BEIRUT (AP) – Syrian troops exchanged fire with rebels in the contested northern city of Aleppo on Thursday in a renewed bout of fighting that could further mar peace talks underway in Geneva. Government warplanes, helicopter gunships and artillery were bombarding rebel-held parts of the city and its suburbs, according …

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – In a military buildup certain to inflame tensions with China, the United States said Thursday it will be conducting joint South China Sea patrols – and eventually air patrols – with the Philippines, while dispatching U.S. troops and combat aircraft there on more frequent rotations. The …

BRUSSELS (AP) – Belgian prosecutors say a judge has ordered Mohamed Abrini and five others arrested in connection with the attacks in Paris and Brussels to be held for another month. Abrini has admitted being the “man in the hat” seen leaving Brussels Airport the morning two suicide bombers detonated …

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) – A schoolmate cries with joy at the sight of a Boko Haram video appearing to show some of Nigeria’s kidnapped Chibok girls – friends she hasn’t seen since they were abducted by the Islamic extremists two years ago. CNN broadcast the video, as well as the …

SANAA, Yemen (AP) – Yemeni officials say heavy rainfall in several parts of the country has caused widespread flooding and the collapse of small dams, including one in Hajja province northeast of the capital, Sanaa. The officials said at least one person was killed Thursday in the flooding. Damage to …

BEIJING (AP) – China’s live-streaming sites have become a burgeoning cottage industry, offering money-making opportunities and even stardom to their mostly female hosts and an entertaining new alternative for millions of viewers to online dramas and stodgy state-controlled TV. Zhang Qige, a 23-year-old woman who plays computer games and chats …