World roundup: October 6 2021

Stories from Taiwan, Mali, Peru, and more

INTERNATIONAL

In today’s global news:

• Worldometer is tracking COVID-19 cases and fatalities.

• The New York Times is tracking global vaccine distribution.

MIDDLE EAST

SYRIA

The New Arab is reporting heavy exchanges of artillery fire between rebels and pro-government forces in northwestern Syria, amid speculation that a new government offensive against the rebel-controlled enclave is in the works. In addition to the artillery strikes and an increase in airstrikes over the past few weeks, the Syrian army may be moving additional ground forces into the area in preparation for an incursion. If such an incursion does take place its goal may be the seizure of the important M4 highway running between Latakia and Aleppo. The government’s last offensive gave it full control of the M5 highway between Aleppo and Damascus, including a stretch where the M4 and M5 are merged. Short of Idlib city itself, the M4 is the most important potential target in the area that’s still inside rebel territory.