Syria, Gaza, CAR
Today's three stories you should know
Syria
The Syrian army has ordered residents to evacuate the city of Aleppo as it continues to clash with the Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The military released maps identifying seven areas it intended to target with air raids. Talks between the two sides on integrating the SDF into the army ended without agreement in the capital Damascus earlier this week. The sticking point appears to be whether the SDF would remain a distinct unit within the military or be fully absorbed. The group, which controls swathes of northeastern Syria and was instrumental in defeating ISIS in 2019, had pledged to merge with the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa by the end of last year.
More from Reuters here.
Proximities Picks
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Gaza
Israeli forces have shot dead an 11-year-old girl in Gaza in an area officially designated as a safe zone. The Israeli army has killed more than 400 people in the Palestinian enclave since it agreed a ceasefire with Hamas three months ago. Hamsa Housou’s uncle told the AP that she had dreamed of becoming a doctor. “They say that there is a ceasefire and that the war on Gaza has stopped. Is this only through the media, while every day there are explosions and fire belts?” he said. “Shooting does not stop. Where is the ceasefire?”
More from AP here.
Central African Republic
The runner-up in the Central African Republic’s presidential election has rejected provisional results and alleged widespread fraud. Anicet Georges Dologuélé, who early tallies gave 14.6 percent of the vote against incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadera’s 76.1 percent, accused the National Elections Authority of manipulating the data. The government has battled several armed groups in recent years and has forged close ties with Russia, whose Wagner Group militia has acted as personal security for Touadéra. Tensions with Moscow have developed, though, as it demands Wagner be replaced by its African Corps military unit. Final election results are expected on January 20th.
More from Africa News here.
When they say "ceasefire" they mean the Palestinians have no right to fire back.