Reuters: Syrian govt. presses Idlib offensive as people flee homes in the cold
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Rapid advances by the Syrian army into rebels’ largest remaining stronghold, Idlib province, have brought it closer to a key insurgent-held military airport and displaced tens of thousands of people struggling to find shelter in winter weather.
Supported by Iran-backed militias and Russian air power, President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have taken territory in northeastern Hama and southern Idlib provinces since beginning an offensive in late October.
The fighting and air strikes have forced more than 60,000 people to leave their homes since Nov. 1, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
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MIDDLE EAST
US freezes payment to UN agency for Palestinian refugees: report.
Saudis 'intercept' Houthi missile near Yemen border. Saudi Arabia military camp targeted with ballistic missile fired from Yemen.
Iraq's Abadi in high-stakes plan to rein in Iranian-backed militias.
Hard-line cleric says social media fed Iran protests, unrest.
Thousands turn out for pro-government rallies in Iran.
Iran prosecutor blames CIA, Israel, Saudi for protests.
Erdogan accuses US, Israel of 'meddling' in Iran, Pakistan.
Trump administration issues new round of sanctions aimed at Iran.
Turkey's Mevlut Cavusoglu urges 'fresh start' with Germany.
Saudi Aramco takes key step towards $2tn flotation.
ASIA
US suspends security assistance to Pakistan.
Pyongyang accepts South Korea's offer of talks next week on whether North will send team to Winter Olympics. North Korea accepts offer from South to meet for peace talks (CNN)
U.S. opposes South Korea funding for North Korea Olympians.
China says will limit oil, refined product exports to North Korea. China tightens North Korea trade restrictions under UN sanctions.
Trump admin suspends aid to Pakistani military, demands ‘decisive action’ vs. terrorists.
Deadly suicide blast hits Afghan capital.
There are signs of another India-China border spat.
Japan's defense policy decisions in 2018.
AFRICA
New fighting near South Sudan capital, violating cease-fire.
Rwanda, Uganda deny deal with Israel to take Africa migrants.
Equatorial Guinea launches manhunt after coup bid.
Equatorial Guinea: UN dispatches envoy amid reports of failed coup.
Nigeria begins mass evacuation of stranded nationals from Libya.
As chaos and despair grow in Libya, Qaddafi son plans comeback.
Queues at Sudan bakeries as bread prices soar.
Zimbabwe's new president visits ailing opposition chief.
Hot air balloon crash in Egypt kills 1, injures 19 tourists.
EUROPE
France’s Macron suggests EU partnership with Turkey.
Georgia sentences Saakashvili in absentia to 3 years.
Russian opposition leader appeals ban on election run against Putin.
Ahead of crucial coalition talks, Merkel's and Schulz's ratings hit rock bottom.
Tough new German law puts tech firms and free speech in spotlight.
Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras denied bail.
Migrants in Europe linked to soaring violence and crime in Germany, study finds.
Anti-migrant attacks surge in Greece's Piraeus.
Ukraine: killing of lawyer sparks protests against 'criminal system'.
AMERICAS
Trump praises US economy ahead of Camp David meetings.
GOP senators request criminal investigation of Trump dossier author.
Massive 'bomb cyclone' slams US and Canadian east coast, thousands of flights cancelled. US storm to bring 'record-breaking' low temperatures.
Trump Organization gave Russia-related documents to Mueller, Capitol Hill.
Trump administration plans to allow oil and gas drilling off nearly all US coast.
Report: Struggling Venezuela tried to buy medicine with diamonds, gold.
Haiti prisons: Overcrowding a major problem.
Alberto Fujimori: Peru’s ex-president leaves clinic free man after pardon.
'Fire and Fury' book on Trump White House goes on sale. Donald Trump: Michael Wolff's credibility questioned as explosive book makes waves.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
ISIS declares war on Hamas with sickening execution video as it vows to overthrow them from the Gaza Strip for failing to stop Trump's Jerusalem move.
Osama bin Laden's 12-year-old grandson is dead, says al-Qaeda leader's 'heir'.
Saudi Arabia: No evidence shows it had a hand in 9/11 attack.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Modest US hiring and slow wage gains keep Wall Street happy.
Apple reveals ALL iPhones, iPads and Macs are at risk from devastating Intel and ARM chip 'design flaws' that could expose billions of people's personal data to hackers.
Marlboro maker Philip Morris to 'give up cigarettes' for New Year's resolution.
Apple is expected to use a tax break to bring back $200billion of its overseas cash hoard, sparking fresh speculation the company could buy Netflix.
My New Year resolution is to 'fix' Facebook, says founder Mark Zuckerberg.
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