The Syrian Civil War is complicated. There are a number of independent factions opposing the government, and sometimes each other. The situation in the Barada region west of Damascus illustrates this problem. The faction that controls the Barada Valley water supply is Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front). That water supply is the main source for the 5 million people that live in Damascus. Since Dec. 22, al-Nusra Front has been cutting off that water supply. In other words, while they may not be firing guns, it's an act of war. The Syrian Army is responding accordingly.