Monday, December 12, 2016

World News Briefs -- December 12, 2016 (Evening Edition)

The collapse of Aleppo's rebel resistance ©Kun TIAN, Simon MALFATTO, Laurence SAUBADU (AFP)

Daily Mail: Thousands of Syrians take to the streets to celebrate the 'final phase' of the battle for Aleppo after forces say they now have control of '98% of the east of the city'

* Syrian troops have captured the Sheikh Saeed and Saliheen districts of Aleppo
* They have also taken control of al-Fardous, which the rebels held since 2012
* Zakaria Malahifji, a rebel, said: 'The situation is extremely difficult today'
* Assad's regime, backed by Russia, has taken advantage of US political limbo

The Syrian army says it has gained control of 98 per cent of eastern Aleppo, leaving only a tiny enclave packed with rebels and civilians, with the battle for the city entering its 'final phase'.

The military's statement said pro-government forces have seized control of al-Fardous, one of the largest neighbourhoods in eastern Aleppo, which has been held by the rebels since 2012.

Crowds of civilians have been seen celebrating the advances in Assad-held sectors of the city, waving their country's national flag in the air along with portraits of the president.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Status of main battle fronts in Syria and Iraq.

Aleppo operation in final stages, Syrian general says. Aleppo battle: Rebels on brink amid rapid losses. Syrian army moves closer to complete recapture of Aleppo. Assad forces close to capturing east Aleppo after 'doomsday' bombardment.

Russia says 728 rebels surrendered in Aleppo over past 24 hours.

Syrian troops say they control 98 percent of eastern Aleppo.

Syrian Observatory reports suspected gas attack in Islamic State area near Palmyra.

Palmyra: IS retakes ancient Syrian city. Russian Defense Ministry: Attack on Palmyra shows terrorists should not be given break.

Iraqi police say ready to join assault on east Mosul.

Unlearning the caliphate at reopened schools in Iraq.

Looking ahead to Trump presidency, Netanyahu refocusses on Iran.

Israel's first F-35 jets land as Trump blasts costs.

Turkish police detain hundreds after bomb attacks, pro-Kurdish party targeted.

Turkish economy contracts amid instability.

ASIA

Trump says U.S. not necessarily bound by 'one China' policy.

China warns Trump against ignoring its Taiwan interests. China 'seriously concerned' over Trump's Taiwan policy. China questions future of US relationship after Trump's Taiwan remarks. China says Trump's Taiwan comments cause 'serious concern'.

Merkel says Germany will stick to one-China policy.

China conducts flyover of waterways near Japan, Taiwan.

Japan protests over China's complaint about fighter jets.

Taliban rejects peace talks, emphasizes alliance with al Qaeda in new video.

South Korea PM briefed on state affairs after Park impeached.

Uzbek party nominates deputy cabinet head Aripov for PM.

Bill English sworn in as New Zealand's Prime Minister after John Key's resignation.

Thousands evacuated as cyclone barrels towards India.

AFRICA

EU, US sanction DR Congo officials over protest violence. U.S. steps up sanctions on Congo officials, Europe joins in.

Sudan's Bashir vows to crush opposition protests.

260 Malians deported by Algeria allege police brutality.

Nigeria Maiduguri: Two 'young girls' used as human bombs.

Suicide bomb kills at least 29 at Somalia's main port - police.

Egypt arrests four over deadly church blast.

Cairo cathedral bombing: President Sisi names attacker, as funeral held. Egypt’s president says suicide bomber behind Cairo church attack.

Egypt mourns victims of Cairo Coptic cathedral bombing.

The Gambia's president urged to accept defeat by new government.

U.S. sanctions two Congo officials for undermining democracy.

EU to provide funds to Mali in exchange for easier migrant repatriation.

Burundi refugees mark anniversary of worst bloodshed.

EUROPE

Italian PM unveils new government, but centre-right ally threatens to quit.

No call for EU sanctions against Russia on Syria: Mogherini.

Russia praises possible Trump pick Rex Tillerson's 'highly professional manner'.

Russian hackers 'threaten Germany 2017 election', MPs warn.

Early results in Macedonia elections prove inconclusive.

Transnistria’s president-elect confirms plans to enhance strategic partnership with Russia.

France seeks to extend terror state of emergency.

French police question ten suspects over deadly Nice attack.

IMF's Christine Lagarde goes on trial in France. IMF chief Christine Lagarde in negligence trial in France.

Cologne police to deploy 1,500 on New Year to prevent sex attacks, theft.

AMERICAS

White House suggests Trump benefited from Russia hacking.

White House backs Russia probe against defiant Trump.

Trump calls CIA’s Russia hacking report ‘a conspiracy theory’.

Trump faces an early test with Republicans over Russia.

Inflation-hit Venezuela pulls largest bill from circulation, residents withdraw 'backpacks full of cash'.

Colombia's president extends ceasefire with FARC through yearend.

Peace deal will help Colombia battle cocaine, President says.

Brazil prosecutor brings new graft charges against Senate head.

EU, Cuba sign accord on political dialogue and cooperation.

Last US Senate seat filled: Louisiana Republican wins.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lasting IS defeat unlikely anytime soon: report.

Weekend brings wave of terror to Istanbul, Cairo, Mogadishu.

Guantanamo board approves release of another Yemeni 'forever prisoner'.

Guantanamo may be too expensive for Trump to keep.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow notches 15th record close since election; Treasury yields rise ahead of Fed meeting.

US trade group will work with Trump; defend free trade rules.

Oil prices surging after agreed output cuts. Oil prices jump on new output deal.

Iran seals $17 billion Boeing deal, close to Airbus order.

Oxfam exposes 'world's worst tax havens'.

No comments: