The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had stepped down from office and left the country, following his directive for a peaceful transfer of power. Watch for more details!

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Syrian rebel forces have entered Damascus amid reports that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country by plane for an unknown destination after 13 years of civil war. Watch for more details!

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Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners.&nbsp;

In their TV address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and also urged for the protection of state property.&nbsp;

The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas.

A group of individuals appeared on state television and made the announcement of "the liberation of the city of Damascus and the fall of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad and the release of all the unjustly detained from the regime prisons", reading a statement from the "Damascus Conquest operations room".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-syrian-rebels-who-overthrew-bashar-al-assads-24-year-old-regime-782421">Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime?</a>

The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state".

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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It's over for Bashar. 
 
Syrian state TV airs video announcing Bashar al-Assad’s fall. <a href="https://t.co/zJtx2kPI1X">pic.twitter.com/zJtx2kPI1X</a>
— Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1865635634888552513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Syrian state TV proclaims 'victory' of rebellion</h2>

Syrian state television on Sunday declared "victory" of Syria's rebellion and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which they termed "criminal."&nbsp;

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Inside Syria state tv - now under rebel control <a href="https://t.co/hUaBV4iM7q">pic.twitter.com/hUaBV4iM7q</a>
— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeinakhodrAljaz/status/1865684493735981368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime," read the full-screen message in large white writing on a mainly red background.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners.

Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners. In their TV address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and also urged for the protection of state property. The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas. A group of individuals appeared on state television and made the announcement of "the liberation of the city of Damascus and the fall of the tyrant Bashar al-Assad and the release of all the unjustly detained from the regime prisons", reading a statement from the "Damascus Conquest operations room". Also read: Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime? The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state". Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. It's over for Bashar. Syrian state TV airs video announcing Bashar al-Assad’s fall. pic.twitter.com/zJtx2kPI1X — Clash Report (@clashreport) December 8, 2024 × Syrian state TV proclaims 'victory' of rebellion Syrian state television on Sunday declared "victory" of Syria's rebellion and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which they termed "criminal." Inside Syria state tv - now under rebel control pic.twitter.com/hUaBV4iM7q — Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) December 8, 2024 × "Victory of the great Syrian revolution and the fall of the criminal Assad regime," read the full-screen message in large white writing on a mainly red background. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Syrian rebels appear on state TV, say toppled 'tyrant' Bashar al-Assad

A lightning offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) culminated with the historic toppling of President Bashar-al Assad's regime in Syria's 13-year-long conflict.&nbsp;

HTS, which had emerged from al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra, in its surprise assault captured more than 50&nbsp;towns and villages in Syria followed by some of its strategic cities and eventually stormed into the capital Damascus on Sunday (Dec 8).&nbsp;

The United Nations, United States, Turkey and other nations have designated HTS as a terrorist organisation.

<h2>All about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)</h2>

In 2011, HTS started as Jabhat al-Nusra, which was an affiliate of Al Qaeda and was famous for its brutality and effectiveness.

In English, “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” means "Organisation for the Liberation of the Levant".

Earlier, it was aligned with the Free Syrian Army in the uprising against President Assad.&nbsp;

However, the group's strict jihadist ideology soon led to its alienation from other rebel groups.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bashar-al-assad-syrias-tyrant-who-pushed-the-country-into-a-decade-long-civil-war-782409">Bashar Al-Assad: Syria's 'tyrant' who pushed the country into a decade-long civil war</a>

HTS is headed by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who is a former leader of Jabhat al-Nusra.

The group follows the Salafi-jihadist ideology and its aim has always been toppling the government of Assad and establishing Islamic rule in the country. 
&nbsp; 
Islamic State (IS) group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also involved in the formation of HTS.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-13-year-war-a-timeline-of-key-events-since-2011-782392">Syria's 13-year civil war: Timeline of key events since 2011 - What you should know</a>

The group was renamed HTS in 2016 after the leader of the group Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani publicly broke ranks with Al Qaeda.

HTS had set up its power base in the north-western province of Idlib and worked as the region's de facto local administration.

Watch:&nbsp;Syrian Army Command Tells Officers That Assad's Rule Has Ended, Officer Says

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HTS has also been governing parts of the country through the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), providing essential services like food aid and welfare programmes for nearly four million residents in its territories.&nbsp;

The group has also taken under its control critical resources such as the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, through which humanitarian aid is facilitated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

A lightning offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) culminated with the historic toppling of President Bashar-al Assad's regime in Syria's 13-year-long conflict.

A lightning offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) culminated with the historic toppling of President Bashar-al Assad's regime in Syria's 13-year-long conflict. HTS, which had emerged from al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra, in its surprise assault captured more than 50 towns and villages in Syria followed by some of its strategic cities and eventually stormed into the capital Damascus on Sunday (Dec 8). The United Nations, United States, Turkey and other nations have designated HTS as a terrorist organisation. All about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) In 2011, HTS started as Jabhat al-Nusra, which was an affiliate of Al Qaeda and was famous for its brutality and effectiveness. In English, “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” means "Organisation for the Liberation of the Levant". Earlier, it was aligned with the Free Syrian Army in the uprising against President Assad. However, the group's strict jihadist ideology soon led to its alienation from other rebel groups. Also Read: Bashar Al-Assad: Syria's 'tyrant' who pushed the country into a decade-long civil war HTS is headed by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who is a former leader of Jabhat al-Nusra. The group follows the Salafi-jihadist ideology and its aim has always been toppling the government of Assad and establishing Islamic rule in the country. Islamic State (IS) group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also involved in the formation of HTS. Also Read: Syria's 13-year civil war: Timeline of key events since 2011 - What you should know The group was renamed HTS in 2016 after the leader of the group Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani publicly broke ranks with Al Qaeda. HTS had set up its power base in the north-western province of Idlib and worked as the region's de facto local administration. Watch: Syrian Army Command Tells Officers That Assad's Rule Has Ended, Officer Says HTS has also been governing parts of the country through the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), providing essential services like food aid and welfare programmes for nearly four million residents in its territories. The group has also taken under its control critical resources such as the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, through which humanitarian aid is facilitated. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime in two weeks?

Syrian rebel forces announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) that Damascus was “free" and claimed that President Bashar al-Assad had left the capital, marking the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule, hours after the fall of Homs.

“We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” wrote the Military Operations Command in a post on Telegram.

With the announcement, celebrations broke out in Aleppo and Damascus.&nbsp;

“To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,” said the message.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he was willing to "cooperate" with any leadership that people choose, and is ready for any handover process.

"This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbours and the world... but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate with it (that leadership) and offer all possible facilities," said Jalali in a video statement shared on his Facebook account.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-rebels-claim-to-capture-homs-close-in-on-damascus-as-assads-defences-collapse-782356">Syrian rebels claim to capture Homs, enter Damascus as President al-Assad leaves capital city</a>

“I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” Jalili said in the statement, made after rebels announced that President Assad had fled from Syria to an unknown destination.

Earlier, the rebels stormed into the capital and took control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison, located in the north of Damascus.

“We broke the news to the Syrian people of liberating our prisoners and unchaining them, and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Saydnaya Prison,” said the rebels in the statement.

Now, the rebels are capturing state media offices in Damascus. “The Military Operations Command is moving to seize control of the Radio and Television Building to broadcast the victory announcement over Assad,” read the statement.

The Damascus airport is in chaos amid the storming of the capital by the rebel forces.

No imminent departures were seen on the flight monitoring websites as the airport looked largely unstaffed.

<h2>Syrian rebels capture Homs</h2>

Earlier, the leader of Syria's main rebel group announced that they had taken control of Syria's third-largest city, Homs.

Watch:&nbsp;Syrian Rebels Eye Damascus After Fall of Three Key Cities

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Abu Mohammed al-Golani said the capture of Homs was a "historic victory" and appealed to his followers not to hurt those who had chosen to surrender.&nbsp;

There has been renewed fighting in the last few days in Syria’s civil war, in which more than 300,000 people have lost their lives and around six million refugees have left the country since it started in 2011.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos&nbsp;and videos.

Syrian rebel forces announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) that Damascus was “free" and claimed that President Bashar al-Assad had left the capital, marking the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule, hours after the fall of Homs.

Syrian rebel forces announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) that Damascus was “free" and claimed that President Bashar al-Assad had left the capital, marking the historic end of the Assad family's 50-year rule, hours after the fall of Homs. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” wrote the Military Operations Command in a post on Telegram. With the announcement, celebrations broke out in Aleppo and Damascus. “To the displaced all over the world, a free Syria awaits you,” said the message. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he was willing to "cooperate" with any leadership that people choose, and is ready for any handover process. "This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbours and the world... but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to cooperate with it (that leadership) and offer all possible facilities," said Jalali in a video statement shared on his Facebook account. Also Read: Syrian rebels claim to capture Homs, enter Damascus as President al-Assad leaves capital city “I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” Jalili said in the statement, made after rebels announced that President Assad had fled from Syria to an unknown destination. Earlier, the rebels stormed into the capital and took control of the notorious Saydnaya Military Prison, located in the north of Damascus. “We broke the news to the Syrian people of liberating our prisoners and unchaining them, and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Saydnaya Prison,” said the rebels in the statement. Now, the rebels are capturing state media offices in Damascus. “The Military Operations Command is moving to seize control of the Radio and Television Building to broadcast the victory announcement over Assad,” read the statement. The Damascus airport is in chaos amid the storming of the capital by the rebel forces. No imminent departures were seen on the flight monitoring websites as the airport looked largely unstaffed. Syrian rebels capture Homs Earlier, the leader of Syria's main rebel group announced that they had taken control of Syria's third-largest city, Homs. Watch: Syrian Rebels Eye Damascus After Fall of Three Key Cities Abu Mohammed al-Golani said the capture of Homs was a "historic victory" and appealed to his followers not to hurt those who had chosen to surrender. There has been renewed fighting in the last few days in Syria’s civil war, in which more than 300,000 people have lost their lives and around six million refugees have left the country since it started in 2011. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Damascus falls: Syrian rebels announce capital city 'free', PM says ready for handover

India has issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice as rebels took control of yet another city in the warn-torn West Asian nation. In a late-night advisory on Friday (Dec 6), the Ministry of External Affairs urged Indians in Syria to leave the country at the earliest.

“In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” the MEA said.

“Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates.&nbsp;

“Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” it added.

<h2>What is happening in Syria?</h2>

Syria is in the grips of an offensive launched by rebel forces against President Bashar al-Assad's government.

According to the United Nations, nearly 370,000 people have been displaced since November 27.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-govt-bombs-key-bridge-in-bid-to-secure-homs-as-rebels-seize-hama-city-781916">Syrian govt ‘bombs’ key bridge in bid to secure Homs as rebels seize Hama city</a>

The Syrian government forces lost control of Daraa city, as per a war monitor. This comes as another blow for President Bashar al-Assad after rebels took over other key cities.

Aleppo and Hama were the two main cities taken from government control in recent days, falling to an Islamist-led rebel alliance.

Daraa fell to local armed groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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"Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city... they now control more than 90 per cent of the province, as regime forces successively pulled out," the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources around Syria, said late Friday.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the protection of civilians and minorities in Syria. 
 
The US also issued an advisory for its citizens, asking them to immediately leave the country "while commercial options remain available".

"The security situation continues to be volatile and unpredictable with active clashes between armed groups throughout the country. The Department urges US citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available," the State Department said in a security alert posted on social media. 
 
Besides India and the US, Pakistan also issued an advisory, asking its citizens to leave. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India has issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice as rebels took control of yet another city in the warn-torn West Asian nation.

India has issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to avoid all travel to Syria until further notice as rebels took control of yet another city in the warn-torn West Asian nation. In a late-night advisory on Friday (Dec 6), the Ministry of External Affairs urged Indians in Syria to leave the country at the earliest. “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” the MEA said. “Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID hoc.damascus@mea.gov.in for updates. “Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” it added. What is happening in Syria? Syria is in the grips of an offensive launched by rebel forces against President Bashar al-Assad's government. According to the United Nations, nearly 370,000 people have been displaced since November 27. Also Read: Syrian govt ‘bombs’ key bridge in bid to secure Homs as rebels seize Hama city The Syrian government forces lost control of Daraa city, as per a war monitor. This comes as another blow for President Bashar al-Assad after rebels took over other key cities. Aleppo and Hama were the two main cities taken from government control in recent days, falling to an Islamist-led rebel alliance. Daraa fell to local armed groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. × "Local factions have taken control of more areas in Daraa province, including Daraa city... they now control more than 90 per cent of the province, as regime forces successively pulled out," the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources around Syria, said late Friday. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the protection of civilians and minorities in Syria. The US also issued an advisory for its citizens, asking them to immediately leave the country "while commercial options remain available". "The security situation continues to be volatile and unpredictable with active clashes between armed groups throughout the country. The Department urges US citizens to depart Syria now while commercial options remain available," the State Department said in a security alert posted on social media. Besides India and the US, Pakistan also issued an advisory, asking its citizens to leave. (With inputs from agencies)

Indians advised to leave Syria at the earliest as Bashar al-Assad loses control of another city

In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters. Meanwhile, a Syrian war monitor told AFP, that at least 11 people, including seven civilians, were killed in the region, while dozens of others were wounded.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the bombings?</h2>

The Western-backed White Helmets emergency service, on Sunday, said that warplanes flying at high altitudes dropped bombs on a vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur which was crowded ahead of the Eid festival which has left at least nine dead and 30 others injured. A report by Reuters citing tracking centres said that the warplanes were Russia’s Sukhoi jets.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russian jets bomb Syrian city of Idlib, nine dead and 30 injured

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Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP, “Six civilians were killed in Jisr al-Shughur and three rebel fighters were killed nearby by Russian air strikes”. Similarly, the SOHR and AFP said that a fruit and vegetable market in the city was hit by the Russian strike.&nbsp;

According to Ahmed Yezidi of the civil defence in Jisr al-Shughur, which is a city in the rebel-held, Idlib province said that nine people were killed, without mentioning if they were civilians or fighters. He called this bombing a “direct attack on the popular market, which is a basic source of income for farmers” in the area, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-discusses-international-issues-amid-wagner-mutiny-608538">Russian diplomat in China discusses ‘international’ issues, Beijing 'supports' Moscow over Wagner mutiny</a>

Abdel Rahman told AFP, that one civilian and one rebel fighter were also killed in a strike on the outskirts of Idlib city, adding that at least 30 civilians were wounded in Sunday’s strikes and the death toll might rise.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks in Jabal al Zawya region</h2>

Similarly, Reuters citing witnesses and rescuers said that Russian jets reportedly also attacked villages in the mountainous Jabal al Zawya region which are on the western outskirts of Idlib city. Notably, the region is said to be a buffer zone carved out by Russia and Turkey which also ended major fighting half a decade ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a>

There were no official statements about the supposed attacks by Syria or Russia. According to Abdel Rahman, Moscow, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, carried out the reported air strikes in response to rebel drone attacks over the past week that killed four civilians including two children, reported AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters.

In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters. Meanwhile, a Syrian war monitor told AFP, that at least 11 people, including seven civilians, were killed in the region, while dozens of others were wounded. What do we know about the bombings? The Western-backed White Helmets emergency service, on Sunday, said that warplanes flying at high altitudes dropped bombs on a vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur which was crowded ahead of the Eid festival which has left at least nine dead and 30 others injured. A report by Reuters citing tracking centres said that the warplanes were Russia’s Sukhoi jets. ALSO WATCH | Russian jets bomb Syrian city of Idlib, nine dead and 30 injured Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP, “Six civilians were killed in Jisr al-Shughur and three rebel fighters were killed nearby by Russian air strikes”. Similarly, the SOHR and AFP said that a fruit and vegetable market in the city was hit by the Russian strike. According to Ahmed Yezidi of the civil defence in Jisr al-Shughur, which is a city in the rebel-held, Idlib province said that nine people were killed, without mentioning if they were civilians or fighters. He called this bombing a “direct attack on the popular market, which is a basic source of income for farmers” in the area, as quoted by AFP. ALSO READ | Russian diplomat in China discusses ‘international’ issues, Beijing 'supports' Moscow over Wagner mutiny Abdel Rahman told AFP, that one civilian and one rebel fighter were also killed in a strike on the outskirts of Idlib city, adding that at least 30 civilians were wounded in Sunday’s strikes and the death toll might rise. Attacks in Jabal al Zawya region Similarly, Reuters citing witnesses and rescuers said that Russian jets reportedly also attacked villages in the mountainous Jabal al Zawya region which are on the western outskirts of Idlib city. Notably, the region is said to be a buffer zone carved out by Russia and Turkey which also ended major fighting half a decade ago. ALSO READ | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points There were no official statements about the supposed attacks by Syria or Russia. According to Abdel Rahman, Moscow, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, carried out the reported air strikes in response to rebel drone attacks over the past week that killed four civilians including two children, reported AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia jets step up strikes in rebel-held Syria, at least 11 killed: Reports

At a football stadium in Syria's Idlib, re-purposed to shelter Syrians displaced by war, children are being offered a service that has become a sought-after commodity the world over since the coronavirus pandemic set in: a haircut.

In Syria's Idlib, traveling barbers bring children relief

Turkish forces and Syrian rebel allies will push into Syria "shortly", a Turkish official said on Wednesday, in an operation world powers fear could open a new chapter in Syria's ruinous eight-year-old war.

Turkey has been poised to advance into northeast Syria since the US&nbsp;troops began vacating the area in an abrupt policy shift by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's Kurdish militia allies.

On Tuesday, Turkish officials told Reuters that the military had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-strikes-in-syrian-iraqi-border-ahead-of-planned-offensive-254608">struck the Syrian-Iraqi border</a> to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce the region, though details of the strikes were hazy.

"Our work concerning the operation is continuing, the deployments, preparations are continuing," Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told broadcaster NTV.

Ankara has said it intends to create a "safe zone" in order to return millions of refugees to Syrian soil, but the scheme has alarmed some Western allies as much as the risks posed by the military operation itself.

For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat.

The Kurdish-led authority in northern Syria declared a state of "general mobilization" across north and east Syria in light of the looming attack.

"We call on all our institutions, and our people in all their components, to head towards the border region with Turkey to fulfil their moral duty and show resistance in these sensitive, historic moments," it said in a statement.

President Tayyip Erdogan's communications director Fahrettin Altun said YPG fighters could either defect or Ankara would have to "stop them from disrupting" what he described as Turkey's struggle against Islamic State militants.

'Armed&nbsp;Thugs'

"The Turkish military, together with the Free Syrian Army, will cross the Turkish-Syrian border shortly," Altun wrote in a tweet and in a column published in the Washington Post. "Turkey has no ambition in northeastern Syria except to neutralize a long-standing threat against Turkish citizens and to liberate the local population from the yoke of armed thugs," he said.

Turkey's Demiroren news agency said Syrian rebels travelled from northwest Syria to Turkey in preparation for the incursion.

They will be based on the Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar, it said, across the border from the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain, with 14,000 of them gradually joining the offensive.

The Hamza Brigade rebels from the National Army, the main rebel grouping that Turkey supports in northwest Syria, moved in a bus convoy along with trucks carrying ammunition, DHA said.

"The National Army forces are still preparing for the start of operations east of the Euphrates (river) and they have started moving to the frontlines," National Army spokesman Youssef Hammoud said, adding he could not say if the battle would start within hours or days.

Previous Turkish operations backed by the rebels in Syria started with air operations, followed by artillery and then ground forces, Hammoud said.

A large convoy of buses carrying Syrian rebel fighters and trucks loaded with equipment arrived at the Turkish border town of Akcakale early on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said.

At Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad, howitzers were deployed behind earth embankments and pointed towards Syria, a Reuters witness said on Tuesday. Multiple launch rocket systems were stationed at Suruc, some 60 km&nbsp;to the west, opposite the Syrian border town of Kobani, he said.

Russia&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for&nbsp;dialogue

Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's strongest foreign ally, urged dialogue between Damascus and Syria's Kurds on solving issues in northeast Syria including border security.

"We heard statements yesterday both from Damascus officials and the Kurdish representatives that they are ready for such dialogue," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters during a visit to Kazakhstan.

"We will do our best to support the start of such substantive talks and hope it will be supported by all the key foreign players," said Lavrov, adding he spoke on Tuesday to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said the Turkish side respected Syria's territorial integrity.

Kurdish-led forces said on Tuesday they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US&nbsp;troop withdrawal.

The prospect of a military offensive has unsettled Turkish financial markets, with the lira this week hitting its weakest level since late August. The currency firmed slightly to 5.8220 against the dollar on Wednesday morning.

Erdogan will visit the United States on November&nbsp;13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US&nbsp;troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US&nbsp;officials on the matter would continue.

"Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result, we have moved the US&nbsp;forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US&nbsp;Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said.

Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northeast Syria has rattled allies, including France, one of Washington's main partners in the US-led&nbsp;coalition fighting Islamic State.

Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians.

Kurdish-led forces have denounced the US&nbsp;policy shift as a "stab in the back". But Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US&nbsp;partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria.

Turkish forces and Syrian rebel allies will push into Syria "shortly", a Turkish official said on Wednesday, in an operation world powers fear could open a new chapter in Syria's ruinous eight-year-old war.

Turkish forces and Syrian rebel allies will push into Syria "shortly", a Turkish official said on Wednesday, in an operation world powers fear could open a new chapter in Syria's ruinous eight-year-old war. Turkey has been poised to advance into northeast Syria since the US troops began vacating the area in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's Kurdish militia allies. On Tuesday, Turkish officials told Reuters that the military had struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce the region, though details of the strikes were hazy. "Our work concerning the operation is continuing, the deployments, preparations are continuing," Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told broadcaster NTV. Ankara has said it intends to create a "safe zone" in order to return millions of refugees to Syrian soil, but the scheme has alarmed some Western allies as much as the risks posed by the military operation itself. For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat. The Kurdish-led authority in northern Syria declared a state of "general mobilization" across north and east Syria in light of the looming attack. "We call on all our institutions, and our people in all their components, to head towards the border region with Turkey to fulfil their moral duty and show resistance in these sensitive, historic moments," it said in a statement. President Tayyip Erdogan's communications director Fahrettin Altun said YPG fighters could either defect or Ankara would have to "stop them from disrupting" what he described as Turkey's struggle against Islamic State militants. 'Armed Thugs' "The Turkish military, together with the Free Syrian Army, will cross the Turkish-Syrian border shortly," Altun wrote in a tweet and in a column published in the Washington Post. "Turkey has no ambition in northeastern Syria except to neutralize a long-standing threat against Turkish citizens and to liberate the local population from the yoke of armed thugs," he said. Turkey's Demiroren news agency said Syrian rebels travelled from northwest Syria to Turkey in preparation for the incursion. They will be based on the Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar, it said, across the border from the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain, with 14,000 of them gradually joining the offensive. The Hamza Brigade rebels from the National Army, the main rebel grouping that Turkey supports in northwest Syria, moved in a bus convoy along with trucks carrying ammunition, DHA said. "The National Army forces are still preparing for the start of operations east of the Euphrates (river) and they have started moving to the frontlines," National Army spokesman Youssef Hammoud said, adding he could not say if the battle would start within hours or days. Previous Turkish operations backed by the rebels in Syria started with air operations, followed by artillery and then ground forces, Hammoud said. A large convoy of buses carrying Syrian rebel fighters and trucks loaded with equipment arrived at the Turkish border town of Akcakale early on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said. At Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad, howitzers were deployed behind earth embankments and pointed towards Syria, a Reuters witness said on Tuesday. Multiple launch rocket systems were stationed at Suruc, some 60 km to the west, opposite the Syrian border town of Kobani, he said. Russia calls for dialogue Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's strongest foreign ally, urged dialogue between Damascus and Syria's Kurds on solving issues in northeast Syria including border security. "We heard statements yesterday both from Damascus officials and the Kurdish representatives that they are ready for such dialogue," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters during a visit to Kazakhstan. "We will do our best to support the start of such substantive talks and hope it will be supported by all the key foreign players," said Lavrov, adding he spoke on Tuesday to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said the Turkish side respected Syria's territorial integrity. Kurdish-led forces said on Tuesday they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US troop withdrawal. The prospect of a military offensive has unsettled Turkish financial markets, with the lira this week hitting its weakest level since late August. The currency firmed slightly to 5.8220 against the dollar on Wednesday morning. Erdogan will visit the United States on November 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue. "Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result, we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said. Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northeast Syria has rattled allies, including France, one of Washington's main partners in the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State. Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians. Kurdish-led forces have denounced the US policy shift as a "stab in the back". But Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria.

Turkish military, Syrian rebels to enter Syria 'shortly': Erdogan aide

Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday.

Russia is backing the Syrian army's large aerial and ground assault as it seeks to gain control of the last big stretch of rebel-held territory in the northwest of the country.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched the assault last month, saying rebels had breached an existing ceasefire, triggering a civilian exodus by bombarding Idlib and adjacent areas. It has been the biggest escalation since last summer between Assad and his enemies in Idlib province and a belt of territory around it.

Ankara stepped up supplies in recent days after failing to persuade Russia in recent meetings of a joint working group that it should end its escalation to avert a major influx of refugees pouring into Turkey, two senior opposition figures said.

In doing so Turkey signalled its readiness to preserve its influence in northwestern Syria, where it has beefed up its troop presence in a dozen military bases that were set up under a de-escalation deal with Russia, a senior rebel commander said.

Turkish officials were not immediately available to comment.

Overnight, a Turkish military convoy arrived at a base in northern Hama near rebel-held Jabal al-Zawiya, where Russian and Syrian jets have been pounding for weeks, a rebel and a witness said.

The delivery of dozens of armoured vehicles, Grad rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and so-called TOW missiles, helped roll back some Syrian army gains and retake the strategically located town of Kfar Nabouda, one senior opposition figure said.

The TOW missile had been the most potent weapon in the arsenal of rebel groups battling Assad during the conflict. It was extended by Western and Arab foes of Assad until a CIA-led programme of military support to help moderate rebels was suspended in 2017.

A Western intelligence source said Washington had given a "green light" for the Turkey-backed mainstream rebels to use the TOW missiles, which had been in storage in the latest campaign.

Washington, which has criticised Russia's latest campaign and urged a ceasefire, also said it saw signs that Assad has used poison gas in the latest offensive and warned that it would respond "quickly and appropriately" if this were proven.

Assad has denied such allegations throughout the war.

A spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF), Captain Naji Mustafa, did not confirm or deny any new supplies by Turkey, saying rebels had long had a big arsenal of weapons from anti-tank to armoured vehicles "alongside material and logistical support by our Turkish brothers".

The retreat from Kfar Nabouda was upset to a Russian goal of a speedy military campaign to gain another slice of heavily populated Idlib province.

In the last 24 hours, the Syrian army has been sending large troop reinforcements ahead of opening a new front, a source in touch with Syrian army commanders told Reuters.

The Syrian army said on Saturday it continued to intensify its attacks on what it called terrorist hideouts in the northwest.

A Turkey backed-rebel grouping called the National Army, which operates in northwestern border areas near Turkey, has been allowed to join mainstream rebel factions along the frontlines.

"Large numbers of our fighters have joined with all their weapons to repel the assault," said Major Youssef Hamoud, their spokesman.

The rebels' readiness to put aside differences that once led to bloody internecine fighting has united jihadists and mainstream rebels for the first time in years.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian army says Syrian forces have called a ceasefire in Idlib

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Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday.

Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday. Russia is backing the Syrian army's large aerial and ground assault as it seeks to gain control of the last big stretch of rebel-held territory in the northwest of the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched the assault last month, saying rebels had breached an existing ceasefire, triggering a civilian exodus by bombarding Idlib and adjacent areas. It has been the biggest escalation since last summer between Assad and his enemies in Idlib province and a belt of territory around it. Ankara stepped up supplies in recent days after failing to persuade Russia in recent meetings of a joint working group that it should end its escalation to avert a major influx of refugees pouring into Turkey, two senior opposition figures said. In doing so Turkey signalled its readiness to preserve its influence in northwestern Syria, where it has beefed up its troop presence in a dozen military bases that were set up under a de-escalation deal with Russia, a senior rebel commander said. Turkish officials were not immediately available to comment. Overnight, a Turkish military convoy arrived at a base in northern Hama near rebel-held Jabal al-Zawiya, where Russian and Syrian jets have been pounding for weeks, a rebel and a witness said. The delivery of dozens of armoured vehicles, Grad rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and so-called TOW missiles, helped roll back some Syrian army gains and retake the strategically located town of Kfar Nabouda, one senior opposition figure said. The TOW missile had been the most potent weapon in the arsenal of rebel groups battling Assad during the conflict. It was extended by Western and Arab foes of Assad until a CIA-led programme of military support to help moderate rebels was suspended in 2017. A Western intelligence source said Washington had given a "green light" for the Turkey-backed mainstream rebels to use the TOW missiles, which had been in storage in the latest campaign. Washington, which has criticised Russia's latest campaign and urged a ceasefire, also said it saw signs that Assad has used poison gas in the latest offensive and warned that it would respond "quickly and appropriately" if this were proven. Assad has denied such allegations throughout the war. A spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF), Captain Naji Mustafa, did not confirm or deny any new supplies by Turkey, saying rebels had long had a big arsenal of weapons from anti-tank to armoured vehicles "alongside material and logistical support by our Turkish brothers". The retreat from Kfar Nabouda was upset to a Russian goal of a speedy military campaign to gain another slice of heavily populated Idlib province. In the last 24 hours, the Syrian army has been sending large troop reinforcements ahead of opening a new front, a source in touch with Syrian army commanders told Reuters. The Syrian army said on Saturday it continued to intensify its attacks on what it called terrorist hideouts in the northwest. A Turkey backed-rebel grouping called the National Army, which operates in northwestern border areas near Turkey, has been allowed to join mainstream rebel factions along the frontlines. "Large numbers of our fighters have joined with all their weapons to repel the assault," said Major Youssef Hamoud, their spokesman. The rebels' readiness to put aside differences that once led to bloody internecine fighting has united jihadists and mainstream rebels for the first time in years. Watch: Russian army says Syrian forces have called a ceasefire in Idlib ×

Turkey sends weapons to Syrian rebels facing Russian-backed assault

Deadly clashes erupted overnight as jihadist fighters attacked two besieged regime-controlled villages in northwestern Syria, a monitor said on Sunday.

The villages of Fuaa and Kafraya represent a tiny pocket of regime-held territory in Syria's northwest Idlib province, which is otherwise almost entirely controlled by various jihadist and hardline rebels.

Occasional skirmishes erupt there but the frontline has been quiet in recent months.&nbsp

Late Saturday, fighters from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate attacked Fuaa and Kafraya, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp

"Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) began heavily shelling the two villages, and broke into Fuaa to attack local fighters," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.&nbsp

"This is the fiercest attack in around three years," he told AFP.

The fighting, which was continuing Sunday, had killed six Syrian pro-regime fighters and at least three from HTS.

Syrian state news agency SANA also reported the attack, and said local fighters had been able to push HTS back.

Around 10,000 people, most of them Shiite Muslims, are estimated to live in the two villages. Syrian troops also hold some territory in Idlib's east, including the key Abu Duhur airbase.&nbsp

In apparent retaliation for the attack, Syrian warplanes pounded several towns around Fuaa and Kafraya on Sunday, AFP's correspondent and a monitor said.&nbsp

Fuaa and Kafraya are the only two places in Syria currently designated as besieged by the United Nations.

Siege tactics have been used throughout Syria's seven-year conflict, mostly by the government.&nbsp

Troops have employed the tactic alongside heavy bombing to cut off food and medicine to rebel-held areas, then coerce people to agree to leave in population transfer deals. After such agreements, the United Nations no longer considers those areas as besieged. &nbsp

The fate of Fuaa and Kafraya has been heavily impacted by such deals.&nbsp

They made up part of the Four Towns Agreement, a complex deal that saw tit-for-tat evacuations and aid deliveries between Fuaa and Kafraya on one hand, and the government-besieged towns of Zabadani and Madaya.&nbsp

Idlib, which lies on the border with Turkey, has seen its population balloon in recent years as fighters and civilians evacuated from other opposition areas are dumped there.&nbsp

Rebels overran most of Idlib in 2015, but the mainstream opposition's influence has dwindled as jihadists like HTS have solidified their grip on the province.

In recent months, regime forces have recaptured a sliver of the province and the Islamic State group is conducting hit-and-run attacks there against its HTS rival.&nbsp

Last week, clashes in Idlib between HTS and an IS sleeper cell made up of Iraqi jihadists left more than two dozen fighters dead, mostly from IS.&nbsp

In retaliation, the IS cell executed five HTS fighters it had abducted in Idlib, the Britain-based Observatory said Sunday.&nbsp

HTS also killed six IS members it had captured in the clashes.

The villages of Fuaa and Kafraya represent a tiny pocket of regime-held territory in Syria's northwest Idlib province, which is otherwise almost entirely controlled by various jihadist and hardline rebels

Deadly clashes erupted overnight as jihadist fighters attacked two besieged regime-controlled villages in northwestern Syria, a monitor said on Sunday. The villages of Fuaa and Kafraya represent a tiny pocket of regime-held territory in Syria's northwest Idlib province, which is otherwise almost entirely controlled by various jihadist and hardline rebels. Occasional skirmishes erupt there but the frontline has been quiet in recent months. Late Saturday, fighters from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate attacked Fuaa and Kafraya, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) began heavily shelling the two villages, and broke into Fuaa to attack local fighters," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. "This is the fiercest attack in around three years," he told AFP. The fighting, which was continuing Sunday, had killed six Syrian pro-regime fighters and at least three from HTS. Syrian state news agency SANA also reported the attack, and said local fighters had been able to push HTS back. Around 10,000 people, most of them Shiite Muslims, are estimated to live in the two villages. Syrian troops also hold some territory in Idlib's east, including the key Abu Duhur airbase. In apparent retaliation for the attack, Syrian warplanes pounded several towns around Fuaa and Kafraya on Sunday, AFP's correspondent and a monitor said. Fuaa and Kafraya are the only two places in Syria currently designated as besieged by the United Nations. Siege tactics have been used throughout Syria's seven-year conflict, mostly by the government. Troops have employed the tactic alongside heavy bombing to cut off food and medicine to rebel-held areas, then coerce people to agree to leave in population transfer deals. After such agreements, the United Nations no longer considers those areas as besieged. The fate of Fuaa and Kafraya has been heavily impacted by such deals. They made up part of the Four Towns Agreement, a complex deal that saw tit-for-tat evacuations and aid deliveries between Fuaa and Kafraya on one hand, and the government-besieged towns of Zabadani and Madaya. Idlib, which lies on the border with Turkey, has seen its population balloon in recent years as fighters and civilians evacuated from other opposition areas are dumped there. Rebels overran most of Idlib in 2015, but the mainstream opposition's influence has dwindled as jihadists like HTS have solidified their grip on the province. In recent months, regime forces have recaptured a sliver of the province and the Islamic State group is conducting hit-and-run attacks there against its HTS rival. Last week, clashes in Idlib between HTS and an IS sleeper cell made up of Iraqi jihadists left more than two dozen fighters dead, mostly from IS. In retaliation, the IS cell executed five HTS fighters it had abducted in Idlib, the Britain-based Observatory said Sunday. HTS also killed six IS members it had captured in the clashes.

Deadly clashes as jihadists attack two besieged Syria regime villages

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indias-external-affairs-minister-vk-singh-visits-north-korea-meets-top-officials-137431">In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials</a>

India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16.

India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-announces-ceasefire-during-ramzan-in-jk-137400">Government announces ceasefire during Ramzan in J&K</a>

The home ministry today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire earlier.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137384">The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim</a>

Anwar Ibrahim, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-rebels-pull-out-of-their-last-besieged-area-137393">Syrian rebels pull out of their last besieged area</a>

The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-panchayat-elections-ballot-boxes-stolen-in-malda-at-gunpoint-137358">Watch: WB panchayat polls — Ballot box looted at gunpoint in Malda</a>

Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections.

&nbsp

In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16. India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries. Government announces ceasefire during Ramzan in J&K The home ministry today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire earlier. The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim Anwar Ibrahim, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak. Syrian rebels pull out of their last besieged area The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway. Watch: WB panchayat polls — Ballot box looted at gunpoint in Malda Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections.

News brief: Big stories of the day

After the departure of the last rebel fighters from the city of Douma towards the north of the country, Syria's army command on Saturday (April 14) announced that the eastern Ghouta region was free of militants, state media reported, citing a statement by the Syrian army general command.

The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians.

The attack prompted a joint military operation by the United States, Britain and France on Saturday targetting various Syrian facilities near Damascus and the city of Homs.

Buses carrying rebels and their families and civilians who did not wish to stay in Douma under President Bashar al-Assad's rule have left the city in batches over the past few days to travel to opposition-held areas in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey.

Backed by Russian firepower, the government forces launched their offensive against eastern Ghouta in February.

British-based war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights says the campaign killed more than 1,600 civilians.

The conquest of Douma underlines how Russia's entry into the fray in 2015 on Assad's side has now helped him to an unassailable position in a conflict that mushroomed out of protests against his rule seven years ago.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians

After the departure of the last rebel fighters from the city of Douma towards the north of the country, Syria's army command on Saturday (April 14) announced that the eastern Ghouta region was free of militants, state media reported, citing a statement by the Syrian army general command. The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians. The attack prompted a joint military operation by the United States, Britain and France on Saturday targetting various Syrian facilities near Damascus and the city of Homs. Buses carrying rebels and their families and civilians who did not wish to stay in Douma under President Bashar al-Assad's rule have left the city in batches over the past few days to travel to opposition-held areas in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey. Backed by Russian firepower, the government forces launched their offensive against eastern Ghouta in February. British-based war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights says the campaign killed more than 1,600 civilians. The conquest of Douma underlines how Russia's entry into the fray in 2015 on Assad's side has now helped him to an unassailable position in a conflict that mushroomed out of protests against his rule seven years ago. (With inputs from Reuters)

Syrian army declares eastern Ghouta free of rebel fighters

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