World News Briefs -- August 1, 2016

The Guardian: Syrian rebels launch operation to break Aleppo siege

Fighters say they have pushed back Assad forces, as Russian helicopter shot down over Idlib province

Rebel fighters in Aleppo have launched a major military operation aimed at breaking a weeks-long regime siege of the opposition-controlled eastern part of the Syrian city.

About 250,000 civilians are believed to be living in the rebel-controlled territory, and their plight has led to growing international alarm. The area has been subjected to a brutal aerial bombing campaign from the forces of Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies, which has destroyed several of the last hospitals in the area.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's civil war: Rebels push to break Aleppo siege.

UN formally invites Syria government to new peace talks.

Islamic State attacks two energy plants in north Iraq, kills five.

Death toll in Baghdad bombing rises to 324: ministry.

Attack at Yemen border kills 7 Saudi border guards. Four killed in Saudi Arabia in cross-border shelling from Yemen.

Yemen's exiled government accepts UN peace proposal. Yemen's Houthi rebels reject UN draft peace plan.

Turkey coup attempt: Erdogan 'snatch squad' soldiers captured. Turkey captures commandos who tried to seize Erdogan during coup bid. Turkey steps up army dismissals over 15 July coup attempt.

ASIA

Taliban claim Kabul bomb attack on compound used by foreigners.

Watchdog: Afghan government lost 5 percent of territory in recent months.

Afghan official: Taliban attacks kill 24 police in 2 days.

'Give them a bloody nose': Xi pressed for stronger South China Sea response.

Cambodian leader sues opposition chief, claiming defamation.

Amnesty warns that Malaysian law gives govt 'abusive powers'.

Tokyo elects first woman governor as it prepares for its Olympics.

Malaysia: Controversial National Security Act launched.

Flight MH370 was flown into water, says crash expert.

AFRICA

Shabaab strikes police department headquarters in Mogadishu.

Angolan rebels claim more casualties in oil-rich Cabinda.

African Union peacekeepers accused of executions in CAR.

Zimbabwe arrests another veterans group leader in crackdown.

Mali extends state of emergency for eight months.

Massive rally in Congo demanding resignation of President Joseph Kabila.

Online fraud: Top Nigerian scammer arrested. Interpol arrests Nigerian accused in $60 million cybercrime.

EUROPE

Armed men who seized Armenian police station surrender.

Thousands march in Germany in support of Turkey's President Erdogan.

London police chief says more officers armed for next attack.

Britain's Cameron in cronyism storm over resignation honors.

France seeks more influence over mosques to stop jihadists.

Bosnian-EU agreement paves way for big IMF loan.

Pope says it's wrong to identify Islam with violence.

AMERICAS

Trump's dispute with fallen Muslim soldier's parents draws condemnation.

Clinton pushes back on Benghazi and email criticism.

'Welcome to hell': Thousands of protesters warn Olympics will not be safe as they march through Rio after Games security firm is FIRED for failing to hire enough guards with just five days to go until the opening ceremony.

Rio beach protest calls for ouster of suspended president.

Expert to Rio athletes: 'Don't put your head under water'.

More locally transmitted Zika in U.S. expected: official.

Mexico violence: Eleven killed in Acapulco.

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone's mother-in-law freed.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon will strike rebranded Nusra Front after split from al Qaeda.

Islamic State calls on members to carry out jihad in Russia.

As 'caliphate' shrinks, Islamic State looks to global attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Texas shale oil has fought Saudi Arabia to standstill.

Uber sells Chinese business to Didi Chuxing.

UBS rogue trader: 'It could happen again'.