In Syria, as government forces continue their offensive in the Eastern Ghouta region, the United Nations says an evacuation of civilians from the Damascus suburb is being planned for Tuesday. A UK-based war monitor said troops loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad had now captured more than half the enclave since the fighting began last month.  Meanwhile, further north, Turkey says its troops have now encircled the town of Afrin, having claimed substantial advances in their battle against the local Kurdish militia.