Reuters: Syrians flee government advances in eastern Ghouta
Thousands of civilians have fled advances by Syrian government forces in eastern Ghouta over the last two days, a war monitor and a resident said, as Damascus makes rapid gains in a fierce assault against the last major rebel enclave near the capital.
Government forces need to advance just a few more kilometers (miles) further to split the enclave in two, said a commander in the military alliance that backs President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had seized around a quarter of eastern Ghouta in a ground assault that got underway on Feb. 27, building on a ferocious air and artillery bombardment that has killed hundreds.
One of the main insurgent groups in eastern Ghouta, Jaish al-Islam, said the government’s“scorched earth policy” had forced rebels to retreat and regroup, but vowed to recover lost territory.
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MIDDLE EAST
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ASIA
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North Korea ready to 'take measures' against U.S. sanctions and joint drills with South Korea.
Xi term-limits controversy looms at China political meeting.
China says lifting term limits is about protecting authority of party.
Pakistani ruling party gains control of senate.
Beijing works to rally 'sons and daughters' abroad to help create 'Chinese Dream'.
Cambodia questions US aid cut: 'There is no aid'.
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AFRICA
4 soldiers, 10 jihadists killed in Egypt Sinai campaign.
DR Congo: Dozens killed in new flare-up of ethnic violence.
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S.Africa firebrand Malema launches bid for presidency.
Egypt court upholds Tiran, Sanafir transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Zimbabwe court orders payment to farmers evicted by Grace Mugabe.
Heavy rains bring flooding to parts of Kenya.
EUROPE
Italy goes to the polls after divisive election campaign.
Merkel secures fourth term in power after SPD backs coalition deal.
UK leader tries to ease concerns of banks in Brexit talks.
Slovak leader urges govt changes amid crisis over reporter. Slovak president urges government shakeup in wake of murder of journalist.
Putin: Russia will ‘never’ extradite citizens accused by US.
Macedonians rally against name deal with Greece.
Protesters mock Catalan independence bid with secession call of their own.
Sweden experiencing unprecedented violence and crime.
France: Police battle protesters over nuclear waste storage plans.
Ukrainians injured as police dismantle Kiev 'tent city'.
Fewer migrants enter Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, says UN agency.
AMERICAS
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Canada's Freeland to meet top U.S. Congressmen amid trade row: lawmaker.
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Polish group sues Argentine paper under new Holocaust law.
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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