Syria says it is in “state of war”

Opposition forces in Syria launched a direct assault on Bashar al-Assad’s government on Tuesday by attacking a Republican Army base, the New York Times reported.

Furthermore, according to the paper, Assad said “we live in a state of war” and that his government’s “policies, directives and all sectors will be directed in order to gain victory in this war.” This marks a departure from his previous stance that the violence stemmed from outside, foreign terrorists.

In related developments, Turkey issued a warning to Syria to stay clear of its borders, while NATO condemned Syria for shooting down a Turkish fighter over the weekend.

CNN provides an update of Tuesday’s key events in the war.