US allies repel Syria forces

• WASHINGTON: The US-led coalition and its local allies in Syria struck pro-government forces with deadly air and artillery fire overnight to repel "an unprovoked attack" near the Euphrates, the coalition said on Thursday. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is supported by Russia and by Shia militias backed by Iran, has said he wants to take back every inch of Syria. The pro-government forces were "likely seeking to seize oilfields in Khusham" east of the Euphrates in Deir al-Zor province, said a US official speaking on condition of anonymity. The attack was carried out by 500 troops backed by artillery, tanks, multiple-launch rocket systems and mortars but the coalition and its local allies killed more than 100 of them. Reuters

Nepal majority

• KATHMANDU: Nepal's Communist parties on Thursday secured an overwhelming majority in the upper house of Parliament with 39 seats, paving the way for the Leftist alliance to form the country's next government. Reuters

N. Korea meeting

• SEOUL: North Korea has no intention of meeting US officials during the Winter Olympics that start in South Korea on Friday, state media said, dampening hopes the Games will help resolve a tense standoff over the nuclear weapons programme. Reuters

Taiwan tremors

• HUALIEN, TAIWAN: Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people. Reuters

Pak V-Day ban

• ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has banned events promoting Valentine's Day, and media coverage of any such events, for the second year in a row after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic.Reuters