Monday, March 27, 2017

World News Briefs -- March 27, 2017



New Arab: Mosul offensive restarts despite airstrike massacres

Iraqi forces launched a new offensives on the Islamic State group-held Old City district of Mosul, days after alleged US air strikes killed hundreds of civilians causing a freeze in air operations.

"Federal Police and Rapid Response Division units began to advance today on the south-western axis of the Old City," Lieutenant General Raed Shakir Jawdat, the commander of the federal police, said in a statement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Major military gains expected in west Mosul as army closes in on old town, Iraqi general says. Iraqi command: western Mosul battle finished “on the military level”.

Syrian militia captures Tabqa airbase from Islamic State. US-backed forces 'capture' Tabqa airbase from ISIL.

US-backed fighters to pause military action near Syria dam.

US-backed Syrian alliance eyes Raqqa after taking IS-held military airport.

Manbij crossfire: Liberated from IS, Kurdish-controlled city now fears Turkish invasion (EXCLUSIVE).

Yemenis protest on war's second anniversary.

2.2mn Yemeni children close to famine, 70% rise in those killed over past year – UNICEF.

Iran strikes back at U.S. with 'reciprocal' sanctions.

Israel urges citizens to leave Egypt's Sinai, citing IS threat.

Low expectations as Arab League chiefs gather in Jordan.

ASIA

Ex-U.S. ambassador: 'No good military options' against North Korea.

South Korea seeks warrant for ex-President Park Geun-hye's arrest. Prosecutors in South Korea seek arrest warrant for ousted President Park.

Four militants killed as Bangladesh troops storm hideout.

Afghan security ministers survive impeachment vote.

Hong Kong protest leaders ominously told they face charges day after new leader chosen.

Japan avalanche: Eight people feared dead after school students, teachers hit near ski slope.

Australia braces for 'absolutely huge' Cyclone Debbie.

AFRICA

42 police ambushed, beheaded by Congolese militia. Militia fighters decapitate 40 police officers in DR Congo.

31 Al Shabaab militants killed in Somalia, two bases destroyed: Kenya military. 31 militants killed in attack by Kenya's military in Somalia.

U.S. military ends operation against LRA.

The Pentagon wants to keep ground troops in Libya and go on offense in Somalia.

UN: Six aid workers killed in an ambush in South Sudan. South Sudan attack 'could hinder aid deliveries'.

In Sierra Leone diamond sale, echoes of corruption and conflict.

Egypt convicts 56 over migrant boat sinking that killed 200.

EUROPE

Russia jails protests leader Alexei Navalny for 15 days.

Belarusian opposition vows to fight on amid clampdown.

Merkel's conservative party wins German regional election. Merkel celebrates German election win, challenger deflated.

France's Marine Le Pen says 'the European Union will die'; tells rally globalists must be defeated.


Pre-Brexit deadlock as Northern Ireland talks stall.

Kiev's dual citizenship crackdown would hit Rada, cabinet & 3.5 Mln Ukrainians.

Voting starts in Europe for Turkish referendum.

One-million-dollar coin stolen from Berlin museum.

AMERICAS

White House looks past conservatives on tax reform - to Democrats.

Schumer seizes on Trump team's offer to work with Dems.

Nunes says he was on WH grounds day before revealing Trump surveillance info.

Venezuela asks the UN to help boost supply of medicines.

What is left when Peru's flood waters recede.


Chile pensions protest draws tens of thousands.

Argentina ex-leader Cristina Fernandez to go on trial.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Vehicle attacks easy success for ISIS, a challenge for Police.

Pentagon: Al-Qaida leader killed in airstrike in Afghanistan.

Islamic State group could establish caliphate in the Philippines, Julie Bishop says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil nations look at extending supply cut.

China opens Moscow clearing bank for handling transactions in Yuan.

British official calls for WhatsApp access after Westminster attack.

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