WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, March 17, 2017.

Fight against terror

The Syrian army has made fresh gains in its fight against foreign-backed militants in Eastern Ghouta. The troops have reached Kafr Batna and Saqba towns on the outskirts of the capital Damascus. The Syrian army announced on Friday that it had liberated 70 percent of the militant-held territory, including dozens of towns and villages. Thousands of Syrian civilians have so far managed to flee the militant-held areas, using a humanitarian corridor established by the Syrian Army. According to the Russian military, more than 11,000 people have left Eastern Ghouta since the early hours of Saturday. The Syrian army forces, backed by the Russian air force, launched a ground offensive to retake Eastern Ghouta in February.

Tit-for-tat expulsions

The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned the British ambassador as tensions continue to rise between the two countries over the poisoning of a former spy in the UK. Russia's foreign ministry says it has informed Laurie Bristow that 23 British diplomats should leave Russia within a week. It also withdrew permission for the UK to open a general consulate in Saint Petersburg. The ministry added that it reserves the right to take other measures against the UK in the event of further hostile steps from London. The move comes in retaliation for British Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats over accusations that Moscow orchestrated a toxin attack on English soil. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain.

Russia presidential vote

Russians are gearing up for a presidential election with incumbent Vladimir Putin expected to win an outright re-election. Authorities, however, have begun campaigning for a high voter turnout. Voting will start in the Russian Far East near Alaska and will end in the Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad. Over 1,500 international observers will supervise the polls. Putin is seeking another six-year presidential term. Seven other candidates are in the fray but none of them have enough public support. Vladimir Putin has gained an incremental popularity in the past few years. His approval rating has not fallen below eighty percent since 2014.

Turkey's Syria offensive

Turkey’s military offensive against the Syrian town of Afrin has triggered a mass displacement. More than 150,000 civilians have fled the town since Wednesday. A senior Kurdish official and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights both confirmed the figure as fighting rages unabated between Turkish troops and Kurdish YPG forces. Earlier, the UK-based war monitor reported that Turkish aircraft have pounded a hospital in Afrin, killing at least 15 people, a report denied by Ankara. The group said another 18 civilians lost their lives in the Turkish shelling. The Afrin offensive, code-named by Turkey as Operation Olive Branch, began nearly two months ago. Ankara brands Kurdish YPG forces as terrorists and says they need to stay away from its borders. On Friday, the United Nations expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties.

Spain pensioners protest

Streets of Spain’s capital Madrid have been the scene of a massive demonstration by retirees who demand decent pensions. The protesters defied the cold to defend their rights and show their anger at what they see as an insufficient pension rise. The protesters complain that the government's 0.25 percent increase in 2017 is insufficient and way below country’s inflation rate.

UK-Russia row

The UK prime minister has reacted to Russia’s expulsion of British diplomats. Theresa May says Moscow’s action doesn't change the facts of the poisoning of a former spy in an English city. May also said that Russia is in flagrant breach of international law adding that Britain will consider its next steps in the coming days. Tensions have flared up between London and Moscow recently after the UK accused Russia of orchestrating a toxin attack on English soil. London expelled 23 Russian diplomats in protest to the development. In response, Moscow gave 23 British diplomats a week to leave the country and withdrew permission to open the British Consulate General in Saint Petersburg. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain.

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