Loud blasts heard in west Tehran: AFP journalist

Scores of civilians carrying their belongings arrived in government-held areas in northern Syria on Friday amid fears of a potential Syrian army offensive against Kurdish-led fighters east of Aleppo.

Torrential rains and widespread flooding have claimed more than 100 lives across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, with authorities warning of more severe weather in southern Africa.

Thousands of people are feared dead following a severe crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, as families abroad receive harrowing reports from those still inside the country.

The United States State Department said it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office last year, as his administration continues a hardline immigration crackdown.