The United Nations says nearly 70,000 people have been killed in 23 months of fighting in Syria [Reuters]
Syrian Rebels Shoot Down Military Warplanes -- Al Jazeera
Opposition fighters seize control of oil field in Hasaka province as fighting intensifies in northwestern province.
Syrian rebels have shot down two military warplanes over the northwestern province of Idlib, a monitoring group has said.
Both jets were hit with fire from heavy machineguns while the air force was carrying out a series of raids in the area, much of which is under the control of the rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Thursday.
The opposition fighters trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad also captured the town of Shadadah, near the Jbeysa oil field in hotly contested Hasaka province, according to Rami Abdul-Rahman, head of the Britain-based activist group.
The oil field is in an energy-rich area along Syria's border with Iraq.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian rebels say capture eastern town of al-Shaddadeh. Syrian rebels capture oilfield in northeast.
Syria death toll probably at 70,000, U.N. human rights official says.
Aid to Syria fails to keep pace with desperate need as death toll rises.
Chaotic influx of refugees to Lebanon stirs fears.
UN concerned about Palestinian detainees.
Teenager killed in Bahrain anniversary protests.
Iranian general reportedly assassinated while traveling from Syria.
Diplomat says Iran begins upgrade of nuclear program, confirms Iranian report.
Israel publishes some details as Australian spy mystery deepens. Spy suicide scandal focuses attention on Israel's foreign Jews.
ASIA
Key U.S. general backs keeping Afghan forces at peak strength.
Burma police 'used white phosphorous' on mine protesters.
N. Korea upgrading missile site, research group says.
North Korea holds mass rally to celebrate nuclear test.
North Korea nuclear test: No radiation detected.
Japan defense chief: could have pre-emptive strike ability in future.
Japan economy figures worse than expected.
Sri Lanka war investigation lags, abuses persist: U.N..
Afghan women march against violence.
Maldives ex-president to stay in Indian embassy: party.
AFRICA
In Mali town, counter-insurgency task ties down French.
Tunisia PM stands firm on technocrats' choice.
Kenyatta, running for Kenyan president, wants Hague trial postponed.
Egypt government won't resign, says PM Qandil.
Military forces from Italy, Qatar in Libyan port ahead of revolution anniversary.
Tunisians head abroad to perform jihad.
Sudan denies Mali Islamist fighters arrived in Darfur.
Zimbabwe referendum 'tentatively set for 16 March'.
"Blade Runner" Pistorius charged with murdering girlfriend.
EUROPE
Serbia says it uncovers plot to bring down government plane.
Horsemeat scandal set to spur tougher EU food tests. French firm suspected as culprit in horsemeat scandal.
Britain warns of Syria jihadist threat to Europe.
Eurozone crisis live: Germany drives region deeper into recession.
Euro zone economy falls deeper than expected into recession.
Horsemeat scandal: Germany pulls lasagne off shelves.
Sarkozy may ‘run for presidency in 2017’.
Putin: NGOs mustn't meddle in Russia's affairs.
Russian army chief warns of new military threats by 2030.
AMERICAS
Moody's says U.S. rating hangs on debt outlook.
Disabled cruise ship Triumph enters Mobile Bay, still hours away from Alabama terminal.
Bolivia: Morales criticises Chile over sea and soldiers.
Colombia soldiers killed fighting FARC rebels.
Ecuador's Correa favored to easily win re-election.
Argentina says it will question Iran suspects.
Hillary WILL run in 2016, claims wealthy Greek donor (who says Bill told him).
A glimpse of Mexico's new crime fighting strategy.
Mexican attorney general: Six suspects confess to raping Spanish tourists.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Alleged 9/11 plotter disrupts testimony of Pentagon official at Guantánamo.
Guantanamo warden says he didn't know about microphones in meeting rooms.
The unending Gitmo nightmare.
Mali: Telegraph finds al-Qaeda plan in Timbuktu.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Big hedge funds fueled fourth-quarter dive in Apple shares.
To give or to keep? Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Mexico’s Carlos Slim follow different paths.
American Airlines, US Airways to merge.
Buffett and Brazilian investor to buy Heinz.
Google 'flaw' puts users' details on display.