Reuters: Syrian government drives rebels from swath of Aleppo
The Syrian army and its allies announced the capture of a large swath of eastern Aleppo from rebels on Monday in an accelerating attack that threatens to crush the opposition in its most important urban stronghold.
Two rebel officials said the insurgents, facing fierce bombardment and ground attacks, had withdrawn from the northern part of eastern Aleppo to a more defensible front line along a big highway after losses that threatened to split their enclave.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the northern portion of eastern Aleppo lost by the rebels amounted to more than a third of the territory they had held, calling it the biggest defeat for the opposition in Aleppo since 2012.
Thousands of residents were reported to have fled. A rebel fighter reached by Reuters said there was "extreme, extreme, extreme pressure" on the insurgents.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian regime routs rebels in eastern Aleppo. Syria government forces split rebel-held Aleppo in two. Aleppo: Syrian Army seizes key district from rebels as thousands flee, observatory says.
Syria denounces Qatar for saying it will continue to back rebels.
Iran in Syria: Foreign naval bases more important than nuclear power, top Iranian General says.
Iraq could split if Shi'ite militias enter Mosul: Sunni politician.
Islamic State arrests shopkeepers for hiking prices in nearly besieged Mosul.
Iraq hospital brimming with Mosul civilian, army casualties.
Two Turkish soldiers killed after clashes with militants: sources.
Yemen's Houthis form government in setback to peace process.
Saudi-led airstrike kills at least 13 civilians in Yemen.
Yemen's Saleh asks UN to allow him to travel to Cuba: statement.
Israeli airforce strikes IS-linked group in Syria: army. Israeli aircraft target IS position in Syrian Golan Heights.
ASIA
U.N. Security Council to vote Wednesday on North Korea sanctions: diplomats.
Philippines says 11 ISIL sympathisers killed in siege.
Philippines' Duterte shrugs off Western threats of ICC indictment.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye too busy to meet criminal investigators.
Manila police detonate suspected bomb near US embassy.
Tens of thousands protest against India cash ban. Tens of thousands protest against India's currency crackdown.
Kazakhstan jails nine Islamists, two activists over attack, unrest.
Japan Fukushima nuclear plant 'clean-up costs double'.
Fidel Castro: North Korea observes three-day mourning period for late Cuban leader.
AFRICA
C.Africa clashes leave 85 dead, say officials.
Half of population in Central African Republic need aid: U.N..
At least 62 killed in Uganda fighting, tribal king Mumbere in custody. At least 62 dead as Uganda moves against tribal king.
Somali forces approach port town, ready to attack Islamic State.
EU to keep patrolling for Somali pirates until end of 2018.
Silent victims of violence: 4 million kids orphaned in Congo.
Gunmen kidnap three UNHCR workers in Sudan's Darfur: local official.
Mugabe launches new currency in 'last gamble' for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe note launch stokes currency fears.
South Africa's president faces ANC rebellion. South African ministers call on Jacob Zuma to resign. South Africa's Zuma expected to survive no-confidence vote.
EUROPE
Record number of boat migrants reach Italy this year. 1,400 saved in Med as Italy sees record migrant arrivals.
Fillon declares victory in French presidential primary as Juppe concedes defeat.
France election: Socialists scramble to avoid split after Fillon win.
Ukraine's Yanukovich blames radicals for bloodshed at Maidan protests.
Germany has only modest hopes for Ukraine talks on Tuesday.
Russian ambassador sets condition for dialogue on arms control with NATO.
UK 'expects Donald Trump to stand up to Moscow'.
UN looks to revive Cyprus talks after 'high hopes'.
Montenegrin lawmakers set to approve new pro-NATO government.
Pope Francis to visit Ireland in 2018.
AMERICAS
'Viva Fidel!': Tens of thousands pay last respects to Cuba's Castro.
First commercial U.S.-Havana flight lands as Cuba mourns Fidel Castro.
Fidel Castro death: Cubans queue to pay their respects. Thousands line up early to pay homage to Castro in Cuba.
Trump threatens to terminate US-Cuba deal.
Trump meets Petraeus as he steps up search for next secretary of state.
Trump to fill more vacancies; recount distraction looms.
Trump, without evidence, says illegal voting cost him U.S. popular vote.
Man at Ohio State University drives car into crowd, stabs others.
Authorities say no plans to forcibly remove North Dakota protesters.
Brazil President Temer 'will block' controversial bribe amnesty.
Mexican army, police try to quell wave of violence.
'The only two powerful cartels left': rivals clash in Mexico's murder capital.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
French strike likely killed Al-Qaeda ally Belmokhtar: US official.
Obama expands 9/11 authorization to cover Al-Shabab.
Daesh 'planning attacks in Europe' amid military operations in Mideast.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
OPEC experts end meeting, no agreement on detail.
US markets dip from record highs.
Protectionism and trade disputes threaten world growth, says OECD.
Global economic agency urges more infrastructure spending.
Oil up in choppy trade as OPEC makes last-ditch bid to save deal.
