DW: Syria: 3,000 'Islamic State' members surrender to US-backed forces
The extremists once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq, but now thousands of them have handed themselves in. Kurdish-led units are reportedly preparing a final assault on the last "Islamic State" holdout.
Some 3,000 members of the "Islamic State" (IS) have left the group's last holdout in Syria to surrender to Kurdish-led forces.
"[The] number of Daesh (IS) members [who have] surrendered to us since yesterday evening has risen to 3,000," Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Mustefa Bali said Tuesday.
The SDF temporarily halted airstrikes and shelling on IS-controlled Baghouz in eastern Syria on Tuesday to allow people to leave the village to hand themselves over.
SDF forces, which are backed by a US-led coalition, have been bombarding Baghouz since Sunday.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syria: SDF militia predicts ISIL's last fight to end imminently.
As IS fight nears end, violence flares on other Syrian front.
Eight years on, Assad clings on but beleaguered.
UN Security Council in talks on saving Yemen truce deal.
US Senate to vote on Saudi-Yemen war resolution.
Erdogan and Netanyahu trade 'tyrant', 'dictator' insults.
Iran warns of firm response if Israel acts against oil shipments.
Israeli authorities to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Saudi women activists on trial after a year in detention.
ASIA
U.S. envoy: United States, Taliban reach draft agreement in peace talks.
Longest US-Taliban peace talks see ‘progress,’ but agreement on withdrawal timeline still a sticking point.
Disputed claims as US air raids kills 11 in Afghanistan's Ghazni.
'Pure fabrications': China on Uighur internment camp conditions.
Beijing hits back at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s ‘irresponsible’ South China Sea energy claims.
China's 'payday loans' attacked by Arthur B Culvahouse Jr, new US diplomat to Australia.
South Korean singer quits as K-pop sex scandal widens.
AFRICA
US conducts airstrike in Somalia after troops come under attack.
Ethiopian Airlines pilot 'reported flight control problems before crash'.
Algerian teachers, students protest against Bouteflika.
Algeria’s government ready for dialogue with opposition -Deputy PM.
Nigeria building collapses 'with schoolchildren feared killed'.
Protest-hit Sudan unveils new cabinet to 'solve' economic crisis.
South Sudan peace deal doomed if disputes not settled: think-tank.
EUROPE
UK lawmakers to vote on two proposed changes to government's 'no deal' Brexit motion.
Brexit vote: European Union closes ranks in response.
New new START a nonstarter: Russian Ambassador.
Spain investigates possible CIA links to embassy break-in.
IMF: Greece among best performers in eurozone.
Comedian Zelenskiy extends Ukraine presidential poll lead.
Georgia detains two for trying to sell radioactive uranium: statement.
AMERICAS
GOP senators introduce bill to rein in president's emergency powers.
Trump says he appreciates Pelosi's impeachment comments, but did 'nothing wrong'.
China offers help to Venezuela to restore power amid nationwide blackout.
Mexico lashes out as US extends policy of returning asylum-seekers.
Paraguay may use army to control prisons plagued by Brazilian gangs.
Brazil shooting: at least nine killed at elementary school, police say.
California death penalty: Governor Gavin Newsom to halt executions.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Philippine troops attack IS-linked militant hideout amid hunt for long-wanted Singaporean Muhamad Ali Abdul Rahiman.
Israel declassifies intel on "Secret Hezbollah Group" in Syrian Golan Heights.
Islamic State women defiant in face of lost caliphate.
Georgia woman arrested for allegedly helping ISIS build ‘kill lists’ of US service members.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Boeing and US under pressure to ground 737 Max as further bans brought in.
Spotify goes to war with Apple: Music streamer lodges EU complaint over 'unfair music competition'.
Gmail, Google Drive experience outages worldwide.
Russia and OPEC: convenience but no marriage.
