150 killed in airport battle

Violent clashes between the Syrian army and rebel fighters near Aleppo airport have killed around 150 people, anti-regime activists say

This week, rebels seized a hydroelectric dam and a major oil field, cutting off President Bashar Assad's regime from key resources necessary for its survival.

Yesterday, activists also reported that rebels seized an air defence base and fought near two other army installations in Syria's north.

Rebels have been trying for months to capture Aleppo's international airport, which lies east of the city in a complex with a smaller military airfield and an army base charged with protecting the area.

Simon O'Connor

– correction

Our article of January 5, 2013, reported upon an incident in Newry, Co Down, on St Patrick's Day, last year.

We incorrectly said Simon O'Connor (32) had suffered life-threatening injuries following an alleged street attack.

Mr O'Connor's solicitors have asked us to point out that their client did not suffer any physical injuries. We are happy to correct the record.

Big chance for

online career

A scholarship to train three candidates in eCommerce Management with a six-month internship programme is being offered by Buyersclub.ie in partnership with the Irish Internet Association.

"We are looking for candidates who are seeking to move from offline to online retail," said Dara O'Mahony, founder and CEO of buyersclub.ie.

The 11-week, part-time diploma course starts on February 28. Course enrolment is now open and all details are at www.iia.ie/eComDip

Family quizzed

on tourist death

Turkish police have briefly detained the two brothers and a sister of a man wanted for questioning over the death of a New York woman killed while on holiday in the country.

The body of 33-year-old Sarai Sierra was found in Istanbul on February 2, 12 days after she disappeared. Police say she sustained a fatal blow to the head.