Reuters: Syrian army splinters rebel enclave in Ghouta onslaught
The Syrian army broke apart the rebel enclave in eastern Ghouta on Sunday, cutting off two major towns from the rest of the area, state media said, after a fierce battle waged under cover of an unrelenting bombardment.
State television on Sunday broadcast from the eastern Ghouta town of Mudeira, which state television and a war monitor said the army had captured to link up with units on the other side of the enclave.
A military media unit run by the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of the Syrian government, said the army had also entirely surrounded the town of Douma.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria army 'splits rebel-held Eastern Ghouta in three'.
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As economic problems pile up, Iran cautiously weighs changes.
Israel's Netanyahu accused of stoking 'fake' crisis to force poll. Israeli politicians suspect Netanyahu seeks election to survive corruption probes.
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ASIA
North Korea still silent on Trump-Kim summit.
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Hong Kong election tests Beijing's 'increasing interference'.
At least 44 militants killed in clash with Philippine troops: army.
Security alarm sounded over Chinese company Huawei's possible involvement in Australia's 5G network.
Coalition denies Trump gave Australia tariff exemption in exchange for military support.
UN to seek $1b for Rohingya refugee effort in Bangladesh.
Japan marks 7th anniversary of tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
AFRICA
16 Jihadists killed in Egypt's Sinai military operation.
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DR Congo signs new mining law despite companies' opposition. DR Congo enacts law to hike tax on minerals.
South Africa gold miners' silicosis lawsuit settlement expected within six weeks.
US Secretary of State Tillerson cancels Saturday events on African trip over illness.
Over 250 migrants rescued off Libya coast: navy.
South Sudan suspends UN radio station.
Tunisia women march for same inheritance rights as men.
EUROPE
UK military chemical experts aid police in spy poison probe. UK official: Small traces of contamination found in spy case.
UK says it is too early to pin blame in Skripal poisoning.
Russia tries to entice voters to polls to prop up Putin's legitimacy.
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Georgian PM calls for restoration of diplomatic ties with Russia.
Spanish court refuses to release nominated Catalan leader from jail. Catalonia Spain: Judge refuses to release Jordi Sanchez for investiture.
Italy elections: Populists Salvini and Di Maio vow tax cuts.
French president pokes at Trump for leaving Paris accord.
French far-right party severs all ties with elder Le Pen.
Anarchists from across the Balkans clash with Greek police.
AMERICAS
Trump unleashed at raucous rally for embattled Pennsylvania Republican.
Trump says he rejected Mexico request about border wall.
Trump to make first trip as president to defiant California.
Tariffs should be part of U.S. trade policy, Trump foe Warren says.
Colombia election: Former Farc rebels face first ballot. Colombia's ex-FARC rebels face first electoral test.
Cuba vote marks final chapter of Castro legacy. Cuba vote opens final chapter of Castro era.
Indigenous Yukpa face humanitarian crisis after fleeing Venezuela.
Bolivia unfurls 'world's biggest flag' in row with Chile.
Rob Ford: brother of late Toronto mayor is new Progressive Conservative leader of Ontario.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Afghan special forces hit hard in deadly Taliban ambush.
Qods Force chief: Israel’s destruction the blood debt of Hezbollah commander’s death.
ISIS' rape victims 'were like living corpses': UN.
Iraqi court sentences al Qaeda leader's sister to death.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Trump tariffs: EU wants clarity on exemption. US steel tariffs: Germany's Merkel calls for EU exemption.
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China: Trade war with US would be disastrous.
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Jeff Bezos rockets to richest person on the planet.
