Syrien

[Schneemann]

Rebels 'take control of key north Syria airbase'

Rebels are reported to have taken control of a strategic military airbase in north-western Syria after weeks of fierce fighting with government forces. Online videos appeared to show rebels celebrating inside Taftanaz airport, alongside tanks and helicopters. Helicopters based there have been used to attack rebel-held areas.

Meanwhile, talks in Geneva between the UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, and senior US and Russian diplomats ended without a breakthrough. Mr Brahimi had wanted to discuss with the US Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns, and Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, how to implement the plan proposed by the Action Group for Syria in June, which called for an immediate cessation of violence and the establishment of a transitional government.

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Schneemann.