World News Briefs -- February 5, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Al Jazeera: Thousands head to Turkey fleeing Syrian offensive

Flight from northern Aleppo province's countryside prompted by government's success in breaking through rebel defences.

Thousands of Syrians are fleeing the Aleppo countryside, heading towards Turkey, as government forces break through rebel defences in the northern province.

The development comes as diplomatic talks on ending the war in Syria remain on hold and Saudi Arabia announces its readiness to send in ground troops.

A Turkish aid organisation said on Friday that about 50,000 refugees urgently need food, water and shelter.

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MIDDLE EAST

Thousands more Syrians rush toward Turkey to flee fighting. Syria civil war: Up to 70,000 refugees head to Turkey, says PM.

Bahrain says ready to commit ground forces to Syria.

Saudi Arabia willing to send ground troops to Syria.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards general, six Basij volunteers killed in Syria: media.

Russia and Turkey trade accusations over Syria.

France claims destruction of Islamic State training camp in Syria.

Syria conflict: Donor nations pledge $10bn in vital aid.

No change in invitations for next round of Syria talks: U.N..

Militant group sidelined as Turkey unveils plan to end Kurdish unrest.

ASIA

Australia resists pressure to allow asylum seekers to stay.

6.4 magnitude earthquake shakes southern Taiwan, building collapse reported.

China's Xi tells Obama China committed to Korean denuclearization.

Satellite images show more North Korea preps for rocket launch.

China says told North Korea does not want to see tensions rise.

US readies defence assets before North Korea launch.

30,000 North Korean children living in limbo in China.

It's complicated, China says of relationship with Taiwan.

China says 49 detained for Tianjin blasts, losses at $1 billion.

Ancient shipwrecks found underwater, but no missing MH370 plane.

Sakurajima volcano in Japan erupts.

AFRICA

Al Qaeda group claims kidnapping of Australians in Burkina Faso.

Italian student killed in Egypt criticized Cairo govt. in articles.

Burundi accused of hunting refugees in Tanzania camps.

UN peacekeeping base under attack in Mali.

Shabaab regains ground in southern Somalia.

Al-Shabab retakes key Somalia port city of Merca.

Islamic State brings reign of terror to fractured Libya’s Sirte.

ISIL's presence in Libya grows to 5,000 fighters.

Man sucked out of passenger jet after bomb exploded was suicide bomber who smuggled his device on board in his WHEELCHAIR, claim investigators. U.S. experts to join Somalia plane explosion investigation: Officials.

Boko Haram Commander on missing Chibok girls: I know where they are.

Timbuktu marks rebuilding of mausoleums destroyed by Islamists.

Zimbabwe declares 'state of disaster' due to drought. Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe declares drought disaster.

Three missing, 87 rescued after South Africa mine collapse.

EUROPE

Armed with new U.S. money, NATO to strengthen Russia deterrence.

Germany's Merkel to travel to Turkey next week over migrants.

German spy agency says ISIS sending fighters disguised as refugees.

Cologne Carnival: Police record 22 sexual assaults.

French parliament debates plan to enshrine emergency powers in constitution. French PM defends emergency rule, says terror threat 'here to last'.

Ukrainian minister hopes resignation will speed up reforms.

Putin not planning new contacts with Erdogan — Kremlin.

Poland surveillance law approved by president.

Unprecedented: Pope Francis, Russian Patriarch Kirill to meet in Cuba to heal 1,000yr rift. First-ever meeting between Pope, Russian Orthodox patriarch ‘prepared for 20 years’.

UN panel calls on UK and Sweden to end Julian Assange's 'deprivation of liberty'. Julian Assange decision by UN panel ridiculous, says Hammond.

AMERICAS

Anti-terrorism chiefs ready for 'worst' at Rio Olympics.

Canada lifts Iran sanctions.

WHO bans blood donations from Zika-infected area visitors.

Florida readies for a fight with Zika virus.

Haiti protesters stone man to death as political crisis deepens.

Haitian president promises to step down amid political turmoil.

US economy adds 151,000 jobs in January.

GOP senators: America will be attacked unless Obama changes course.

GOP lawmakers ask to travel to Iran.

Colombia-Farc peace process to receive $450m in US aid.

Classified info found in personal emails of Powell, aides to Rice.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Twitter suspends 125,000 ISIL-related accounts.

Number of ISIS fighters dropped by 20 per cent in the last year thanks to deaths and desertions, US intelligence report finds.

Bin Laden backers want to crush Islamic State in Afghanistan.

Under mounting pressure, ISIS resorts to suicide attacks.

African terror group Al Shabaab finds American recruits to aid jihad missions.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tech-stock wreck destroys $514B this year.

Turbulence predicted for global art market.

Wall St. down as jobs report renews rate rise concerns.

Showdown in Europe over privacy has U.S. firms ducking for cover.

Super Bowl TV commercials are Super business for advertisers.