Friday, February 24, 2017

World News Briefs -- February 24, 2017



Reuters: Iraqi forces push into first districts of western Mosul

U.S.-backed Iraqi security forces advanced deeper into the western half of Mosul on Friday one day after launching attacks on several fronts toward Islamic State's last main stronghold in the city.

Troops had recaptured Mosul airport on Thursday, an important prize in the battle to end the jihadists' control of territory in Iraq.

Counter-terrorism forces managed on Friday to fully control the Ghozlani army base, pushing deeper toward the southwestern districts of Tal al-Rumman and al-Mamoun, a military spokesman said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Army claims gains in fight for western Mosul.

IS attack kills 15 Iraq border guards near Jordan: officials.

Almost 70 dead, 100 injured in two blasts near Al-Bab, Syria – reports. Suicide bomber kills 29 near Syria town taken from ISIS. Car bomb explodes near al-Bab, Syria, dozens dead.

Syria peace talks struggle as bomb kills dozens.

Suicide bomber kills at least five soldiers in Yemen. Yemen clashes and suicide bombing kill 43.

Yemen on 'brink of famine' as more than one-third of population faces starvation, UN warns.

Turkey coup: 136 diplomats and relatives seek Germany asylum.

New Hamas Gaza leader in rare public appearance.

Israel denies Human Rights Watch work visas due to 'extreme, hostile agenda'.

Israel to publish long-awaited report on 2014 Gaza war.

ASIA

Pakistan army launches first nationwide anti-terrorism operation. Pakistan OKs military cross-border operations against terrorists.

China hits back at Donald Trump's 'champion of currency manipulation' jibe.

‘S. China Sea is not Caribbean’: Chinese media slams ‘reckless’ US behavior in disputed waters.

China say North Korea's nuclear plan is a problem between U.S. and North Korea. China says US must work together on solution to N. Korea.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Nam killed with VX, the ‘most toxic weapon ever’.

North Korean suspects in Kim Jong Nam slaying had diplomatic passports.

Top Philippine drug war critic arrested, but defiant.

AFRICA

Egypt Christians flee Sinai after a spate of attacks. Egyptian Copts flee Sinai after suspected Islamic State attacks.

Boko Haram attack kills seven in Nigeria: security sources.

Boko Haram leader killed spokesman over 'leadership plot'.

Fear hangs over busy Uganda-DR Congo border post.

Residents trapped in Libya Tripoli amid militia fighting.

East Libya bans travel for those aged between 18 and 45.

South African police use force to disperse anti-immigration protesters.

EUROPE

Juncker envisions EU overhaul, roles for post-Brexit UK and Turkey.

Ukrainian military shell Donetsk water purification plant.

Le Pen SURGES to lead in latest poll as voters serve 'a slap in the face' to establishment. 'Teflon' Le Pen unshaken as corruption plagues French election.

Le Pen blasts EU, NATO, praises Trump.

A citizens' petition calls for a new French President: Barack Obama.

Geert Wilders suspends election campaign over alleged security leak.

German entrepreneurs see pickup in Russia business.

Bosnia appeals against UN court's Serbia genocide ruling.

AMERICAS

Trump repeats call for US nuclear supremacy.

At conservative gathering, Trump blasts purveyors of 'fake news'.

FBI refused White House request to knock down recent Trump-Russia stories. White House dismisses CNN report on FBI as ‘indefensible’.

Trump blasts FBI for 'leaks' in midst of investigation.

Guatemala army blocks Dutch boat offering abortions. Dutch boat offering abortions to Guatemalans detained by army.

Venezuela loses right to vote in the UN until it pays its debts.

Colombia freezes FARC assets under peace deal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan launches terrorism crackdown after spate of bloody attacks.

Syrian 'moderate' rebels flocking to Al-Qaeda after CIA halts weapons pipeline.

Al-Qaeda calls for attacks on America over ‘Blind Sheik’ death.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil futures suggest bullish funds' big bet on price may pay off.

Alphabet sues Uber for allegedly stealing autonomous car technology.

US no longer Germany's top trade partner. China steams past U.S., France to be Germany's biggest trading partner.

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