russian planes have bombed the ancient city of palym wrshgs ra. it was hit by up to 70 air strikes. government forces are advancing west of the city. i.s.i.l. captured the area last may. at least 43 people have been killed in a series of air strikes in the northern syrian province of raqqa. the victims include five children and seven women. the area is an i.s.i.l. stronghold and the target of syrian and russian attacks. they were the target of nine attacks in the area. it is not part of the limited truce which took effect three weeks ago >>> elections are taking place across africa on sunday. it is a tense situation in the republic of congo. the president is expected to prolong his term in office. niger is holding its first presidential run off. with the opposition boycotting the vote, the incumbent is more than likely will get a second term. also zansibar getting back to the policies. a referendum is being held in senegal. a close look at these elections. in republic of congo, the government has ordered all telecommunications to be blocked for 48 hours to stop illegal publication o