Obama urges China to abide by tribunal ruling

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• The Syrian army has managed to retake a strategic area from foreign-backed terrorists in the suburbs of the city of Aleppo. Ramussah was liberated following heavy clashes between the two sides. The gain will enable government troops to tighten its siege of the militant-held parts of Aleppo.
   
• Afghan officials say the Taliban have entered the capital of the southern Uruzgan province where they are engaged in fierce clashes with the army. The militants have forced all government officials out of Tirin Kot and overrun or destroyed all checkpoints around the city.
   
• Iran has dismissed allegations by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council regarding Tehran’s stance on last year’s deadly stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Bahram Qassemi says comments by the council’s chief Abdullatif Al-Zayani that Iran is politicizing the issue are baseless.
   
• Pentagon chief Ashton Carter has downplayed hopes of reaching an agreement with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria. Carter has accused Russia of prolonging the Syria conflict and sowing the seeds of global instability. Carter, however, says Washington will try to reach a deal with Moscow over the issue.
   
• US President Barack Obama warns China that an international tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea dispute is binding. In an apparent reference to China, Obama told reporters in Laos that efforts should be made to prevent the militarization of the Sea. Earlier, China warned against interference in the maritime dispute.
   
• US Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, has pledged to boost America’s military budget and deploy more troops and equipment if elected president. Trump has also promised to give military leaders 30 days to put together a plan to defeat the Daesh terror group.
   
• Supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have rallied in the capital Caracas. Anti-government protesters have called for a recall referendum in a bid to force Maduro out of power. If the embattled president loses a recall vote before January tenth, new elections will be held.
   
• Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh airstrikes against Syria’s Golan Heights. Israel says its aircraft hit the Syrian army's mortar launchers. It claims the air attacks were in response to mortar fire from Syria. No casualties have been reported. This is the second such attack since Sunday.

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