid

          The United Nations Security Council has called on the Syrian government to improve humanitarian aid access. The statement includes a call for cross-border aid operations Meanwhile, a convoy of international inspectors has begun work on the task of destroying Syria's chemical weapons arsenal. Their work got underway as deadly clashes were reported in various parts of the country. On the northern edge of Damascus fierce clashes were reported between Syrian troops and al Qaida linked fighters. At least 12 soldiers were killed. The fighting in the Barzeh neighborhood flared up on Monday, when the army stepped up attacks against opposition forces who have been trying to capture the area for months. In northern Syria, there were clashes between rival rebel groups. Fighting was reported in the town of Azaz on the Turkish border between al Qaida rebels and forces from more moderate groups.