Tuesday, May 24, 2016

World News Briefs -- May 24, 2016



Reuters: Iraq forces keep up shelling of Falluja, U.N. concern mounts for civilians

Iraqi forces shelled Islamic State targets in Falluja on Tuesday, the second day of an assault to retake the militant stronghold just west of Baghdad, as international concern mounted for the security of civilians.

Residents in the city, 50 km (30 miles) from the capital, reported sporadic shelling around the city centre, but said it was less intense than on Monday.

"No one can leave. It's dangerous. There are snipers everywhere along the exit routes," one resident told Reuters by internet.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi army suffers losses with Fallujah assault. Iraqi government forces clearing booby traps set up by ISIS outside of Fallujah. Iraqi forces clash with Islamic State near Falluja, bombard city center.

The Islamic State is reportedly rounding up civilians to use as human shields in Fallujah.

IS conflict: 50,000 Iraqi civilians 'at great risk' in Falluja.

Death toll rises to 161 in bombings of Syrian government strongholds.

Al-Nusra assembles 6,000-strong attack force in Aleppo – Russian MoD.

Yemen: Bomb attack near Sanaa University kills two.

Israeli border residents worried new Lebanese watchtowers could be turned over to Hezbollah.

New Turkish cabinet reflects Erdogan's growing power.

Hardliner elected to lead Iran's Assembly of Experts. Iran hardliner Jannati elected head of Assembly of Experts.

ASIA

Senior Taliban figure says death of leader could unify group.

Pakistan says can't confirm Taliban leader killed in U.S. drone strike.

Pakistan protests US airstrike on Mansour as ‘a violation of sovereignty’.

Afghanistan says Taliban shadow governor in Helmand killed.

Obama says will ensure freedom of navigation in South China Sea.

Obama prods Vietnam on rights after activists stopped from meeting him.

'Sanctions against North Korea are not working'.

North Korean workers defect from overseas restaurant, says South.

North Korean envoy rejects Trump overture to meet leader.

AFRICA

Conflicting claims cloud EgyptAir crash cause. Forensic expert: EgyptAir human remains suggest explosion. Investigators play down explosion theory in EgyptAir crash.

Uganda accuses Congo army of killing four of its police.

South Sudan Army killed civilians in western region, group says.

As fighters return from Libya, Tunisia faces growing challenge.

Kenya Cord alliance protests turn deadly.

China to build Sudan's first nuclear reactor.

South African shanty-town demolition sparks riots, two guards killed.

South Africa's Zuma to appeal ruling on graft charges.

EUROPE

Seven Ukrainian soldiers reported killed in eastern conflict. Surge in eastern fighting kills seven Ukrainian soldiers: official.

Cyprus president cuts short Turkey trip after protocol row.

Greek authorities begin clearing Idomeni refugee camp. Greece begins Idomeni refugee camp evacuation.

Shaken Austrian government pledges action on asylum after far-right surge.

Divert 10% of EU funds to deal with refugee crisis, says Germany.

Serbia's prime minister promises new-style government.

Riots in Barcelona after squatters evicted from former bank.

Tour de France: Special forces to guard race.

French labour dispute: Strike hits all eight oil refineries.

AMERICAS

Poll: Majority of Americans dislike Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Hillary Clinton declines invitation to debate Bernie Sanders.

Clinton email probe in late stage, FBI may question her.

Cuba to legalize small and medium-sized private businesses.

Brazil leaked tape forces minister Romero Juca out.

Food shortages take toll on Venezuelans' diet.

Venezuela to rejoin global group fighting conflict diamonds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda reportedly back in Afghan heartland, plotting new attacks against West.

Is Nusra Front really going to split from Al Qaeda?


IS attacks undermine Iraqi state in war weary capital.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Facebook to revamp Trending Topics.

Coming soon to Twitter: More room to tweet.

Prosecutor confirms Google Paris raid in tax evasion probe. Google's Paris HQ raided in tax probe.

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