An alliance of Syrian rebel factions claimed they had broken a weeks-long government siege of the country’s second biggest city.
Damascus denied this, saying the rebels had been pushed back after intense air strikes by pro-government forces.
Separately, the UN launched an investigation into claims that a toxic gas – believed to be chlorine – was used by pro-government forces in an attack on Aleppo’s rebel-held areas.
If confirmed, such an attack would amount to a “war crime”, the UN said.
Aleppo ‘chlorine gas attack’ investigated
Why the battle for Aleppo matters
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump endured several days of negative headlines after a string of controversial comments.
First, the billionaire contender described incumbent Barack Obama as the “founder” of the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Mr Trump also attacked his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, calling her a “co-founder” of the jihadist group, only to later say he was being sarcastic.
‘Obama is founder of IS’ – Trump
Earlier, the hotel developer-turned-politician appeared to urge his supporters to take up arms against Mrs Clinton to stop her from appointing liberal judges to the US Supreme Court if she won the November election.
Mr Trump later somewhat softened his rhetoric as polls suggested his support had been falling.
In addition, several leading Republicans have deserted Mr Trump.
Republican letter urges party to cut Trump’s funding
Can Republicans really dump Trump?
Contents
Crimea conundrum
Image copyrightREUTERSTensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated again, more than two years after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Moscow accused Kiev of trying to stage armed incursions in the southern peninsula, showing on state TV what the Kremlin said were “saboteurs” working for Ukrainian intelligence.
Ukraine denied the claim as “preposterous”, saying Russia had amassed tens of thousands of soldiers in Crimea.
The US later urged restraint by both sides.
Russia sends new air defence missiles
What’s going on in Crimea?
Rio Olympics: Phelps and Manuel make splashes, Biles ‘the greatest’
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESMichael Phelps became the first swimmer to win four successive Olympic gold medals in one event – in the 200m individual medley.
It was the 22nd gold for the 31-year-old – a world record.
Michael Phelps beats Ryan Lochte to win 22nd gold
Image copyrightREUTERSIn gymnastics, American Simone Biles gave a stunning performance to win the women’s all-around Olympic gold medal.
The 19-year-old – described by many as one of the greatest ever gymnasts – had already led the US to victory in the team event.
Why Simone Biles is the best at the Games
Image copyrightREUTERSMeanwhile, America’s Simone Manuel became the first black female swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal.
Manuel and Canada’s Penny Oleksiak claimed joint gold in the 100m freestyle final.
Simone Manuel and Penny Oleksiak take joint gold
Why Manuel’s gold medal matters
World’s longest hunger strike over
In India, local activist Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year-long hunger strike against a controversial security law, in order to compete in local elections.
She tasted honey to symbolically break her fast in front of journalists.
Her campaign had led to her being detained and force-fed through a tube in her nose.
[Source:BBC]
