World News Briefs -- January 10, 2018

Reuters: Turkey urges Russia, Iran to stop Syrian army offensive in Idlib

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey called on Russia and Iran on Wednesday to pressure Syrian authorities to halt a military offensive in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib province, which Damascus launched despite an international deal to reduce hostilities there.

As pro-government forces pressed the assault, the Russian defense ministry’s newspaper said Moscow had asked the Turkish military to tighten control over armed groups in Idlib. It said militants had used the province as the launchpad for a drone attack on two Russian bases in the last week.

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MIDDLE EAST

70,000 Syrians flee as regime advances on last rebel-held province.

Turkey summons Russia, Iran envoys over Idlib violence.

Drone attack on Russian bases in Syria came from Turkish-backed rebels – Russian MoD. Drone attack on Russia bases in Syria 'came from Idlib'.

Kremlin says Russian troops able to fend off attacks in Syria.

Turkey warns Iran, Russia as Syria tensions mount.

Qatar seeks international arbitration to end blockade.

Iran's easing of drug laws could halt execution of 5,000 prisoners.

Palestinian leader says U.S. out of peace talks until Jerusalem policy reversed.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu under fire after son's brag about controversial gas deal.

ASIA

S. Korea's Moon Jae-in willing to meet Kim Jong Un 'under right conditions'. Moon: South Korea will not compromise push for North's denuclearization.

South and North Korea agree to hold military dialogue, inter-Korean exchanges.

Moon Jae-in credits Donald Trump for inter-Korea talks.

Hundreds of North Koreans likely to attend Winter Olympics.

Analysts: China poised for 6 to 7 percent rate of economic growth.

Thai leader directs reporters' questions to cardboard cutout of himself.

Malaysia to pay up to $70 million if US seabed exploration firm finds MH370.

AFRICA

Heavy gunfire at military camps in Ivory Coast's second city. Soldiers loot arms, burn military base in Ivory Coast's second city.

Eritrea, Egypt presidents meet amid Red Sea tensions.

Up to 100 refugees feared drowned off Libyan coast.

Libya may not be ready for democracy, says military strongman.

S.Africa's ANC faces Zuma exit options as party seeks to rebuild.

Tunisia rallies simmer before Arab Spring anniversary.

Christians in Egypt face unprecedented persecution, report says.

Unauthorised gold mining in Cameroon reaps deathly toll.

EUROPE

Russia takes aim at US over series of Syria drone attacks.

Catalan parties to seek return of Puigdemont as president.

US Senate Democratic report warns of Russian meddling across Europe.

Western Balkans backsliding on democracy, says Lords committee.

Chechnya under fire after human rights activist held for drugs possession.

Greece limits Islamic Sharia law courts for Muslim minority.

Italian mafia group 'Ndrangheta targeted in mass arrests in Italy and Germany.

AMERICAS

Massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes in the Caribbean: Islands escape major damage after one of the most powerful tremors ever to hit the region

US lawmakers seek deal on immigration, border security.

Mattis asks senators to end budget chaos.

State Department to Cuba personnel: Run away if you hear weird noises.

US declares Florida exempt from offshore drilling plan.

Russia meddling in Mexican election: White House aide McMaster.

Brazil police request Temer answer questions in alleged graft probe.

Oprah caught in devastating California mudslide: Sixteen dead as talkshow legend's $50m estate is overwhelmed by knee-deep mud and Jimmy Connors is evacuated from his mansion by helicopter.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Netanyahu: Israel thwarted 'major' terror attacks in Europe involving planes.

Al Qaeda maintains operational tempo in West Africa.

IS cells operate in Kabul under noses of Afghan and US forces.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World Bank issues warnings on interest rates and inflation.

Bitcoin continues sinking, down 30% from peak as China & S.Korea consider strangling industry.

China would win in a trade war with U.S., analyst says.