Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters carry the Islamic State militants flag downward after liberating the city of Al-Qaim, Iraq November 3, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer
Reuters: Syrian army, allies, take last IS stronghold in Syria: commander
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria’s army and its allies, spearheaded by Lebanon’s Hezbollah, captured Islamic State’s last stronghold in Syria on Wednesday, a commander in the alliance said, bringing the self-declared caliphate close to complete downfall.
“The last stronghold of Daesh (Islamic State), Albu Kamal, is free of the Daesh organization,” said the commander in the military alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Islamic State has been all but destroyed over the past two years. At the height of its power in 2015, it ruled an expanse of Iraq and Syria, eradicating the border, printing money, imposing draconian laws and plotting attacks across the world.
On Wednesday, after a months-long advance through central and eastern Syria, the Syrian army and allied Shi‘ite militias encircled and attacked Albu Kamal.
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MIDDLE EAST
Egypt’s el-Sissi warns Iran to stop meddling in region.
Syrian army starts assault on last IS stronghold. Syria army, allies 'encircle' last IS-held town.
Assad adviser says Turkish, U.S. forces 'illegal invaders' in Syria.
Iraq needs 'Marshall Plan', says Kirkuk archbishop.
More than two million Iranian pilgrims descend on Iraq.
Iran agrees to enhance security cooperation, intelligence sharing with Pakistan.
Iran warns Saudi Arabia they face 'the might of the Islamic republic' if they continue to make war threats and boasts that 'the US have mobilised all their allies and achieved NOTHING'. Rouhani warns Saudi Arabia of Iran's 'might'.
Saudi Arabia could seize $800 BILLION in assets from the kingdom's elite as part of anti-corruption purge.
UN urges Saudi Arabia to end blockade on Yemen. Yemen conflict: Saudi ban 'catastrophic' for aid.
Fuel crisis hits Yemen’s capital as Saudis tighten blockade.
Hamas must disarm under unity deal: Palestinian police chief.
ASIA
Former Afghan warlord Hekmatyar calls for peace in public speech.
Trump: North Korea 'ruled as a cult'.
Diplomatic niceties for Trump in Beijing before tough talks.
Trump in China for talks with Xi amid N Korea tensions.
Trump warns 'rogue regime' North Korea of grave danger.
Satellite images spot increased activity at North Korean nuclear test site tunnel complex.
Desperate Rohingya use plastic rafts to flee Myanmar.
Mumbai attacks hurt Kashmir cause: ex-Pakistan foreign secretary.
Philippines' Duterte scales back building work in South China Sea spat.
Sri Lanka cuts food taxes as inflation hits record high.
AFRICA
Polisario condemns Morocco king speech on Western Sahara.
Western armies face uphill battle in Africa's Sahel.
Government forces accused of 'savage repression' in Togo.
Plague death toll rises to 143 in Madagascar: Experts warn deadly 'medieval' airborne virus is STILL spreading in the 'worst outbreak in 50 years'.
Hungry South Sudanese refugees risk death in return home for food.
Sacked Zimbabwe VP in exile, vows to defy Mugabe.
Kenya's parliament takes three-week break at opposition's request.
DR Congo says election pressure due to foreign 'greed' for cobalt.
Homes burn as wildfires whip South African capital.
Cows and chickens cause spat between Kenya and Tanzania.
EUROPE
UK aid minister Priti Patel resigns over Israeli meetings.
Spain says it will consider allowing regional independence referendums in first sign of victory for Catalonia. Catalans resist as Spain's Supreme Court nixes secession.
Strike for ousted Catalan leaders fails to gain traction.
Putin-Trump bilateral in Vietnam 'likely': Kremlin.
EU eyes tough Brexit transition terms.
Marine Le Pen loses immunity over Twitter IS images.
Germany must allow third gender in registry of births, court rules.
EU car firms should cut CO2 emissions by 30% from 2030.
AMERICAS
Trump thanks 'deplorables' for helping him win election.
1 year since win, Trump still keeps vanquished foe in sights.
US takes steps to make it harder for Americans to visit Cuba.
Bolivia rally urges Evo Morales' fourth term.
Venezuela assembly passes new law clamping down on media.
Russia says Venezuela accepts $3 billion restructuring terms.
Argentina's president wants the US to take a drastic measure against Venezuela.
Google promoted Texas gunman fake tweets.
Trudeau says Canada 'will not be rushed' into signing renewed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al-Qaeda affiliate in Mali claims string of attacks.
Torture rooms, booby traps and baby strollers: Adrienne Arsenault in the streets of ISIS's former capital.
Large terrorism training drill in Amsterdam.
Trump to decide on North Korea terror list after Asia trip.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stocks higher as video game companies surge and banks dip.
Twitter purists mourn end of 140-character limit on posts.
AT&T CEO says he has no intention of selling CNN after DOJ demands sale as condition for Time Warner deal.
Former Yahoo CEO apologizes for data breach, blames Russians.
China's trade surplus with US eases as Trump visits.
From Harvey Weinstein to Shakira, the celebrities with offshore interests.
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