World News Briefs -- June 18, 2014 (Evening Edition)

ISIS 'Seizes Iraq's Largest Oil Refinery' And Kidnaps 100 Foreigners But Country's PM Insists 'We Have Regained The Initiative And Are Striking Back' -- Daily Mail

* Nouri al-Maliki's comments came as ISIS 'seized control of 75% of Iraq's largest oil refinery'
* But Iraqi government denied plant had been taken, saying 50 to 60 militants had been killed in fierce fighting
* Iraqi troops say they have repelled an attack by ISIS on the country's largest oil refinery, killing 40 militants
* Car bomb blast kills 12 and injures 30 in Baghdad as Islamist fanatics plan wave of terror attacks on the capital
* Pentagon says Iraqi troops are now 'stiffening their resistance' around Baghdad with the help of Shi'ite volunteers
* Gulf security expert believes ISIS have 'no real aspiration' to take the capital but will instead aim to 'cause havoc'
* Dr David Roberts said: 'They are crazy in one sense, but have thus far been making intelligent strategic decisions'
* Obama not expected to approve imminent air strikes, partly because there are few clear targets to curb offensive
* ISIS militants are offering a rough travel guide for would-be jihadists in an attempt to recruit young Britons to Iraq
* Thousands of volunteers in neighboring Iran have signed up to defend Shi'ite shrines under threat from ISIS
* David Cameron says Britain must take a long-term approach to intervening in the Iraq crisis
* Afghan president Hamid Karzai dismisses the idea of an Iraq-style al-Qaeda comeback in Afghanistan

Insurgents claim they have seized 75 per cent control of the country's largest oil refinery today despite Iraq's prime minister insisting his government has regained the initiative against Sunni militants.

Nouri al-Maliki, a Shi'ite who has been in office since 2006, said in a televised address that the loss last week of a large swathe of territory has helped Iraq restore its national unity.

'We were able to contain the strike and arrest deterioration... we have now started our counter-offensive, regaining the initiative and striking back,' he said.

But his upbeat assessment came as reports suggested ISIS militants had captured three-quarters of Iraq's largest oil terminal in Baiji after a day of heavy fighting at gates defended by elite troops.

Insurgents are also thought to have kidnapped at least 100 foreign workers across the country during their week-long offensive. There have been no reports so far to suggest that British nationals are among them.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq asks United States for air support to counter rebels. Iraq formally asks US to launch air strikes against rebels.

Militants' fight moves to Iraq oil refinery; Indian, Turkish workers seized. Iraq: Militants attack oil refinery as PM says Baghdad is 'striking back'. Army, insurgents battle for Iraq's largest oil refinery. Iraq says its forces repel insurgent attack on Baiji oil refinery.

Iran vows to defend Iraq Shi'ite sites; insurgents battle for refinery.

Iraqi Kurds battle Sunni fighters in Kirkuk.

Forty Indian construction workers kidnapped in Iraq.

US focus shifting away from airstrikes in Iraq, officials say.

Saudi Arabia warns of civil war in Iraq, opposes foreign intervention.

Syria bombing kills 20 in refugee camp near Jordan border: activists.

Syria conflict: Toxic chemicals 'used systematically' in attacks.

Iran digs in heels on nuclear centrifuges at Vienna talks: envoys.

Turkey 1980 coup leaders sentenced to life in prison.

Israel holds ex-Palestinian prisoners in teenagers hunt.

ASIA

Vietnam, China make no progress in oil rig talks.

Philippines urges quick ruling in sea dispute with China.

Afghan candidates spar over fraud claims. Citing fraud, Afghan candidate calls for end to vote count.

China says told Vietnam to stop 'hyping up' South China Sea oil rig row.

Premier Li says no hard landing for China, expects medium to high growth.

World Bank economist: China may face US-style financial crisis.

Cambodia blames Thailand as 220,000 migrant labourers cross border.

Dozens missing after boat sinks off Malaysia.

Russia’s Gazprom signs 3.5-million-ton LNG supply deal with India's GAIL.

AFRICA

Egypt court orders dozen more death penalties.

Libya accuses US of violating its sovereignty.

Pentagon: Libya was notified of Benghazi suspect capture, declines to say when.

Nigerian bomb attack kills 14 people watching World Cup. Blast at Nigerian soccer viewing center kills men, young boys.

Kenya arrests over coast attacks.

Kenya tourist trade wrecked by terror fears: Numbers plummet after extremist groups warn visitors to the country 'do so at their own peril'.

Kenya's main airport in Nairobi closed due to body on runway.

Libya says fuel smuggling to Malta increasing.

South Sudan’s UN mission gets new commander.

Ebola death toll surpasses 330 in West Africa.

EUROPE

Ukraine's Poroshenko sets out ceasefire plan after call with Putin. Ukrainian president to order unilateral truce. Ukraine's Poroshenko 'to order unilateral ceasefire'.

UN: 356 killed, incl 257 civilians, in E. Ukraine military campaign.

Lugansk self-defense, Kiev military exchange dead fighters.

Ukrainian President moves to oust Central Bank chief.

Ukrainian gas pipeline blast caused by explosive device – Ukrainian Interior Minister.

Martial law in eastern Ukraine may lead to further violence – Lavrov.

Poland's squeaky clean post-communism image threatened.

Bosnian tax, customs officials detained over $1 billion scam.

Britain is an old, declining empire, says official Chinese newspaper.

Spanish king and queen to retain titles and immunity after abdication.

World Cup: Defending champion Spain out of World Cup.

AMERICAS

US lawyers for Blackwater guards: 2007 Baghdad shooting was self-defense.

Cuba puts Canadian exec on trial; some investors put off.

Poll: 37 percent support Obama foreign policy.

As U.S. inflation climbs, all eyes on Yellen.

1st US executions since botched lethal injection.

Mexico's rural landowners pose threat to foreign energy investors.

IMF in warning over Argentina ruling at US Supreme Court.

Northern Gateway pipeline in Canada approved.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

White man speaking 'fluent English' was in charge of Kenya al-Shabaab attacks which left more than 60 dead.

Drone attack reported in Pakistan's northwest.

Benghazi attack suspect captured by American team, en route to US. Benghazi suspect won’t be sent to Gitmo. U.S. to U.N.: Benghazi suspect was planning more attacks on Americans.

Afghan President Karzai dismisses 'al-Qaeda comeback'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Brent rises above $114 on Iraq worries, U.S. crude dips.

Exxon carries out major evacuation from Iraq: Oil official.

YouTube to block indie labels as it launches paid music service.

Amazon expected to unveil 3D smartphone to court mobile shoppers. Amazon unveils $200 ‘fire’ smartphone.

Rare stamp sells for $9.5 million.