Al Jazeera: Rebels, Turkey prepared for battle, but assault could be delayed
While Syrian forces and rebels step up preparations for battle for Idlib, sources say all-out attack may not start soon.
Antakya, Turkey - In the days that followed last week's summit in Tehran between Russia, Iran and Turkey on the fate of Syria's Idlib province, the last rebel bastion in the war-ravaged country, the bombardment of opposition-held areas intensified significantly.
The escalation fuelled speculation of an imminent, full-fledged onslaught by Syrian government forces, backed by their Russian and Iranian allies, against the rebels in Idlib.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria: Rebel-held areas bombed as Turkey reinforces outposts.
Syria and Russia resume Idlib air strikes: residents, rescuers.
Syria's Assad approves gas attack in Idlib despite warning, report says.
Violence displaces over 30,000 in northwest Syria this month: UN.
Russia says U.S. dropped phosphorus bombs over Syria, which Pentagon denies.
Trump administration is in no hurry to leave Syria, U.S. envoy says.
Under fire, Iraq PM visits Basra after deadly violence.
Iraqi city of Basra seethes over water crisis, unemployment.
US cuts $25 million from hospitals serving Palestinians.
US to close Palestinian mission in Washington, says PLO.
ASIA
North Korean leader sends Trump a letter suggesting another meeting.
China promises retaliation if US imposes more tariffs.
HRW report: Chinese government violates Xinjiang Muslims' rights.
Taliban kill dozens in attacks across north Afghanistan: officials.
North Korean anniversary parade full of colour but without any intercontinental missiles.
Thousands demand Bangladesh opposition leader's release.
India protests record-high fuel price hikes.
Cambodia releases opposition leader Kem Sokha on bail.
Comoros issues arrest warrant for outspoken ex-VP.
Could Julian Assange be offered asylum in New Zealand? Government to consider allowing the Wikileaks founder to stay in the country.
AFRICA
Djibouti nationalises key port terminal after row with Dubai.
Over 100 drowned in shipwrecks off Libya in early September.
Egypt security forces kill 11 suspected jihadists in Sinai.
Libya: Armed group storms state oil company in Tripoli.
Car bomb kills 6 outside Somali government office.
Uganda's Museveni blames 'external forces' for opposition unrest.
At least 19 killed as plane crashes in South Sudan.
Egypt sentences hundreds over 2013 pro-Morsi protests.
Sudan's Bashir sacks cabinet amid economic crisis. Sudan swears in new PM as Bashir bemoans economic woes.
ANC dismisses reports of plot to oust Ramaphosa.
EUROPE
Swedish election: Main blocs neck and neck as nationalists gain. Anti-immigrant party who 'traded jackboots for business suits' forces stalemate in Swedish election after record surge in support leaves ruling Social Democrats on worst result in a century.
Russian police detain hundreds protesting against pension reform. Russia: 1,000 detained in anti-government protests.
Russia: Google removes Putin critic's ads from YouTube.
Moldovan President Igor Dodon hurt after being run off road in crash with truck.
EU leaders expected to announce extraordinary Brexit summit for November.
Brexit plan: 80 MPs will reject Chequers deal, says ex-minister.
'It’s not about what is fair': Macedonians prepare to vote on name change.
Germany mulls joining US-led airstrikes in Syria – report.
AMERICAS
Hurricane Florence upgraded to category four as it nears US east coast.
'Bob Woodward is a liar!' Trump opens up on famed Watergate reporter with both barrels after he says president is waging 'war on truth' and 'detached from the reality' of his job.
Donald Trump: Mike Pence would take lie detector test to prove he did not write New York Times column.
Trump expected to soon declassify Carter Page, Bruce Ohr documents: report.
Guatemala: Indigenous protest against Morales's CICIG decision.
Venezuela migrants flee back across border with Brazil.
Nicaragua crisis: Families march for 'political prisoners'.
Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega blames crisis on US-backed 'coup'.
Bolsonaro: Brazil politician's health 'improving' after stabbing.
Meeting of U.S., Central American officials is called off this week.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Two dead in suspected IS suicide bomb attack on Libya oil company.
9/11 attack: New York City subway station reopens after 17 years.
Heroic Flight 93 passengers and crew who died rushing 9/11 hijackers in the cockpit are remembered with steel wind chime tower on the Pennsylvania field where plane crashed to earth.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks end losing streak as industrials, retailers rise.
EU and US trade reps meet but trans-Atlantic rift remains wide.
Chevron wins Ecuador rainforest 'oil dumping' case.
Les Moonves resigns from CBS after sexual misconduct allegations.
Nike sales increase 31 per cent in the aftermath of its controversial Colin Kaepernick endorsement deal.