Monday, February 27, 2017

World News Briefs -- February 27, 2017 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Iraqi forces seize Mosul bridge as thousands of civilians flee

Iraqi forces seized a damaged Mosul bridge on Monday which could link up their units on either side of the Tigris river, as thousands of civilians fled the fighting for Islamic State's remaining stronghold in the west of the city.

U.S.-backed army and police units advanced through populated western districts, fighting tough street battles, and announced they had captured Mosul's southernmost bridge.

Once repaired, the bridge could help bring reinforcements and supplies from the eastern side, piling pressure on the militants dug in the western side among 750,000 civilians.

Iraqi forces captured eastern Mosul in January, after 100 days of fighting. They launched their attack on the districts that lie west of the Tigris a week ago.

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MIDDLE EAST

US, Russia set to clash over Syria sanctions. U.N. to vote Tuesday on Syria sanctions despite Russia veto pledge.

Iraqi commander says troops push deeper into western Mosul. Iraqi forces capture key bridge in push to liberate Mosul. Iraq: Officials recapture new neighborhood in Mosul.

New anti-IS strategy may mean deeper US involvement in Syria.

Turkey-backed Syrian rebels clash with army in north.

Erdogan’s adviser says Turkey will stop operation in Syria after capturing Manbij.

Turkey builds more than half of Syrian border wall.

Saudi foreign minister makes rare Iraq visit, first in decades.

Israeli aircraft attack Hamas targets after rocket fired from Gaza. Israeli planes hit Gaza after rocket attack.

Facebook shuts page of Palestinian Fatah movement.

ASIA

Trump, China's top diplomat, discuss cooperation, possible Xi meeting.

U.S., Japan, South Korea explore ways to restrict Pyongyang weapons funding. Rising tensions loom as US, Asian powers discuss NKorea.

Kyrgyz opposition leader arrested on eve of Putin visit.

Kim Jong-nam death: poison dose so high he died in '15 to 20 minutes'.

Report: N. Korea executes officials with anti-aircraft guns for 'enraging' Kim Jong Un.

South Korea opposition seek interim leader's impeachment.

Philippines military launches airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine militant group posts video claiming to show beheading of German hostage.

Philippines condemns 'barbaric beheading' of German hostage.

UN envoy decries violence against Rohingya in Myanmar.

Taliban leader uses 'special message' to urge Afghans to plant more trees.

China warns US, S. Korea of 'consequences' over THAAD land swap deal.

Land swap clears way for THAAD missile system in South Korea.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold counterterror talks.

Report: Japan ready to offer Russia economic plan for disputed island chain.

AFRICA

Exhausted S.Sudanese refugees flock to Sudan transit camp.

UN welcomes Moroccan pullout from Western Sahara buffer area.

Western Sahara: Morocco to pull out of UN buffer zone.

Polisario dismisses Morocco pullback as 'window dressing'.

IS claims Algeria 'foiled' suicide attack.

Blast near Mogadishu hours after al-Shabab vows attack.

Puntland troops stage short mutiny 'over unpaid salaries'.

Somalia: Puntland region hit by severe drought. Drought, hunger push Somalis to flee amid fears of famine.

Libyan 'hell' driving new migrant surge.

Egypt's Coptic Christians flee Sinai after deadly attacks.

Ethnic, religious violence again grips Nigeria's Kaduna.

More looting in Johannesburg after wave of anti-immigrant attacks.

EUROPE

Russia-backed rebels issue ultimatum to Ukraine.

Azerbaijan says five soldiers killed in clashes with Armenian separatists.

Bulgaria's centre-right keeps narrow lead over Socialists: poll.

Hungary building 2nd border fence to stop migrants.

Buoyed centrist alliance, Macron seen beating Le Pen in French runoff.

Driver rams car into German pedestrians, killing one man.

Poland's populist govt brings hope to struggling rural areas.

French Institute in Athens targeted in arson attack.

AMERICAS

Big surge for military in Trump budget, big cuts elsewhere.

House Intel chair: Trump-Russia ties can't become witch hunt.

ELN rebels take responsibility for deadly Colombia blast. New threat to Colombia peace talks as ELN claims bombing.

'Moonlight' upsets 'La La Land' for top Oscar after major gaffe.

Oscars auditors PwC apologize for best picture mix-up.

'We'll be upgrading all of our military, bigger and better and stronger than ever before': President Donald Trump's proposed budget is set to hike defense spending but slash EPA funding.

U.S. says Trump order will not undermine data transfer deals with EU.

Millions without drinking water as rainstorms batter central Chile. Chile floods: Millions without water in capital Santiago.

Mexico Catholic Church says government submits to Trump 'terrorism'.

Mexico warns US over border wall funding.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon chief presented counter-IS plan to White House.

Trump national security adviser wants to avoid term 'radical Islamic terrorism', sources say.

Pentagon seeks to expand fight against extremists in Somalia.

Senior Taliban leader killed in Kunduz air raid.

US drone strike in Syria kills top al-Qaida leader, jihadis say.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow hits 12th record high close; Trump talks up infrastructure spending.

Buffett tells CNBC Berkshire bought 120 million Apple shares in 2017.

Trump's trade czar expected to get easy U.S. Senate confirmation.

Global markets cautious ahead of Trump speech.

Bitcoin hits record $1,206 per coin.

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