Rights Group: More Than 800 Killed in Kobani Ground Fight -- Voice of America

Syrian activists said more than 800 people have been killed in ground fighting in Kobani in the six-week battle between Islamic State militants and Kurdish fighters for control of the Syrian town just south of the Turkish border.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday that nearly 500 jihadists and more than 300 Kurds have been killed. That total is in addition to another 550 or more killed by U.S.-led airstrikes in the last month, most of them Islamic State fighters.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S., partners conduct 11 more strikes in Syria, Iraq against Islamic State: CENTCOM .

Kurds 'repulse ISIL push' in Syria's Kobane .

Suicide bomber kills 27 militiamen in Iraq, all eyes on Kobani . Car bombings in Iraq kill at least 38.

No direct combat for Iraqi Kurds in Kobani, ISIS loses ground in Iraq .

Three IS boats sunk after attempting to attack Iraqi military base: Interior Ministry .

Suicide attack kills 24 people south of Baghdad .

Al Qaeda-linked Syria Islamists enter government-held Idlib .

Guns fall silent in Lebanon's Tripoli after clashes . Army battles armed groups in Lebanese city .

Suicide bomber in Yemen kills 20 Houthi fighters: sources .

Iran's non-Muslims face prison, execution, despite 'reform' claims, says new UN report .

Netanyahu to expedite plans for 1,000 new settler homes. Israel plans 1,000 settler homes in Jerusalem.

ASIA

U.S. Marines, British troops end mission in restive Afghan province .

US Senate report outlines plan to keep tens of billions of dollars flowing to Afghanistan .

At least seven killed in attack on Afghanistan court .

China, Vietnam say want lasting solution to sea dispute . China, Vietnam say they seek lasting solution to sea dispute .

Japanese in North Korea for talks on abductions .

China says more heavy smog expected ahead of APEC summit .

S Korea ferry: Prosecutors seek death penalty for captain .

Australia suspends visas for people traveling from Ebola-hit countries .

Health campaign flaws contribute to Pakistan's worrying polio spike .

AFRICA

French General sees reduced regional threat from Boko Haram .

Cameroon military, Boko Haram Militants in monthlong battle .

Nigeria's Boko Haram 'sends girls to front line' .

Sisi gives Egypt military new powers after Sinai attack . After Sinai attack, Egyptian president orders army to back police in guarding key facilities .

Pirates conduct multiple attacks, abductions in Nigeria's oil delta .

Morocco says to bolster security in the face of 'threats' .

Secular party takes lead in Tunisia elections . Tunisian Islamists concede election defeat to secular party .

France criticizes slow deployment of U.N. peacekeepers in Mali .

Major hunt for killers of S Africa footballer Senzo Meyiwa. Senzo Meyiwa killing sparks South Africa outrage .

EUROPE

Ukraine elections: Pro-Western parties set for victory .

Lavrov: Moscow recognizes parliamentary election results in Ukraine . Russia to recognize Ukraine election results: Lavrov .

Heavy shelling in rebel-held eastern Ukraine after election . Donetsk city administration reports lull in fighting .

EU hits back at Cameron after UK rejects payment demand .

Four in five eurozone banks pass ECB health test .

Spain arrests dozens in anti-corruption raids .

US embassy in Moscow faces Cold War-era harassment .

AMERICAS

States can’t be forced to follow CDC on Ebola, White House says .

Nurse ordered released in New Jersey; boy under Ebola evaluation in New York.

Dilma Rousseff re-elected Brazil president .

Canada Parliament committee to question officials after attacks . Canada gunman talked about foreign policy in video .

Exit polls: Uruguay's presidential election goes to run-off .

Colombia tax evaders have $50B parked in tax havens: Minister .

Toronto voters to replace disgraced mayor; but his brother is in the race .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. unveils 'information coalition' against Islamic State militants .

Qatar officials dismiss IS funding claims .

A flight was delayed after Passengers found an 'Al Qaeda'-named Wi-Fi hotspot .

EXCLUSIVE: Al Qaeda targets oil tankers in Gibraltar.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World Bank vows to toughen fight against transnational corruption.

Troubles in China rattle western banks.

Toyota tops global vehicle sales .