Syria conflict: Warplanes bomb Hama amid rebel offensive
Syrian government warplanes are reported to have bombed several areas in the central province of Hama in response to a major rebel offensive. BBC News – Middle East
Craig Taylor
Venezuela: Hundreds of thousands take part in rival marches
Hundreds of thousands take part in rival marches in Venezuela’s capital Caracas, as opponents seek the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Franz Beckenbauer investigated for corruption over 2006 World Cup
Swiss prosecutors open a criminal investigation into German football legend Franz Beckenbauer and three others over Germany’s bid for the 2006 World Cup. BBC News – Europe
More five-day doctor strikes announced
The week of strikes by junior doctors later this month will be followed up by three further five-day walkouts in October, November and December in England. BBC News – UK
SpaceX rocket explodes at Cape Canaveral ahead of launch
A rocket operated by the aerospace company SpaceX explodes on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral where it was being test-fired ahead of a launch. BBC News – US & Canada
Gabon presidential guard ‘bombed Jean Ping’s party HQ’
Gabon’s opposition leader Jean Ping says a presidential guard helicopter bombed his headquarters after parliament was set on fire over election rigging protests. BBC News – Africa