World News Briefs -- July 18, 2016

Members of police special forces keep watch from an armored vehicle in front of the Justice Palace in Ankara, Turkey, July 18, 2016. REUTERS/Baz Ratner

Reuters: Turkey widens post-coup purge, demands Washington hand over cleric

Turkey purged its police on Monday after rounding up thousands of soldiers in the wake of a failed military coup, and said it could reconsider its friendship with the United States unless Washington hands over a cleric Ankara blames for the putsch.

The sacking of thousands of police officers followed orders for the detention of thousands of judges and prosecutors in the aftermath of Friday night's coup, in which more than 200 people were killed when a faction of the armed forces tried to seize power.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

6,000 detained after failed Turkish military coup, including commander of US-linked base. Turkey arrests 100 judges, 60 military for alleged coup ties.

Iraqi Shi'ite cleric tells followers to target U.S. troops fighting Islamic State.

U.N. says Iraq's battle of Mosul may cost $2 billion in aid.

Pressure mounts in Aleppo after supply line cut.

Yemen: Several dead in attacks on Mukalla checkpoints. Suicide bombers attack Yemeni army checkpoints, killing 10.

Iran hardliners gain authority in backlash that could sideline Rouhani.

Palestinian stabs 2 Israeli soldiers in West Bank.

ASIA

Freedom of navigation patrols may end 'in disaster': Chinese admiral.

US officers see unexpected slip in Taliban violence.

Kazakhstan: 5 killed, 7 injured in Almaty terrorist attack on police station. Kazakhstan: Three police and civilian killed in 'Islamist' Almaty gun attack.

Sri Lanka police arrest ex-leader's brother on suspicion over funds.

Soaring prison population prompts Thailand to re-think 'lost' drug war.

Cambodian opposition presses on amid growing clampdown.

India outrage after gang rape victim assaulted again 'by same men'.

AFRICA

Foreign troops in Somalia struggle to keep Al- Shabab at bay.

South Sudan fighting tops African Union summit agenda.

Ugandan president opposes South Sudan arms embargo.

New militant group threatens to ground Nigeria’s oil production.

Protests delay Libyan oil shipments from Hariga: official.

Morocco asks to rejoin the African Union after 32 years.

HIV/Aids resurgence in Africa feared as Durban hosts conference.

EUROPE

Attack in Nice puts French government under pressure over security measures.

French PM booed at ceremony for Nice truck attack victims.

Wounded fight for life in Nice as killer's brother tells of pre-attack call.

No sign failed coup will affect EU-Turkey migrant deal: Berlin.

Kremlin alarmed over turbulence at Russia’s borders.

Ukrainian nationalists claim cyberattack on Polish Defense Ministry.

Authorities in Armenia call on police hostage takers to give up.

Berlin to receive new UK prime minister.

Moscow lab protected doped Russian athletes at Sochi: WADA. IOC will take 'toughest sanctions' over Sochi doping.

AMERICAS

GOP convention kicks off as nation reels from more violence.

Trump and Clinton face chaotic world as party conventions begin.

Obama urges Americans to tamp down inflammatory rhetoric.

Louisiana gunman targeted and ambushed cops, police say.

Venezuela reopens Colombian border to allow shoppers to cross. In 2nd border opening, over 123K Venezuelans cross into Colombia in search of food.

New security measures at Brazil’s airports cause havoc ahead of Olympics.

Vietnam vet who rescued dozens of US soldiers awarded Medal of Honor.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France struck Islamic State bases overnight: minister.

Kerry: ISIL ‘on the run’ despite attacks.

Twitter, Facebook move quickly to stem celebrations of Nice attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Microsoft to miss 'one billion' Windows 10 target.

Rate-starved U.S. banks happily gobble mortgage business.

Japan's Softbank to acquire ARM of UK for $31 billion.