Syrian rebels are gaining ground and might win, Russia’s Middle East envoy said, in the starkest such admission from a major ally of president Bashar al-Assad in 20 months of conflict.

Heavy fighting broke out between government supporters and opponents in Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli today.

Heavy fighting broke out between pro and anti-government supporters in Lebanon’s central mountains overlooking the capital today sending echoes of gunfire and explosions rolling across Beirut, security officials said.