Best pictures from February 12
A Free Syrian Army fighter protects his ears as others fire anti-aircraft artillery during an air strike by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, during clashes near Aleppo international airport. Activists said clashes erupted between Free Syrian Army fighters and government troops near Aleppo international airport, and they said civilian airplanes were used to supply the regime forces with weapons and food.Malek Al Shemali/Reuters
Hindu devotees walk on a bridge on their way to Sangam, confluence of Hindu holy rivers of Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are attending the festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins.Saurabh Das/The Associated Press
A performer from the Beija Flor samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Felipe Dana/The Associated Press
Groomer Brian Still blows out Henry, a Golden Retriever during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. More than 2,700 prized dogs will be on display at the annual canine competition. Two new breeds, the Russell terrier and the Treeing Walker coonhound, will be introduced in the contest.CARLO ALLEGRI/Reuters
Bratislav Stojanovic, a homeless man, holds candles as sits in a tomb where he lives in southern Serbian town of Nis. Stojanovic, 43, a Nis-born construction worker never had a regular job. He first lived in abandoned houses, but about 15 years ago he settled in the old city cemetery.MARKO DJURICA/Reuters
French CRS riot police are covered with paint during clashes with demonstrators in front of tyre maker Goodyear Dunlop France headquarters in Rueil Malmaison, near Paris. U.S. tyremaker Goodyear confirmed last month the project to close a French plant near the northern city of Amiens, which, if undertaken, would lead to the layoff of 1,173 jobs. In a company statement, Goodyear stated that the plant closure is the only possible option after five years of unsuccessful negotiations.GONZALO FUENTES/Reuters
Roadside barber Adnan Khan shaves his customer in the suburbs of Islamabad, Pakistan. Khan earns about Rs. 600 (US$6) a day to feed his family living in slum.B.K. Bangash/The Associated Press
People take part in an attempt to break the Guinness world record for most number of people simultaneously hula-hooping at Thammasat University stadium in Pathum Thani province, on the outskirts of Bangkok. Thailand broke the previous record held by Taiwan, with a new record of 4483 people hula-hooping for 7 minutes. The event was organized by the public health ministry to promote exercise and good health.STRINGER/THAILAND/Reuters
A man dresses up as Momotxorro, a local mythical animal, to mark carnival celebrations in Alsasua, northern Spain,.Alvaro Barrientos/The Associated Press
Authorities take positions during the manhunt for former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner, who is wanted in connection to the murders of three people, near the town of Angelus Oaks, California. Dorner, accused of a revenge-fueled killing spree, barricaded himself in a cabin in the mountains northeast of Los Angeles on Tuesday after a gunfight with police that left at least two officers wounded, police said.GENE BLEVINS/Reuters