Smoke rises from the northern Syrian town of al-Bab. Islamic State militants are now effectively surrounded by Syrian government forces from the south and Turkish-backed rebels from the north, as Damascus and Ankara race to capture the largest Islamic State stronghold in Aleppo province. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
Reuters: Turkish-led forces advance into outskirts of Syrian city
Syrian rebels backed by the Turkish military have captured the outskirts of the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab in northern Syria, the Turkish government and rebel sources said on Wednesday.
The advance threatens an important IS stronghold, whose fall would deepen Turkish influence in an area of northern Syria where it has created a de facto buffer zone.
Syrian government forces have also advanced on al-Bab from the south, bringing them into close proximity with their Turkish and rebel enemies in one of the most complex battlefields of the six-year-old conflict.
But Turkey said international coordination was under way to prevent clashes with the Syrian forces.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syrian jets wage deadly strikes on rebel-held Homs district.
In Syria, the rebels turn on each other.
Turkey-backed forces take control of outer districts of Syria's al-Bab: PM. Syrian rebels and Turkish forces close in on 'IS' town of al-Bab.
Turkey coordinating troop movements in Syria with Russia.
Turks say CIA director set to visit, as Trump pursues stronger ties.
UN appeals for $2.1 bn for Yemen aid as famine looms. Warning of famine, UN asks for $2.1 billion in aid for Yemen.
Israeli groups ask court to block law legalizing settlements. US tight-lipped as Israel settler law sparks world outrage.
ASIA
Gunmen in northern Afghanistan kill 6 Red Cross staff.
Islamic State claims responsibility for Afghan Supreme Court attack.
Afghanistan war getting little notice from Trump White House.
China, United States cannot afford conflict, Chinese foreign minister says.
Exclusive: More than 1,000 feared killed in Myanmar army crackdown on Rohingya - U.N. officials.
Bangladesh rebukes Myanmar for 'unprovoked aggression'.
Pope Francis decries atrocities on Rohingya Muslims.
Philippines seeks US, China help to combat sea pirates.
Fire engulfs Philippine slum, thousands homeless. Shanty town fire in Philippines leaves 15,000 homeless.
6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes off Pakistan coast.
AFRICA
UN warns of atrocities in South Sudan.
Somali Presidential poll moves to second round. Somali capital on lockdown as MPs choose president.
Gunmen kill four guards in attack in Somalia's Puntland.
Polisario on alert along W.Sahara sand barrier.
Angolan rebels call on oil region to boycott election.
Zimbabwe protest leader Mawarire released on bail.
South Africa's Zuma to deploy 400 soldiers at state address.
EUROPE
German intelligence 'finds no evidence of Putin disinformation campaign'.
Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader found guilty. Russian court finds Alexei Navalny guilty in embezzlement case.
Putin signs law reducing punishment for domestic battery.
Top Ukraine separatist commander assassinated.
Merkel urges Putin to help end violence in eastern Ukraine.
German agency working to clear backlog of 435,000 asylum cases.
Tensions rise in New Caledonia ahead of independence vote.
Majority of Europeans say Muslim immigration should be stopped – poll.
AMERICAS
Travel ban decision in hands of federal appeals court judges. Trump attacks federal courts as 'so political,' defends travel ban.
Colombia and ELN rebels open peace talks in Ecuador.
6 dead in clash between marines and gunmen in Mexico.
Jovenel Moise sworn in as Haiti's new president.
Bipartisan US lawmakers urge Trump to sanction Venezuela.
Venezuela’s new iron-fisted boss facing U.S. trafficking probe.
Legal fight vowed after final Dakota pipeline construction endorsed.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Trump team weighing orders on Guantanamo, cutting government.
UN report: Military pressure on IS has group on 'defensive'.
Searches in Germany, Britain focus on Islamist suspects: prosecutor.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
For Chinese home buyers, Seattle is the new Vancouver.
Exclusive: White House eying executive order targeting 'conflict minerals' rule - sources.
Facebook adds tool for helping in times of crisis.
