Tuesday, October 25, 2016

World News Briefs -- October 25, 2016



ABC News Online: Mosul: Iraq army's elite forces pause advance near IS stronghold; coalition forces fight towards city limits

An elite unit of the Iraqi army has paused its week-long advance on Mosul as it approaches the city's eastern edge, waiting for other US-backed forces to close in on the Islamic State group's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.

On the ninth day of the offensive on Mosul, Government forces and allied Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were still fighting their way toward the city's outer limits, in the early stages of an assault which could become the biggest military operation in Iraq in over a decade.

The first to get near to Mosul, advancing to within two kilometres of Iraq's second-largest city, was the elite US-trained Counter Terrorism Service (CTS).

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Battle for Mosul: Iraqi army making advance.

60 civilians killed, 200 injured as US-led coalition strikes Mosul residential areas – Russian MoD.

'IS' committing massacres in Mosul as Iraqi forces push forward, says UN. ISIL atrocities reported near Mosul: UN.

Near Mosul, some residents flee ISIS, others stay and fight with ISIS.

Turkish-backed rebels advance in northern Syria - Turkish army.

Syria war: United Nations aborts plan to evacuate patients from Aleppo, blames all parties.

Israeli killed by gunfire along Egyptian border: army.

Turkey's post-coup state of emergency rule led to 'blank cheque' for torture, rights group says.

ASIA

Quetta attack: LeJ kills 60 in Pakistan police academy.

Quetta attack shows Pakistan's lack of will to target 'good' Islamists.

Duterte warns end to US defence pact during Japan visit. Philippines' Duterte hits out at U.S., then heads to Japan.

Exclusive: Philippines police plan new phase in drugs war - sources.

Afghanistan: Production has soared in the world's opium capital.

Hong Kong legislature delays swearing-in of pro-independence lawmakers amid pressure.

Four killed on river ride at Australia's biggest theme park.

AFRICA

Al-Shabab suicide bomber hits AU base in Beledweyne.

Islamists launch three attacks in Somalia and Kenya in 24 hours.

Kenya: 12 killed in extremist attack in the country's north.

US has launched more than 300 airstrikes against the Islamic State in Sirte, Libya.

As South Sudan fights, refugees flow into Uganda.

South Sudan's army committed atrocities, Amnesty says.

Congolese oppose extension of Kabila's mandate, poll shows.

Kenya commutes sentences of all death row inmates.

South Africa's Zuma to suspend disbarred prosecutors.

EUROPE

CETA is 'de facto dead,' admit top European Parliament backers. Ceta talks: EU and Canada hold out hope for trade deal.

France continues Calais Jungle camp demolition.

German authorities carry out 13 simultaneous counterterrorism raids across five states.

Migrant crisis: Mediterranean to have 'deadliest year ever'.

Russia promises retribution over any new US sanctions on Moscow.

Irish parliament could decide on abortion referendum by end-2017.

Spain's Rajoy says will seek parliament's backing to form government.

AMERICAS

WikiLeaks emails allegedly show Clinton campaign consultant considering 'Swift Boat'-style attack on Donald Trump.

Trump rejects 'phony' polls, insists 'we are winning'.

Obama administration confirms double-digit premium hikes. Obamacare rates will rise by 25% in 2017, US government says.

Maduro meets pope as Vatican steps into Venezuela crisis.

Vatican to open Argentina's 'Dirty War' archives.

Mexico drug lord Joaquin Guzman 'fears for his sanity'.

Colombia's ELN rebels balk at hostage ultimatum.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State, Pakistani Taliban claim suicide assault in Quetta.

German terrorism case highlights Europe’s security challenges.

Pakistan freezes bank accounts of suspected terrorists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon due for another record quarter: what to expect.

China to have world's largest nuclear capacity in 15 years: WNA.

Chinese firm issues webcam recall after massive cyberattack.

DoJ reportedly to delay European bank fines beyond Presidential elections.

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