Sunday, January 7, 2018

World News Briefs -- January 7, 2018

A Syria Civil Defence member carries a wounded child in the besieged town of Hamoria, Eastern Ghouta, in Damascus, Syria Janauary 6, 2018. REUTERS/ Bassam Khabieh

Reuters: Syrian army presses offensive in last rebel stronghold of Idlib

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria’s army and its allies pressed further into the country’s largest remaining rebel stronghold on Sunday, capturing a town and several villages as they approached a military airport, a pro-Damascus media unit and a war monitor reported.

Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad have stepped up the offensive in the southern province of Idlib in recent days, advancing toward the Abu al-Duhur airport, which rebels captured from the president’s troops in September 2015.

The Syrian army and its allies “have gained control over the town of Sinjar,” 14 kms (nine miles) from Abu al-Duhur, and three villages to the west, the media unit run by Assad ally Hezbollah reported.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Hospitals being targeted, aid workers say.

Syria rebel enclave is Assad regime's weak spot.

Iran Guards say quell unrest fomented by foreign enemies.

Iran mocks Trump ‘blunder’ as government supporters rally.

Iran protests: Students 'among more than 1,000 arrested'.

Russia berates the US for calling UN Security Council meeting over protests in Iran that have left at least 21 dead.

US working 'to fix' Iran nuclear deal: Tillerson.

Yemen facing worst famine in decades.

Saudi king orders payouts, bonuses to soften price hikes.

Saudi Arabia arrests 11 princes protesting over bills, report says.

ASIA

Rohingya rebels ambush Myanmar soldiers. Rohingya rebels claim ambush on Myanmar security forces.

Rohingya insurgents say they have no option but to fight Myanmar.

Bomb blast kills four police officers in Kashmir.

In small breakthrough, Koreas will meet for talks on Tuesday. N. Korea names delegates for inter-Korean talks.

North Korea 'likely' to take part in Winter Olympics in South Korea. North Korea 'likely' to attend Olympics in South, says official.

Donald Trump open to speaking with Kim Jong-un, takes credit for North-South Korea talks.

Chinese delegate calls deferred U.S.-South Korea drills a 'freeze-for-freeze'.

Negative headlines overtaking enthusiasm for Olympic Games.

Cambodia marks 39 years since fall of brutal 'killing fields' regime.

Iranian oil tanker burns, 32 missing after collision off China's coast.

AFRICA

Senegal: Gunmen kill 13 in restive Casamance region. Casamance: Thirteen dead in attack in restive Senegalese region.

Three pro-government guerrilla fighters killed in Mali.

Cameroon separatist leader taken into custody in Nigeria: sources.

UN chief concerned by Western Sahara tensions.

Egypt's Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi gears up for re-election.

UN rights office raises alarm over Egypt executions.

Two Zimbabwe ex-ministers face corruption charges.

Rwanda, Uganda deny Israel deal to host Africa migrants.

South Africa's parliament to review rules on removing president.

At least 25 dead in migrant shipwreck off Libya: rescue charities.

Egypt Copts mark Christmas Eve after bloody year.

EUROPE

Orthodox believers in Russia and almost 70 other countries celebrate Christmas.

Theresa May to reshuffle cabinet on Monday, No 10 confirms. Britain's May to change government ministers soon, senior figures reported to be safe.

Cornered Merkel upbeat as starts government talks with center-left. Angela Merkel at bay … Social Democrats to set high coalition price.

UK PM May says Trump committed to best interests of United States.

First migrant deaths of 2018 reported in Mediterranean.

Turkey casts shadow over Turkish Cypriots' vote.

France remembers Charlie Hebdo victims three years after attacks.

AMERICAS

US weather: 100 million people affected by East Coast deep freeze following 'bomb cyclone'.

Trump, Republican lawmakers pore over agenda at Camp David.

Trump says he’s been ‘100 percent proper’ with Russia probe.

GOP senators request criminal investigation of Trump dossier author.

SEC probing Kushner Cos use of wealthy investor visas: WSJ.

Venezuela supermarkets besieged after government forces price cuts.

U.S. Treasury sanctions four Venezuelan officials over corruption claims. US imposes more sanctions on Venezuelans.

Sen. Jeff Flake says the US has found no evidence of 'sonic attacks' on American diplomats in Cuba.

Mexico violence: several public officials murdered.

Peru ex-leader Fujimori calls for unity after release.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump frustrated with Pakistan for backing terror groups: NSA McMaster.

Al Qaeda maintains operational tempo in West Africa in 2017.

Dreaded ISIS executioner ‘White Beard’ caught in Iraq, could himself face execution.

Pulse gunman's wife: I knew he was going to Orlando to attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. fund managers expect value stocks to jump in 2018.

Pot industry frets, then shrugs off Sessions’ new policy.

Tech firms battle to resolve major security flaw.

Different approaches to bitcoin in Asia.

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