all must remove shoes before entering. ♪ >> damascus is a hot and dry city. the many vendors of cool sweetwater do a thriving business. make their presence known. ♪ --at this open air grill perhaps not sanitary, but very delicious to the damascus. inns. mask >> syrian oranges are delicious and inexpensive. they are sold by weight and cause only a few pennies. ♪ >> had dresses remind us of biblical characters. ♪ >> a new rug around persia. way to display a caring ituctioneer over his shoulder so that he gets bids as he goes about. many camelday, trains from the east enter the city and trail through the winding streets. now bizarre streets -- bizarr he high roofs. we stopped at a small outdoor bakery. the strange manner in which red is baked interests us. -- dough isthough placed over a pillow and rest into the oven. of straw is for the fire. let's watch again. no, the maker is not wearing the logs -- gloves. , but it iss fresh generally after much handling and after many flies have sampled it. ♪ long when amos for its many oriental coffeehouses where m

>>> the leader of syrian opposition group is killed by a russian air strike on the suburbs of damascus. ♪ >>> hello, this is al jazeera live from london. also coming up, the christmas surprise. modi becomes the first indian prime minister to set foot in pakistan for more than a decade. >>> we'll bring you any latest from haiti's border with the dominican republic where haitian refugees have been stranded since -- july. >>> and it is not a ride for the faint hearted the cabin sky in a georgian mining town. ♪ >>> hello. the leader of a rebel group has been killed in syria. the group says it's secret headquarters, situated on the outskirts of the syrian capitol, damascus, was targeted in an air strike which what it said were russian war planes. the group leader has died in the attack. it is the largest rebel group in damascus, it is one of the most organized rebel groups and consists of thousands of fighters. al jazeera has gained firsthand access to the site of a maternity hospital damaged by russian air strikes in syria. at least 14 people have been killed in recent attacks. our cor

>phil: the head of an armed rebl group mostly active in damascus. he was reportedly killed along with five of his top aides. it's not clear whether the syrian or russian forces -- explain to us his significance. >> he was one of the most powerful leaders in the syrian opposition. and interestingly, he was on the number one hit list for the syrian army. he's a designated terrorist as far as the syrian government goes. i think his killing is a big success. >> how will his death change things he act g? >> he's one of the few leaders that held power on the ground. negotiating in vienna, they're one of the leaders that had very strong political backing from turkey, saudi arabia, and culture -- qatar at the same time. he has been declared a terrorist. he's a sectarian leader and is against christians and the shia. his killing sends out a strong signal from damascus. >> and what is known of the way he died? >> it seems like there was an airstrike. they have been hotly contested between the syrian government and the rebels. i think this is a joint operation

zahran alloush died alongside five of his commanders in an air strike east of damascus. his group is the largest rebel faction around the capital. they attended the opposition conference in the saudi capital just this month. they cooperate with other rebel groups but they are in conflict with i.s.i.l. a report from our correspondent in turkey just across the border from syria on what his death means. >> reporter: he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus. his headquarters were only a few kilometres away from president bashar al-assad's palace. he was released from prison in a germ amnesty months after the uprising against bashar al-assad began in syria. many of his jail inmates would later become rebel commanders. he rose to prominence in 2013 when he convinced many armed groups to form an army of more than 20,000 well-trained, unarmed fighters. a few months ago zahran attended a military parade. it was the biggest shell force by the syrian opposition. unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of

he died alongside five of his commanders in an air strike east of damascus. his group is the largest rebel faction around the capital. they're backed by saudi arabia and attended an opposition conference in riyadh just this month. they cooperated with other rebel groups but are in conflict with i.s.i.l. >> reporter: he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus suburbs. his headquarters was only a few kilometres from bashar al-assad's office. he rose to prominence in 2013 when he convinced many armed groups to form an army of more than 20,000 untrained, unarmed fighters. a few months ago zahran attended a military parade. it was the biggest force by the syrian opposition. unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of damascus, with one task, waiting for the government to collapse to march into the capital and secure it. this is where alloush was killed. he was meeting with military commanders. the syrian army says he was killed in an air strike carried out by the syrian jet. the syrian oppo

this is in the damascus countryside. people who live here say fighting between syrian government forces and opposition fighters has been nonstop for two months. they say the syrian regime is trying to break the deadlock with the help of russian air strikes. >> translation: this is from the a gym of bashar al-assad. this is what is happening to us-- regime of bashar al-assad. where are you brothers? >> reporter: russia began bombing syria in september. it says it's targeting i.s.i.l. but the institute of the study of war, a u.s. based think tank, says the campaign has mainly hit syrian groups. >> translation: the russian and syrian air strikes have increased recently. they pretend they're targeting the terrorists, but most of the people killed are women and children. >> reporter: these are scenes that the people of syria have become familiar with. what started as an uprising against the government has long descended into civil war. that cycle of violence is played out across the country for almost five years now and kille

he was the leader that controlled large areas of the damascus suburbs. the syrian government says it carried out the attack. >>> indian prime minute officer mode has made a surprise visit to pack stark it's the first bine an indian leader in more than a decade. some are sealing it as a sign of improving relations between the two rivals. two african migrants have ground trying to enter the spanish territory near morocco. hundreds of people tried to reach the city by climbing barbed wire fences and then swimming. >>> dozens of people are feared dead in a christmas eve exposition in southern nigeria. they were trying to collect cooking gas from a truck when it exploded. we have a report. >> reporter: this truck was discharging butane gas when it exploded starting a huge fireball that lasted for hours. some bodies were charred beyond recognition. >> translator: some people came to buy gas but a lot of people that were affected were people that were outside. many people escaped. >> i saw. i told the people that we should run, this is very dangerous, so we wer

what has happened with us, how we live in damascus. that's all. >> the people helping organize this are close to their target of $13,000 to print cds. music classes for children and concerts are also being planned. in a europe increasingly and openly hostile to all refugees it is perhaps a reminder of how war affects all of us, even the most talented. lawrence lee, al jazeera, brussels. >> people have been celebrating christmas around the world. with festivities in bethlehem which is traditionally believed to be the birth place of jesus christ, have been overshadowed by ongoing tensions between the israelis and the palestinians. imtiaz tyab reports. >> palestinian scouts marching through streets of bethlehem playing christmas songs old and new. leading the annual christmas parade was the latin patriarch of jerusalem. from his headquarters to east jerusalem to bethlehem have him pass through the concrete separation wall which encircles the city. the israelis began construction on the wall more than ten years ago. they say it is meant to

fighters near damascus. a report on what his death means for the armed group. >> reporter: he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus suburbs. his headquarters were only a few kilometres away from president bashar al-assad's palace. zahran alloush was released from a prison in a general amnesty after an up rising against bail. many of his jail mates became leaders. he convinced many armed groups to form an army of more than 20,000 well trained unarmed fighters. a few months ago he attended a military parade. it was the biggest shell force by the syrian opposition. unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of damascus with one task waiting for the government to collapse to march into the capital and secure it. this is where alloush was killed. he was meeting two commanders. the syrian army says he was killed in an air strike carried out by a syrian fighters jet. the syrian opposition says the death of zahran may undermine the chance for

fighters and their families given safe passage out of the refugee camp in damascus and u.n. backed deal aimed at making it easier to deliver aid to civilians trapped in the area. afghan security officials say 20 people have been killed in overnight clashes with the taliban in helman province, army trying to push the armed group out of the district, fighting has now spread to other parts of helman and back to our top story and indian prime minister modi's surprise stop in afghanistan and we are live in new deli so this surprise visit is obviously a big deal, how is it being viewed in india? >> well, it depends on who you ask here. the opposition is saying this is purely showmanship that the parliament should have been advised that something should have happened and should have been just a tweak that the casualness of the announcement of the stop over in pakistan completely talks about the significance of it and 12 years since an indian prime minister visited pakistan and issue is relations since modi took power have gone back and forth between warm and cold. a gesture is made

he died in an aerial raid by targeted his group's headquarters in damascus. the group says it's secret headquarters were targeted by what they describe as russian planes. >>> al jazeera has gained first-hand access to the site of a maternity hospital damaged by russian air strikes in syria. at least 14 people have been killed in the most recent attacks on aleppo province. >> translator: there have been russian air raids against the syrian city in aleppo on the border with turkey. the raids targeted this maternity hospital. this is not the first time this hospital has been hit. as you can see, the outer fence has been destroyed, and there are many injured inside of the building. this is some of the damage. and nearby, a petrol station was also targeted by the russian jets. as you can see the flames are still rising. according to witnesses, the russian raids killed many people, and injured others near this round about. the civil defense teams are trying to put out this fire. the russian fighter jets are still above us here in the government of aleppo. it wouldn

it was in response to rebel mortar attacks which hit neighborhoods in damascus. is. >> in this moment of sheer panic and desperation, talk of a truce is irrelevant. bloody bodies clutter the floor of a temporary basement clinic. in this rebel-strong hold outside damascus, infants are checked for vital signs. a doctor tries to save another child who has lost his legs. the streets are littered with debris and shards of glass. at least 28 people were killed and dozens injured on sunday. most of the victims were children and women at a market and a school. activists say syrian and russian jets were targeting rebels who shelled damascus from the area. the news agency says rebels launched mortars on sunday killing a young girl and injuring three others. this latest exchange of fire between rebels and the government comes as united nations humanitarian chief steven o'brian toured government-held areas including damascus and homs. he's trying to assess the needs of millions of beleaguered syrians. this follows an initiative to unify the political opposition and hold dire

activists say syrian and russian jets were targeting rebels who shelled damascus from the area. this latest exchange of fire between rebels and the government comes as united nations humanitarian chief steven o'brien toured government held areas including damascus and homs. o'brien is trying to assess the needs of millions of the syrians, the u.n. has proposed a ceasefire deal that would allow humanitarian aid in and some civilians to leave. it's also hoping it will lead to a nationwide truce. this follows the saudi and opposition and hold direct talks with the regime but leader of one of the most prominent groups el nusra front is criticizing the proposal saying syria's government is no longer in charge. >> translator: the regime only controls 20% of syria and regime lost the power, the army has turned into groups of factions. this is not an army. now the armored groups have more weapons than the regime has. >> reporter: the u.n. says at least 250,000 people have been killed since the start of the war in march 2011. and for the millions of syrians living in this devastation the

what happened with us, how we live in damascus. that's all. >> the people helping organize close to their target of $13,000 to print the cds. music classes for refugees children and concerts are also being planned. in a europe increasingly and openly hostile to all refugees it is perhaps a reminder of how war affects all of us even the most talented. >> nonot bad. >> lawrence marie, al jazeera, brussels. >> just ahead, not something we associate with christmas, but in mexico pinatas are as much a symbol as christmas trees. when you're on hold, your business is on hold. that's why comcast business doesn't leave you there. when you call, a small business expert will answer you in about 30 seconds. no annoying hold music. just a real person, real fast. whenever you need them. so your business can get back to business. sounds like my ride's ready. don't get stuck on hold. reach an expert fast. comcast business. built for business. when you're on hold, your business is on hold. that's why comcast business doesn't leave you there. when y

and he was going to be the man to secure the capitol damascus. that gives you an idea about the man. they were thinking this was a man who could take over damascus and announce the end of the era of bashar al-assad and the beginning of a new one. his death will be seen by many people as massive blow, a major setback for the opposition. >> reporter: and in terms of the international efforts to bring about a diplomatic solution in syria, where was he going to play a part in that, if at all? >> well, i have been talking to a member of the syrian opposition, and he says the future of the talks now hang by a thread, because they say that after the recent international push, they were hoping to see some confidence-building measures, and they were hoping the russians and the syrian government would stop targeting areas across the country. now they have seen an intense indication of the air strikes, and the killing of a top military commander that was seen as a sign that russian and syrian government are not really genuine in these peace talks. it is goi

activists say syrian and russian jets were targeting rebels who she would damascus from the area. syria's state-run news agency says rebels launched mortars in to damascus on sunday killing a young did i recall and injuring three others. this latest exchange of fire between rebels and the government comes as united nations humanitarian chief steven o'brien toured government-held areas, including damascus and homs. o'brien is trying to assess the needs of millions of we hearinged syrians. the u.n. has prosed a ceasefire deal that would allow humanitarian aid in and some civilians to lead. it's also hoping it will lead to a nationwide truce. this follows a saudi-sponsored initiative to iewn ube five th l opposition and hold talks with the regime. the leader of the al-nusra front is criticizing that proposal saying syria's government is no longer in charge. >> translator: the regime only controls 20% of sear yakker the army has lost power it has term ed in to group of factions now the groups have more weapons than the regime has. >> reporter: the u.n. says at least 220,000 people hav

about 18 thousand people are trapped in that camp south of damascus. most of them palestinian refugees. activists say buses have started arriving to transport fighters and the families out of the area. many i.s.i.l. are expected to head to rack six hours away. >> reporter: a u.n. confirming that the united nations is involved in this deal in syria but backing away from reports that it is a u.n. broke-- brokered deal. the u.n. is an observer, but not part of it. this deal, the details of which are still very vague, potentially could involve i.s.i.l. fighters given safe passage out of the refugee camp and into the i.s.i.l. stronghold of rack. this would be-- raqqa. it would be important because it is very dangerous place now. ban ki-moon has said it is in the deepest circle of hell. that's because there is not only i.s.i.l. fighters there that infiltrated the camp in april, but there is al-qaeda al-nusra front fighters as well and pro and anti-government fighting militias. if this deal with be brokered and some of these armed fighters, especially the i.s

antigovernment fighters say they are trying to cut a supply route to damascus airport. they say the proregime force does not recognize the truce signed by bashar al-assad's government. and more than 50 people have been killed on attacks in an opposition stronghold east of damascus. it happened after the u.n. chief wrapped up a three day visit to the area. >> this situation is unacceptable, a blot on our collective conscience. >> there are about 7.6 million internally displaced syrians. 2 million children are out of school. bernard smith, al jazeera. >> let's go live now to dominic kane in paris for more on the meeting of foreign ministers there. hi dominic. i guess what they're looking for is consensus. do we know, are they anywhere near close no that? >> well julie the meeting has now just broken up. it lasted for two hours. the cavalcade of cars leaving behind me, to the coconsternationof the parisian g home. in recent days, to try fet the opposition groups in syria to coalesce around a unitied position, the only future for syria insofar as democracy and peace was con

. >> reporter: he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus suburbs. his headquarters were only a few kilometres away from president bashar al-assad's palace. he was released from prison by bashar al-assad a few months after the start of the syrian uprising. he rose to prominence in 2013 when he convinced many armed groups to form an army of more than 20,000 well-trained, unarmed fighters. a few months ago he attended a military parade. it was the biggest force by the syrian opposition. unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of damascus, with one target, to wait until they battle. this is where he was killed. he was meeting with military commanders. the syrian army says he was killed out by a syrian fighter jet. the syrian opposition says the death of him may undermine the chance for internationally brokered talks between the rebels and the syrian government. he was not only a military commander, he was also a prominent preacher with many followers in the damascus area. with his death,

he was also a prominent preacher with many followers in the damascus area. with his death the future of the army of islam is uncertain. in 2013 the syrian government killed the charismatic commander of a brigade. a year later many leaders were killed in idlib. the key rebel groups never recovered from the loss of their founders. >> he was a marnl major figure and he was a commander built in the organization from a small company back in 2011, in mid- 1 mid-2011 to now an organization with 26 command centers, 64 battalions and more or less somewhere between 45,000 to 50,000 fighters. >> this is his successor. he's been in charge of an elite unit in the army of islam. the opposition says that he should also be remembered as the man who prevented isis and al qaeda affiliates from expanding towards damascus, and that his death could pave the way for isil and the front to launch an offensive to capture the outskirts of the capital. >>> russia is a player, of course, in the last couple of months, and one of the most recent russian air strikes in syria has been conf

this all happened inside a house on ridge road in damascus. that's where "news4's" derrick ward is live with the investigation. derrick? >> reporter: yeah, we're in the 2400 block of ridge road in damascus. you can take a look. police have been focusing on the other side since about 12:35. that's when they got the call. seems like it was some sort of get-together. at least two families t families who live here and other folks who were visiting when some sort of fight broke out. the victim is identifieds a 35-year-old male. the suspect is identified as a 40-year-old male. the victim, we guess, the suspect was the host. police are not looking for anyone at this point. the suspect is actually in custody and the investigation has continued. no word on charges. certainly a tragic incident. it seemed that it started as some sort of get-together that went terribly wrong. back to you. >>> prince george's county police are looking for a gun in a deadly shooting. a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. >

separately supporters from supports in idlib will head to damascus. it is all part of an iranian and turkish and u.n. brokered deal between the syrian government and the opposition. a deal on war crime korean war crime. an apology to be given and 8.7 million dollars as compensation to the former sex slaves. talks aimed at ending months of unrest in burundi are due to begin in uganda. violence began in april when the president announced his intention to run for a third term. the african union has warned the country may be in danger of returning to civil war. to our top story, a u.n. back deal allowing safe passage for some fighters and their families out of syria. a senior associate at the middle east center joins us from beirut via skype and we appreciate it. why do you think this deal happened? >> well, it's part of a larger set of deals that have been happening, that focus on creating local ceasefires in specific areas. they happen mainly where there is sufficient will. they take a long period to put the mechanisms in order. there are lots of low-le

. >> syrian activists say five civilians are killed in a gas attack near damascus. hello and welcome live from doha. also coming up in the next 30 minutes, a wanted man, russia issues an international arrest warrant for the former oil tycoon and critic of the kremlin. >>> more than 60 hours after a landslide in southern china, a survivor is pulled from the rubble. >>> zimbabwe's government takes white farmers off their land but neither beneficiaries of that policy are feeling the squeeze. >>> we start this half hour of world news with those reports that a gas attack in syria killed five civilians southwest of damascus. medical sources think that sarin gas, one of the world's most lethal chemical weapons was used in the attack. more than 30 people are reported to have suffered acute health problems. we have the story. >> this is not the first time there have been reports of goose used as a weapon in syria. opposition sources say these people were exposed to gas when government helicopters fired missiles in the residential area. that rebel held neighborhood on the out

fighters, to leave areas in southern damascus has been suspended. it is on hold following the killing of a powerful rebel leader in an air strike. iraqi kurdish forces have raided an i.s.i.l. base. kurdish media is quoting police saying that u.s. commandos were also involved in the operation but the u.s. has denies this. at least six people have died in some of the worst flooding in south america for decades. around 160,000 people have been forced from their homes. a state of emergency has been declared in paraguay. relatives of 43 missing students and hundreds of their supporters have taken to the streets of mexico's capital. they're trying to keep the pressure on the government to tell them what happened to their loved ones. a report from mexico city. >> reporter: the anger towards the mexican government you can co-ed on the-- echoeked on the streets. among the chants these are the people who are destroying our country. the agony of the families of 43 missing students has been described as a permanent torture. the men are believed to be dead. but

they're being taken to damascus via lebanon. it's part of a rare deal negotiated with the help of iran and turkey and backed by the united nations. >>> south korea and japan ended a long standing dispute with a deal on war time korean sex slaves. the japanese prime minister has made an apology and offered compensation. >>> there was a delegation from the president's government in burundi. they were there, he however did not decide to attend. representatives from burundi's rival opposition groups were also part of the talks, too. other people taking part, well that included the exiled human rights activist as well as religious leaders. the main purpose to prevent a return to civil war. malcolm webb joins us live from the ugandan capital. take us through what's on the table, what's up for discussion. >> today was just an opening session and before discussing any terms of any kind of deal, the first thing on the agenda to be discussed is when they'll actually start discussing and that probably won't be for two weeks from now in nei

outskirts of damascus. of course, it is a major problem for the regime. and we may see some major advance trying to exploit the weakness of isla he's this islamic group because it's leader is no more. >> thanksgiving fo--thank you for taking time for talking with us. >> thank you. >> military said it is engaged in a gunfight with isil fighte fighters. they began their new offensive on tuesday with the help of u.s.-led coalition airstrikes. 27 soldiers have been killed by isil fighters south of fallujah. doctors in the city said seven civilians were killed after their neighborhood was sheffield united by the army. the military has besieged fallujah in a year in an test to force isil fighters out. thousands say that they need help getting home safely. the tribesmen fled their homes during fighting between government-backed shia militias and isil. >> this man used to be a soldier. he was fighting isil, and then captured by shia militias. he said his crime was being sunni. he showed us burn marks on his body wh

strategically important area on the main road connecting the capital and the government stronghold damascus in the south. hashem joins us litsch now from southern turkey. hashem, just walk us through wyoming particular link is so important. >> it is important, because it has been a rebel stronghold for almost four years, since the start of the syrian uprising against the government of bashar al assad, this was one of the first areas where the rebels took control, further expanded, and there are two types of factions operating there. there is al-nusra front, an al-qaeda affiliate along with other conservative groups, very well organized and powerful. at the same time, there are free syrian army groups trained by the americans and western allies of the syrian opposition. since yesterday, there's been intensive airstrikes by the russian fighter jets. the syrian army started shutting positions and then advancing towards the city. rebel fighters put out from differently areas, but say they will continue to fight. they have called for general mobilization. these factions have never been united in

humanitarian chief steven o'brien toured areas including damascus and homs. o'brien is trying to assess the needs of millions of the syrians. a cease file deal has been proposed to allow civilians to lead. it is hoping to lead to a nation-wide truce. this follows an initiative to unify the political opposition and hold direct talks with the regime. the leader of one of the prominent groups al-nusra front is criticising that proposal saying syrian government is no longer in charge. >> translation: the regime only controls 20% of the syria. the regime has lost the power. the army has turned into groups of factions. this is not an army. now the groups have more weapons than the regime has. >> reporter: the u.n. says at least 250,000 people have been killed since the start of the war in march 2011. for the millions of syrians living in this devastation, there appears to be no end in sight >>> saudi arabia confirms head of special operations and a commander were killed in fighting in yemen on monday morning. they were taking part in an offensive in the city. in th

our correspondent is on the main supply route connecting damascus, the capital, and the seat of bashar al-assad's government with the southern city of darah. the town has been held now for a year. the push into the south comes just days after an air strike killed prominent leader zahran alloush just outside damascus. his death has been criticized that it is hampering peace talks. our correspondent has been following developments and sent this report. >> reporter: it all started with tense attacks by russian fighter jets paving the way for government troops to advance towards the opposition stronghold. the rebels say that despite the losses, they are regrouping and are going to launch a counter-offensive to push the government troops out of the area. the whole area is very crucial for the government and for the rebels because it is on a strategic route that connects it to the capital of damascus. for the rebels it has been a platform for where they could easily sends weapons and fighters to provide and boost the presence for the opposition. this is why president bashar al-assad has alwa

backed deal they will be given a safe route to damascus where the government is still largely in control. the first mentioned group will be leaving and headed to lebanon where they will continue to turkey before finally arriving at idlib and the shia families will go from idlib to turkey on to beirut before finally being transferred to damascus. this is all very complicated but this is not the first evacuation agreement of its kind. in the past year there have been similar agreements of city of homs and urmuk which are on hold and we are live near the turkey-syria border. tell us how these transfers have been going. >> it's smooth as planned according to different sources on the ground and we're expecting from both sides, i mean to be at the border crossing and also at the turkish border crossing in any time soon. we have been evacuated from their own areas given safe passage and have been driving all the way and it's just going to be about the end of this whole operation that took some time from the opposition and from the government. it all started when opposition fighters were trapped

we're in the 24,000 block in damascus. this is what police tell us so far. the suspect actually lives in this house with his wife and police tell me that the suspect invited the victim over to their house yesterday. i'm told they were here for quite a while and for some reason just after 12:30, the suspect shot and killed the victim who was apparently his friend. the suspect's wife then called 911. police tell me the suspect stayed on the scene, was quickly arrested and the suspect is in custody at this point. the man who was shot to death, the victim, we have not been told his name just yet. he was proannounced dead here on the scene. just to tell you one quick note, last year montgomery county police said they had 19 homicides. this year there are just under 30. i'm working to get an exact number for you. montgomery county police told me they'll be getting back to me very soon with that information. if you're driving through damascus, it's a very busy road so just be cautious. there's still a lot of police activity here on the scene. i'm nikki burdine, wus

in soourn damascus southern damg towards position he, trying to cut a supply route to damascus airport. they say, the fighters don't recognize the truce signed by broad's government. and more than 50 people have been killed in attacks on an opposition stronghold in damascus. >> this situation is unacceptable, a blot on our collective conshe is. >> there are about 7.6 million internally displaced syrians. 2 million children are out of school. bernard smith, al jazeera. >> turkey has withdrawn about 1,000 troops stationed at a camp in northern iraq, near the city of mosul, the deployment had led to a spat between baghdad and ankara. sumsome soldiers were pulled out because of military necessity. al jazeera's been jask haalal as the store story. >> turkish officials say only 150 were sent here but trucks carrying not only tanks but other heavy military equipment back to turkey. the movement caused a rowd between the two governments. the prime of iraq used try to get these groups out of his taish tri. are the fight against i.s.i.l. also to try and take i.s.i.l. stronghold of mosul. cerk in

. >> he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus suburbs. his headquarters were only a few kilometers away from president bashar al-assad's palace. sarad aloush was released from prison in a general amnesty. many of his jail inmates would come rebel commanders. he rose to prominence in 2013 when he convinced many armed groups to form jashel islam, an army of 20,000 well trained unarmed fighters. he attended a military parade. it was the biggest show of force by the syrian opposition. unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of damascus with one task, waiting for government to collapse to march into the capital and secure it. this is where aloush was killed. waiting for fighters from jashal islam, killed in an air strike carried out by a syrian fighter jet. the syrian opposition says his debt will undermine the chance for internationally brokered talks between the rebels and the syrian government. he was not only a military commander. he was also a prominent preacher with many f

the deal was to allow fighters and their families a safe passage out of damascus in exchange for pulling out of the refugee camp an and neighborhood. the deal was seen by the opposition an indication of can lewdincolluding with isil. >> these are delicate times for the opposition. over the last two years it has lost grounds in southern aleppo, homs and other areas. many of its commanders have been killed, and is coming under mounting pressures to join talkings with assad. joining talks with archenemies seems like concession by the rebels who had hoped to force assad out of power. but now while alack of leaderships like america is no longer insisting on i sad leaving as president. >> the big fear in damascus now is that with these fighters, but also welcome jaysh al-islam, they'll want some revenge for the killing of their leader. we'll see further shelling, shelling that will effect the area and the capital itself. >> moving to iraq where forces say they're close to the center of ramadi in their latest advance to retake the city from isil. it has engaged in gunfight against isil there. m

jets targeted a stronghold in damascus. dozens of people including women and children were killed. >> reporter: in this moment of sheer panic and desperation, talk of a truce is irrelevant. bloodied bodies cluttered the floor of a temporary basement clinic. in this rebel stronghold outside damn as was lifeless infants are checked for vital signs. on another table a doctor tries to save a child who has lost his legs. the streets of dumar had are littered with debris and shards of glass making it difficult to reach those in need. most of the victims were women and children at a school. they were targeting rebels who shelled damascus from the area. this latest exchange of fire between rebels and the government comes as united nations humanitarian chief steven o'brien toward the government areas clues damascus and homes. o'brien is trying to assess the needs of many syrians. the u.n. has proposed a cease fire deal that would allow humanitarian aid in and some civilians to leave. it is hoping it will lead to a nation-wide truce.

they will be crossing from damascus to lebanon via turkey. the two towns, roughly 243 predominantly shia will be coming via turkey. this is a very complex agreement that it has been three times now that has failed, but today it seems like at least for now it is the first part of the agreement has come through >>> we're thinking this could be a matter of hours of a continuous process or a matter of days? >> well, hopefully it will be within hours. like i said the plan is to have them leave the areas at the same time. they have not yet entered the rebel control area. it is a very long day. it will be a very long day for the u.n. this has all been brokered under the u.n. we expect it to go on for a few hours. at least we can say the first part and at least 30 wounded have been transferred >>> thank you so much. there is, obviously, another significant part to the story and our correspondent joins us live near the turkey-syria border with the other part of this story. tell us more again about the other aspect to this story. >> reporter: basically

. -- damascus. >> reporter: the deal between the government on the one hand and i.s.i.l. on the al-nusra front on the other hand about the safe passage out of damascus and paving the way for fighters of their families to pull out from those areas and go to areas under the control of i.s.i.l. or the opposition is still on hold for different reasons. i.s.i.l. and the al-nusra front are looking for more guarantees that they say are going to be safe but they're waiting for more logistics to take their families in one go out of the capital of damascus. they will have to cross some areas under the control of the groups. with the new leader they're going to intensify their military campaigns as a revenge of the death of zahran alloush. this whole debate about the deal between the government and i.s.i.l. comes against a backdrop of the renewed international push to push an end to the crisis in syria. the syrian opposition is going to go to gen eve to talk about a way-- - geneva. first, a ceasefire where they would be committed to stop using barrel bombs against criticism i can't

five people are said to have been killed southwest of damascus. witnesses say government helicopters fired missiles containing the nerve agent sarin. this despite an international watch dog saying the last of syria's chemical weapons had been shipped out of the country for destruction last year. zana hoda has the latest. >> reporter: this is not the first time there have been reports of gas used as a weapon in syria. opposition sources say these people were exposed to gas when government helicopters fired missiles in the residential area, that rebel-held neighborhood on the outskirts of damascus has been a battleground for some time now. >> translator: his rockets were carrying sarin gas and as a result five people were killed, including a 12-year-old boy, and more than 30 injured, mostly civilians. the sarin gas was used in the west neighborhood of the city. the victims showed certain sympt symptoms. this later caused the death of the five victims. >> reporter: it was one of the opposition-controlled areas in the countryside around the capitol wh

anti-government fighters are trying to cut a supply to damascus airport. they say the proceed regime fighters don't recognise the truce signed by bashar al-assad government. more than 50 people have been killed in attacks on an opposition stronghold east of the damascus. it happened of the u.n. humanitarian chief wrapped up his three-day visit. >> this situation is unacceptable. a blot on our collective conscience. >> reporter: there are about 16 million internally displaced syrians. three quarters of them don't have access to drinking water while two million children are out of school >>> many of the refugees germany has taken in are from syria, but chancellor merkel has signalled that she will cut back on the number of asylum seekers into the country. more than a million have arrived there this year. merkel says she is not shutting d'art completely, but her policy is causing divisions within her own christian democrat party. -- the doors completely. >> translation: we want to and we will noticeably reduce the number of refugees because it's in the intere

>>> syrian rebels fight back after a major event south of damascus. hello, this is al jazeera live from doha. also coming up, critical condition, doctors in yemen protest against the lack of medical supplies in the embattled city of taiz. >>> lost in calais, the children activists say are the forgotten victims of europe's refugee crisis. >>> sydney harbor lights up in fireworks to welcome in 2016. >>> rebel factions in syria are fighting back to regain control of areas lost in a government offensive. the army backed by russian fighter jets have launched a major campaign to recapture the city. it is on an important route that connects the south and capital damascus. we have this report. >> these rebel fighters are on the counter offensive. they are launching an attack to repel government troops in an opposition stronghold in southern syria. they say that many that were part of the government offensive were either destroyed or forced to retreat. the army backed by russian fighter jets say the fight is almost over, and that the city will soon be under it

they will head to lebanon enroute to damascus. all part of the deal with the government and the opposition. syrian state tv reporting multiple explosions in homs in the west of the country. at least 14 people killed and more than 130 wounded in those blasts. in south korea and japan has ended a longstanding dispute on war time korean sex slaves. the prime minister has agreed to make an apology on behalf of his country. he is also offering 8.7 million dollars to the former sex slaves. iraqi forces are claiming victory over i.s.i.l. in ramadi after retaking the government builds in the city center. i.s.i.l. seized ramadi, which is more than 100 kilometres west of baghdad, back in may. the army along with sunni tribal fighters now controls the government compound in the alhus neighborhood. other reports say i.s.i.l. still controls part of the city. live to erbil now. our correspondent. the iraqi have a key government building. that's important but not the end of the fight. >> reporter: yes. this is a very symbolic victory because thi

fighters and their families given safe passage after a refugee camp in damascus. deals are being finalised. it will be easier to deliver aid to people trapped in that area. afghan security officials have said people have been killed. the army has been trying to push the armed group. it has spread to other pardons of helmand. thousands of refugees continue to reach europe via sea every day despite controls. pope francis has delivered his annual christmas address at the vatican urging people to reject consumerism. despite almost daily attacks between israelis and palestinians. a report on how people with celebrating christmas and the world >> reporter: from the epicenter the pope leads the people through a mass. away from the grand vatican, people around the are celebrating-- the world are setting christmas as well. christmas presents were delivered to 300 children in damascus who lost their parents in the war. hundreds of christians gathered to light a year hoping the new year will bring and end to the conflict. fireworks will illuminate the river in baghdad every

>>> syrian rebels fight back after a major government offensive on the road from damascus. ♪ ♪ >>> hello there, i am laura kyle, this is al jazeera live from doha. our other top stories. critical condition. doctors in yemen protest against the lack of medical surprise in the embattled city of taiz. a vote for peace some delays, but no violence as polls close in the central african republic. >>> plus on new year's eve the art of time. through the eyes of one craftsman in tokyo. ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> rebel forces are fighting against government forces in the south of the country. these pictures are said to show the after path of an attack on an army tank in the rebel-controlled town. it's the first offensive in southern syria since russian air strikes began three months ago. al jazeera cannot independently verify these pictures. on a main supply route that connects president bashar al-assad's government to the capital damascus with the city near the border with jordan. that's where the first major anti--government protests took place in 2011. live for us in southern turkey now, the neighboring c

syrian and russian jets were targeting rebels, who shelled damascus from the area. this latest exchange of fire between rebels and the government comes as united nations humanitarian chief stephen o'brien toured government-held areas including damascus and homs. o'brien is trying to assess the needs of millions of beleaguered syrians. the u.s. is proposing a cease-fire deal. they are hoping that it will lead to a nationwide truce. this follows the saudi-sponsored initiative to unify the political opposition and hold direct talks with the regime, but the leader of one of the most prominent armed groups al nusra front, is criticizing that propose saying syria's government is no long centeer in charge. >> the regime has lost the power. the army has turned into groups of factions. this is not an army. now the armored groups have more weapons than the regime has. >> the u.s. said that 220,000 people have been killed since the start of the war in marc march 2011. and for the millions of syrians living in this devastation there appears to be no end in sight. al jazeera. >>

. >> particularly the man who controls the key to the capital damascus. he had more than 20,000 well trained fighters ready to march into the capital, damascus. basically someone given the final order if the government collapses to prevent a descent into chaos as happened in libya. his main direction was go to damascus, wait to secure it and await for a new government. apparently the syrian government got intelligence of his whereabouts, his movement and three targeted the building where he was moving with some of his top military commanders. islam says he has a new military commander, someone owho has been a teacher in the past and close contacts, and one who is leading one of the elite units. they are confident this is the one who can put together the organization and move forward. but there is a general sentiment among many opposition leaders that the death will have a huge impact on the future of the armed groups in syria. it could further undermine and could lead to some split in the future. because jo ha johan a-loush was thought to bring together t

. >> maryland 3a final. 13-0 damascus facing 12-1 dunndauk. huge night for one of durkin's future players. 271 yards on the ground. 31 carries. he had seven touchdowns in this game. he finishes the season with a maryland record 57 touchdowns on the year. damascus wins the 3a final 55-14. eighth title in school history. first since 2007. congratulations damascus. jake funk -- >> is he committed to maryland? >> hopefully he this holiday, ford america's best-selling brand is giving you more. the ford holiday sales event... with 0% financing for 60 months on 2015 f-150 and focus and 2016 fusion and escape. plus 1,000 dollars holiday bonus cash on 2015 focus and 2016 fusion and escape. it's the best gift ever. now during the ford holiday sales event get 0% financing for 60 months plus 1,000 dollars holiday bonus cash on select vehicles. see your local ford dealer. ♪ >>> got that song in my head now. can't wait to see this, folks. coldplay releases a new album tomorrow and the band's getting ready to trek across the world on their next big tour. a