On the Eastern Front... The pockets earlier surrounded by Army Group Center have now all been cleared. At least 300,000 prisoners have been taken and more than 40 divisions have been eliminated from the Soviet Order of Battle. The panzer forces of Army Group Center are reorganized and have now crossed both the Dniepr and the Dvina, aiming to encircle Smolensk. Meanwhile, in the Ukraine, Zhitomir, less than 90 miles from Kiev, falls to forces of German Army Group South. 

In Syria... The Australian troops advancing north along the coast take Damour. There is now no obstacle blocking their approach to Beirut. Homs also falls to the Allied advance. General Dentz, the Vichy French commander in chief in Syria, asks for an armistice on behalf of the Vichy forces.