World News Briefs -- November 28, 2016

The Guardian: Syrian rebel forces in Aleppo suffer 'biggest defeat since 2012'

Government advance drives wedge through rebel-held areas as activists claim opposition has lost third of its territory

Rebel forces in Aleppo have lost control of a key district that threatens to split the remaining opposition-held area in two, according to activists.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said pro-government forces seized the strategic Sakhour district in a wider advance that in recent days has driven rebels from a third of the areas they held.

One rebel official denied the report that Sakhour had fallen, an advance that would cut the rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo in two, while another said the situation was not yet clear.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian regime routs rebels in eastern Aleppo. Syria government forces split rebel-held Aleppo in two. Aleppo: Syrian Army seizes key district from rebels as thousands flee, observatory says.

Iran in Syria: Foreign naval bases more important than nuclear power, top Iranian General says.

Islamic State arrests shopkeepers for hiking prices in nearly besieged Mosul.

Iraq hospital brimming with Mosul civilian, army casualties.

Two Turkish soldiers killed after clashes with militants: sources.

Saudi-led airstrike kills at least 13 civilians in Yemen.

Yemen's Saleh asks UN to allow him to travel to Cuba: statement.

Israeli airforce strikes IS-linked group in Syria: army. Israeli aircraft target IS position in Syrian Golan Heights.

ASIA

Philippines says 11 ISIL sympathisers killed in siege.

Philippines' Duterte shrugs off Western threats of ICC indictment.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye too busy to meet criminal investigators.

Manila police detonate suspected bomb near US embassy.

Tens of thousands protest against India cash ban. Tens of thousands protest against India's currency crackdown.

Kazakhstan jails nine Islamists, two activists over attack, unrest.

Japan Fukushima nuclear plant 'clean-up costs double'.

Fidel Castro: North Korea observes three-day mourning period for late Cuban leader.

AFRICA

At least 62 killed in Uganda fighting, tribal king Mumbere in custody. At least 62 dead as Uganda moves against tribal king.

Somali forces approach port town, ready to attack Islamic State.

EU to keep patrolling for Somali pirates until end of 2018.

Silent victims of violence: 4 million kids orphaned in Congo.

Gunmen kidnap three UNHCR workers in Sudan's Darfur: local official.

Mugabe launches new currency in 'last gamble' for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe note launch stokes currency fears.

South Africa's president faces ANC rebellion. South African ministers call on Jacob Zuma to resign.

EUROPE

Fillon declares victory in French presidential primary as Juppe concedes defeat.

France election: Socialists scramble to avoid split after Fillon win.

Germany has only modest hopes for Ukraine talks on Tuesday.

Russian ambassador sets condition for dialogue on arms control with NATO.

UK 'expects Donald Trump to stand up to Moscow'.

UN looks to revive Cyprus talks after 'high hopes'.

Montenegrin lawmakers set to approve new pro-NATO government.

Pope Francis to visit Ireland in 2018.

AMERICAS

Fidel Castro death: Cubans queue to pay their respects. Thousands line up early to pay homage to Castro in Cuba.

Trump threatens to terminate US-Cuba deal.

Trump to fill more vacancies; recount distraction looms.

Trump, without evidence, says illegal voting cost him U.S. popular vote.

Authorities say no plans to forcibly remove North Dakota protesters.

Brazil President Temer 'will block' controversial bribe amnesty.

Mexican army, police try to quell wave of violence.

'The only two powerful cartels left': rivals clash in Mexico's murder capital.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French strike likely killed Al-Qaeda ally Belmokhtar: US official.

Obama expands 9/11 authorization to cover Al-Shabab.

Daesh 'planning attacks in Europe' amid military operations in Mideast.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US markets dip from record highs.

Protectionism and trade disputes threaten world growth, says OECD.

Global economic agency urges more infrastructure spending.

Oil up in choppy trade as OPEC makes last-ditch bid to save deal.