Sunday, July 22, 2012

World News Briefs -- July 22, 2012

A Free Syrian Army soldier steps on a Syrian flag at the Bab Al-Salam border crossing to Turkey July 22, 2012. Umit Bektas/Reuters

Heavy Casualties In Damascus After Syrian Government Deploys Helicopter Gunships Against Rebels -- Daily Mail

* Government forces launch attacks in neighbourhoods of capital which had once been held by rebels
* Syrian state TV denied the government was using helicopters and said the capital was calm
* News of the helicopter attacks emerged as Syrian rebels launched an offensive to 'liberate' the country's largest city of Aleppo
* Death toll has now risen to more than 19,000 since the uprising began in March last year

Helicopter gunships have been deployed by the Syrian government against rebel fighters causing heavy casualties in the war-torn country's capital.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported heavy attacks by government forces in neighbourhoods in Damascus which had once been held by rebels.

It said troops used helicopters gunships in Mazzeh and Barzeh, causing heavy casualties. The helicopter attacks appear to have helped the regime forces regain control of the capital after days of bloody street battles.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels say fight for Aleppo has begun. Syrian rebels attack Aleppo as government troops retake Damascus neighborhoods. Syrian forces bombard Damascus with helicopter gunships, fight rages in Aleppo.

Syrian death toll tops 19,000, say activists.

Assad's gardeners and traffic police still on duty as battle rages in Damascus.

A voice of authority emerges from the opposition in Yemen.

Iran adds batch of fuel to reactor: nuclear chief.

Report: Israel fears 'anniversary attack' at Olympics.

Saudi Arabia calls for special Islamic summit.

ASIA

AP Interview: US Afghan drawdown halfway done.

Afghans: Artillery rrom Pakistan kills 4 civilians.

Airstrikes kill 15 militants in northwest Pakistan: Officials.

Taliban kill 10 in attack on rival in Pakistan. Taliban attack rival militias in Pakistan.

India's Mukherjee claims Presidential poll victory. Pranab Mukherjee elected President.

Vietnamese protest against 'Chinese aggression'.

Scandal, economy, unrest mar China's leader change.

Heaviest rains in 60 years kill 37 in Beijing.

AFRICA


South Sudan scraps direct border talks with Khartoum. Sudan wants South Sudan deal but pins impasse on Juba.

Rwanda military aid cut by US over DR Congo M23 rebels.

Madagascar army base in mutiny.

U.S. drug war expands to Africa, a newer hub for cartels.

Muslim Brotherhood denounced at Cairo funeral for Egypt’s longtime spy chief Omar Suleiman.

Africa's wealth is being devoured by tyrants and vultures.

EUROPE

Greece now in "Great Depression", PM says.

Eurozone crisis saves Germany tens of billions.

Norwegians came together to remember massacre victims.

2 Russian soldiers killed in Ingushetia.

Bradley Wiggins wins Tour de France title.

AMERICAS

Obama to comfort families of movie theater victims.

Analysis: Job challenge looms for next Mexican President.

Venezuelan forces end 20-day riot in Merida prison.

US poverty on track to rise to highest since 1960s.

Worst drought in decades in the American heartlands threatens to put farmers out of business.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida: We're returning to old Iraq strongholds.

6000 Al-Qaida fighters in Syria to establish emirate of levant.

Bulgaria investigators seek clues to suicide bomber's identity.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Rupert Murdoch steps down from NI boards.

Super rich hiding up to $32 trillion offshore.

UN alarmed over sharp rise in grain prices.

FSB chief says Libor may have to be abandoned.

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