BBC: Syria war: Troops mass around last rebel town in Eastern Ghouta
Syrian government forces have massed around the last rebel-held town in the Eastern Ghouta area, after rebels were reportedly given a deadline to leave.
A newspaper said troops were preparing for a "huge" operation in Douma, which is controlled by Jaysh al-Islam.
The government's ally Russia is said to have told the group late on Monday it had 48 hours to agree to be evacuated to Idlib province like other factions.
But Jaysh al-Islam has said its fighters want to disarm and stay.
The United Nations is concerned about the fate of the estimated 70,000 civilians trapped in Douma, where fighting has continued despite the talks with Russia.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian army prepares 'huge' operation in last rebel bastion as pressure mounts.
Pressure mounts on Syria rebels to quit Ghouta holdout.
Syrian returns to Ghouta town to find sea of devastation.
PM Abadi: Iraq to prevent Kurdish fighter attacks on Turkey.
Hamas prepares for mass rallies along Gaza-Israel border.
Israel army given shoot orders ahead of Gaza border protest. Israeli Army readies for Hamas march along Gaza border on Friday.
Saudi Arabia to create world's biggest solar power firm.
ASIA
Kim Jong Un pledges 'denuclearization' in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. North Korea's Kim Jong-un meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping after taking special train to Beijing.
Kim, Xi break the ice with wine and secret pageantry.
Kim Jong Un visits China's 'Silicon Valley' during Beijing trip.
Report: North Korea reduces troops near main nuclear facility.
Win Myint elected new Myanmar president. Myanmar elects Aung ally Win Myint as new president.
Sri Lanka president cuts PM's duties in power struggle.
Seychelles opposition blocks military deal with India.
AFRICA
No escape for Mozambique as debt troubles mount.
Egypt votes for third day with eyes on turnout.
Ethiopia's ruling party chooses Abiy Ahmed to lead the party.
Kenyan opposition politician 'detained in airport toilet'.
10 civilians, Uganda rebel killed in DR Congo's restive east. Rapes, ethnic attacks rising in DR Congo's lawless east.
DR Congo launches probe into exiled opposition leader.
E.African bloc says S.Sudan rebel Machar should be freed from house arrest.
EUROPE
Spy poisoning: Nato expels Russian diplomats.
Which countries are expelling Russian diplomats?
Greek Cypriot president welcomes EU support over gas issue.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas at UN to lobby for Security Council seat.
Concern as 300 refugees and migrants reach Greek island of Lesbos.
Russia Kemerovo fire: First funerals take place.
France honors 'hero' policeman who died in terrorist attack.
AMERICAS
Trump says 'good chance' Kim will give up nukes.
Trump says Second Amendment won’t be repealed.
US GDP growth revised up to 2.9% in fourth quarter 2017.
Brazil faces new yellow fever outbreak – and questions over lack of preparedness.
Venezuela's health system is in worse condition than expected, survey finds.
Ecuador searches for reporters kidnapped in border area.
Stormy Daniels seeks Trump testimony on her sex claims.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Isis supporter jailed for life for trying to build child army in London.
President Macron hails hero cop killed in ISIS hostage siege as a symbol of 'the French spirit of resistance' as he warns that 'underground Islamism' is 'corrupting' minds.
Al-Qaeda affiliate claims mortar attack on UN forces in Mali.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Facebook revamps privacy settings amid data breach outcry.
WTO: US-China trade war would have 'severe' economic impact.
Saudi Arabia and Russia's 'unparalleled' oil deal gets backing from OPEC.
