Reuters: Syria army widens southwest offensive, U.N. says 45,000 flee
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian troops widened a major offensive against rebels in the southwest on Tuesday and Jordan said it would not open its border to tens of thousands of civilians fleeing the attack.
At least 45,000 people have fled the upsurge in fighting in Syria’s southwestern Deraa province, heading toward the border with Jordan, the United Nations said.
President Bashar al-Assad is aiming to restore control over a strategically vital part of Syria at the borders with Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, building on his military’s momentum elsewhere in the seven-year conflict.
Government forces opened a new front on Tuesday against the rebel-held part of Deraa city, the provincial capital, state media reported. A commander in the regional alliance that backs Assad told Reuters the aim was to reach the Nassib crossing with Jordan, an economic artery in rebel hands since 2015.
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MIDDLE EAST
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ASIA
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Koreas agree to improve North Korea’s railways.
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Two Koreas dial down rhetoric on war anniversary.
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AFRICA
South Sudan foes 'agree on points': Khartoum.
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Eritrea delegation arrives in Ethiopia ahead of landmark talks.
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Libya unity government urges UN to block 'illegal' oil sales.
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EUROPE
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U.N. to present plan for Mediterranean migrant centers for EU.
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Italy: Lifeline migrant rescue ship to dock in Malta.
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European readers still blocked from some US news sites.
AMERICAS
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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