Syria: Video shows devastating aftermath of helicopter air strikes

Video uploaded to social media on 29 December appeared to show the aftermath of heavy artillery shelling in Damascus and aerial barrel bombing in Homs. Footage apparently recorded in rebel-held Douma in Rif Dimashq showed injured children being rescued by civil defence workers as another explosion took place. UK-based monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were four Russian air strikes in the province but no reports of losses, with regime forces bombarding areas of Daraya as clashes between regime forces and Islamic battalions in the area continued. Dec 30, 2015

Iraqi military wins back Isis-held Ramadi

The spokesperson for Iraq's counter-terrorism service says all Isis militants have fled the city, and all mines and booby traps in the area have been cleared. Dec 28, 2015