Reuters: As Idlib offensive looms, Syrians flee to border villages
Syrians escaping violence in Idlib have arrived in villages near the Turkish border in droves, fearing Damascus will launch a full-blown assault on the rebel stronghold.
More than 30,000 people have fled their homes in northwest Syria since the army and allied forces resumed bombardment last week, the U.N. humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) said on Monday. It said a military offensive could trigger the worst humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century.
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MIDDLE EAST
Assad 'has been warned' on Idlib chemical use: Mattis.
US-backed force attacks last IS pocket in eastern Syria.
Rebels, Turkey prepared for battle, but assault could be delayed.
Erdogan and UN warn of human catastrophe in Idlib.
Iran seeks to avert disaster in Syria's Idlib: Iranian senior official.
Moscow slams as blackmail US threats to use force against Syria.
U.S. holds talks with U.K., France on possible Syria strikes.
Reopened Baghdad-Fallujah railway a tentative sign of progress in Iraq.
Iran's nuclear chief vows to accelerate atomic program if JCPOA collapses.
Dissent in Riyadh: Saudi Royals bicker over Yemen war.
ASIA
China to UN rights chief Bachelet: 'Respect our sovereignty'.
Afghanistan: Suicide bomber kills 32 in attack on protesters .
Afghan Taliban prepare for new peace talks with U.S.: sources.
White House planning second Trump-Kim summit.
South Korean president calls for 'bold decision' by U.S., North Korea.
North and South Korea to joint excavate ancient palace site.
Unpredictable geopolitical climate makes Russia-China ties more important – Xi Jinping.
China takes center stage at opening of Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
China scraps three family planning offices amid push to boost birthrate.
Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif, wife of Pakistan's jailed ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, dies in London.
AFRICA
Ramaphosa confident S.Africa won't suffer sanctions over land.
Ethiopia and Eritrea withdraw troops and open borders.
Ethiopia and Eritrea reopen their border for the first time in 20 years.
Libya: Italian foreign minister meets Haftar in Benghazi.
MSF: Over 100 migrants killed in shipwreck off Libyan coast.
S.Africa 'close to war zone' with 57 murders a day: minister.
Tanzania's John Magufuli advises against birth control.
Zimbabwe declares health emergency after cholera deaths. Zimbabwe cholera outbreak: State of emergency declared.
Nigeria gas tanker explosion kills dozens.
Russia's scramble for influence in Africa catches western officials off-guard.
EUROPE
Pope to meet U.S. Church leaders after archbishop's accusations: Vatican.
Hungary's Viktor Orban accuses EU of 'abuse of power'.
Xi, Putin meet as Russia kicks off biggest ever war games.
Russia and China place great importance on regional cooperation, says Putin.
Russia's Vladimir Putin late again to summit with Shinzo Abe.
EU future at stake in make-or-break election, Greek PM Alex Tsipras says.
Spain: 1 million people march in Barcelona for independence.
Pro-independence Catalans renew calls for republic at rally in Barcelona.
European Parliament to debate disciplining Hungary.
Death of German fuels fears of far-right violence in Köthen.
German security chief called to explain claims about far-right videos.
Ukrainian minister calls for severing railway service with Russia.
Greenland picks Denmark as airport project partner over Beijing.
AMERICAS
Exclusive: Trump to target foreign meddling in U.S. elections with sanctions order - sources.
On 9/11 anniversary, Trump salutes 'heroes' of Flight 93.
Trump to mark anniversary of September 11 attacks.
Trump tweets about 9/11, Russia investigation as he heads to Flight 93 memorial event.
Trump administration orders closure of Palestinian office, threatens ICC with sanctions.
Senate intel won’t have Russia report by midterms, top Democrat says.
Hurricane Florence strengthens to category 4 forcing mass evacuations along low-lying areas of US east coast.
US accuses Venezuela's leader of operating 'a kleptocracy'.
Brazil candidate Jair Bolsonaro to undergo 'major surgery'.
Brazilian presidential candidate Lula abandons race, source says.
Canada ready to allow U.S. dairy access in NAFTA talks: sources.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Coalition confirms assault on IS in east Syria.
Defence lawyers in 9/11 case seek dismissal of new judge.
9/11, 17 years on: Timeline of events in worst terrorist attack on US soil.
Debunking the myths about the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street gains as Apple, tech rebound; oil lifts energy shares.
Russia and China to reduce use of US dollar in trade.
Massive global debt looms as major risk 10 years after GFC, Canada Pension Plan chief warns.
Trade turnover between Russia and China to grow to $100 bln in 2018 — Putin.
'The next billion users': Google targets India's lucrative mobile market.
orld trade body to hear China appeal for sanctions vs US.