AFP: Escalating Syria violence threatens ceasefire
Beirut (AFP) - Fighting escalated on several fronts Thursday around Syria's second city Aleppo as a Russian-backed government offensive strained a landmark ceasefire and a new round of peace talks in Geneva.
In the Swiss city, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura criticised President Bashar al-Assad's government for hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to Syrians in need.
On the ground, government fighters, rebels and jihadists battled for control of swathes of Aleppo province, threatening a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop.
Regime loyalists backed by Russian air power pressed a fierce offensive just north of the provincial capital of Aleppo city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Fighting was heaviest around Handarat, a hilly area that lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of the city.
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MIDDLE EAST
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ASIA
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US, Philippines launch joint South China Sea patrols.
U.S. announces ramped-up military presence in Philippines.
U.S. monitoring North Korea situation amid missile reports: State Dept.
Philippines rejects Islamic State's claim it killed 100 troops.
Taliban kill top police official in Afghanistan ambush.
Domestic concerns spark a surprising vote in South Korea.
Provocations, defections multiply as North Korean Party Congress approaches.
US reveals rare joint navy patrols with Philippines.
Powerful earthquake hits southern Japan.
AFRICA
Nigeria arrests six over pipeline attacks, destroys two mini refineries.
Obama warns of IS focus on Libya after Iraq and Syria setbacks.
Nigeria: Amnesty International calls for investigation of military killings of minority Shiite Muslims following confirmation of mass grave.
Nigeria Chibok girls 'shown alive' in Boko Haram video.
Burundi government party official killed in tit-for-tat violence.
Thousands protest against Mugabe in Zimbabwe capital.
Egypt's Sisi hits out at 'evil conspirators' amid islands furore.
Africa drought fears grip Malawi and Mozambique. Malawi declares national disaster after drought as food shortage looms.
EUROPE
Russia jets make 'simulated attack' passes near U.S. destroyer: U.S..
Russia rejects criticism of fly-by near US Navy destroyer.
Macedonia prosecutor to pursue wiretap probe despite presidential pardons.
Putin blasts Panama Papers 'provocation,' soothes crisis-hit Russians.
Putin seeks to charm, insists Russian economy on the mend.
Putin believes there will be no military action in east Ukraine.
Armenian Defense Ministry reports 92 casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan says one soldier killed in fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ukrainian parliament votes in new government. Ukraine MPs approve Volodymyr Groysman as new PM. Ukrainian President's ally is elected as New Prime Minister.
Learn German or lose benefits, Berlin tells migrants in new law.
Greece conducts military drills along northern borders.
Poland says NATO must speak to Russia from position of strength.
Poland plans to tear down hundreds of Soviet memorials.
AMERICAS
Brazil's top court to decide on motion to annul impeachment.
In Brazil's corridors of power, mood swings against Rousseff. 3 parties abandon Brazil president as impeachment vote nears.
Sanders and Clinton return to battle in New York.
Trump highlights 'big protest march' in Colorado.
Mexico President's approval at lowest for last 4 leaders.
Former Argentina president defiant after court appearance in fraud case.
Cuban farmers in 'agony' waiting for promised reforms.
The fed's new 'war on drugs': Obama proposes $1.1 billion to expand care for opioid addicts.
Landmark ruling swells number of Canada aboriginals.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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Senate GOP: Obama must release details on Gitmo detainees.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil dips as IEA sees global glut dwindling.
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Doubts raised over impact of Doha oil summit.
Many U.S. corporations pay little in federal income taxes: report.
US banks not prepared for another financial crisis, say federal regulators.
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