World News Briefs -- December 22, 2014

U.S. Leads 22 More Air Strikes Against Islamic State: Task Force -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition conducted 12 air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria on Monday and 10 strikes Iraq, the U.S. military said in a statement.

In Iraq, the strikes hit near the strategic northern Iraqi town of Sinjar as well as near Asad, Tal Afar, Ramdi, Mosul and Falluja, the Combined Joint Task Force said. They destroyed six units of Islamic State fighters as well as a weapons factory, numerous buildings and several vehicles, it said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kurdish fighters move on ISIL's Mosul hub.

Kurdish fighters face stiff resistance from ISIS in Iraq.

Iraq TV show makes terrorists confront victim.

Exclusive: WHO says Syria approves medicine deliveries to Aleppo, other areas.

2015 could be watershed for Syria conflict.

Turkey remains leery about presence of Kurdish refugees from Kobani.

Iran’s budget woes unlikely to derail nuclear goals.

ASIA

North Korea threatens to ‘blow up’ White House, Pentagon: Accuses U.S. government being behind making of ‘The Interview’.

Obama: North Korea’s attack ‘cybervandalism,’ not an ‘act of war’.

Sony hack: North Korea threatens US as row deepens. North Korea boycotts UN Security Council and threatens US.

Afghan commander orders attacks on insurgents in Pakistan.

Pakistan school attack: Several suspects arrested.

Pakistan set to execute 500 convicted terrorists in coming weeks.

Ling Jihua: China investigates top aide to former president.

AFRICA

Nigerian Islamic uprising poses regional threat.

Bomb blast in northeastern Nigeria kills 'at least 20'.

Five killed as Libyan forces and Islamist fighters clash in Benghazi.

Essebsi declared Tunisia presidential winner. Tunisia elects former Minister Essebsi President. Former minister wins Tunisian presidential election, as violence breaks out.

Report: Uprooted Muslims trapped in CAR.


Dozens of suspected Kenyan separatists charged with police camp raid.

Chinese troops ready to join Sudan Sudan UN force.

IMF policies blamed for Ebola spread in West Africa.

EUROPE

Ukraine threatens to cut off power to rebel-held regions if usage not curbed.

Ruble continues cautious rise, China offers help.

Russia bails out bank following ruble slide.

Ex-minister Kudrin warns of 'full-fledged crisis' in Russia.

Russia watchdog blocks web pages calling for Navalny support protest - activists.

French driver reportedly heard yelling 'Allahu Akbar' slams pedestrians, injures 13. Prosecutor: No terror link in France car rampage.

Catalonia leader Artur Mas probed over independence vote.

Spain: Princess Cristina to be tried for fraud.

Pope in blistering critique of Vatican bureaucrats.

AMERICAS

US police departments on alert after cop killings. Police on alert across America after murder of NYPD officers.

Raúl Castro thanks U.S., but reaffirms communist rule in Cuba.

Tourism, farm groups see bigger business with Cuba.

Hopes, fears, doubts surround Cuba's oil future.

Colombia rebels begin indefinite, unilateral ceasefire.

Mexico's church calls for changes in government strategy.

Flu outbreak spreading rapidly in U.S..

Ticket to the White House set to cost at least $1bn.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Juergen Todenhoefer, author, walks with Islamic State: They have a ‘glow in their eyes’.

Four Gitmo prisoners released to Afghanistan.

CIA urged to build rapport with terrorists to extract intelligence.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Gulf OPEC members refuse to cut oil output.

Oil price fall not Opec's fault, Gulf ministers say.

Oil prices likely to rebound in second half of 2015: Reuters poll.