Briefly

SYRIA

Army pushes back rebels around Hama

Syria said on Wednesday its counteroffensive has pushed back insurgents attempting to advance to the strategic central city of Hama. State media SANA said insurgents retreated some 20 kilometers from Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, as government troops entrenched themselves on the outskirts. Rebel forces have staged a whirlwind advance over the past week, seizing Syria's second city Aleppo and much of the surrounding countryside.

UNITED STATES

DeSantis may be told to head Pentagon

US President-elect Donald Trump is considering dropping his pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, and nominating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his place, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions. With allegations about Hegseth's personal and professional life, Trump allies increasingly think he may not survive further scrutiny, it reported.

Agencies Via Xinhua