Thursday, April 16, 2015

World News Briefs -- April 16, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Islamic State militants clash with security forces inside Iraq's largest refinery

(Reuters) - Islamic State militants clashed with security forces inside Iraq's largest refinery on Thursday and held on to recent gains in the west of the country, as Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the extremist group remained "very, very dangerous".

The insurgents suffered a major defeat this month when Iraqi troops and Shi'ite paramilitaries routed them from the city of Tikrit, but are now striking back at Baiji refinery and in the western province of Anbar.

MIDDLE EAST

Al-Qaida captures major airport, oil terminal in south Yemen.

In D.C., Iraq, Saudi tensions on Yemen spill out into open.

New Yemen VP says he hopes to avert Saudi invasion.

Yemen conflict: UN special envoy Benomar steps down.

Islamic State militants clash with security forces inside Iraq's largest refinery.

As Islamic State pushes on Iraq's Ramadi, 2000 families flee. ISIL fighters overrun several villages in western Iraq. Coalition warplanes help stem ISIS' advance in Ramadi, official says. ISIS battling for 2 big prizes in Iraq.

Report: Children killed in shelling of Damascus suburbs.

World powers, Iran to meet in Vienna next week, EU says.

U.S. Iran bill makes nuclear deal harder, but not impossible.

Netanyahu warns of second Holocaust from Iran.

Israel marks Holocaust Memorial Day with sirens, ceremonies.

Hamas official calls to abduct Israelis, swap for Palestinians.

ASIA

Images show China building airstrip on contested reef: report.

Philippines to file cases against 90 rebels over commandos' deaths.

Pakistan halts executions given by military courts.

Chinese president to visit Pakistan, hammer out $46-billion deal.

China streamline lawsuit procedures to stem social unrest.

Search area for Flight 370 to be doubled if plane not found.

Fighter jet makers eye Indian riches after scaled-back French deal.

Angry and divided, South Korea mourns on anniversary of ferry disaster. South Koreans remember victims of ferry disaster.

AFRICA

Polls close across most of Sudan after four-day vote

Al-Shabab recruiting in Kenyan towns.

Bomb kills soldier and wounds three in Egypt's Sinai.

Libya peace talks to resume amid continued violence.

Kenya 'begins construction' of Somalia security barrier.

Foreigners fear for safety after attacks in South Africa. South Africans march against attacks on foreigners. South Africa police fire rubber bullets and teargas on anti-immigrant protest.

'Ugandan Islamists' behead at least 5 in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Congo illegally detained, tortured pro-democracy activists: HRW.

Man indicted in US for drug deal elected senator in Nigeria.

West Africa seeks $5-6 billion aid, debts canceled: Sierra Leone's Koroma.

EUROPE

Italy's migrant crisis intensifies with murder arrests, drownings. Muslim migrants threw 12 Christians overboard to their deaths during Mediterranean crossing from Libya, say Italian police. Police: Muslims threw Christians overboard during Med voyage.

Putin rules out war between Russia, Ukraine.

Putin defends Iran missile decision during call-in show.

Russia blames U.S. for security crises, turmoil in Ukraine.

Pro-Russian journalist gunned down in Ukraine's capital.

Greece default fear fuels borrowing cost rise. Greece in new downgrade by S&P for "unsustainable" commitments.

Greece will not return to belt-tightening policy.

Germany 'headed for higher growth' say economic institutes.

EU parliament calls for Turkey to recognise 'genocide'.

Italy calls for help rescuing migrants as 40 more reportedly drown. Migrant crisis: Dozens drown in Mediterranean sinking.

AMERICAS

Obama could ease many Iranian sanctions without Congress.

Colombia accuses FARC of 'war crime' in disputed clash.

Colombia to resume bombing of FARC targets. Deadly rebel assault puts Colombia peace talks in jeopardy.

A leading candidate in Argentina would overhaul economy.

Venezuela slashes military spending by 34%, but deep cuts are unlikely to spark revolt among top brass.

Diplomatic spat: Spain, Venezuela tensions rise.

'Dangerous' radioactive material stolen in Mexico. Mexico scrambles to find stolen radioactive material.

Brazil: Rousseff’s ruling party treasurer jailed in Petrobas probe.

Exclusive: Relatives of Boston Marathon bomber break their silence.

US military unaware Gyrocopter violated DC airspace.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Expanding Qaeda seizes airport in southeast Yemen.

IS militants may appear in Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe — Iran’s defense minister.

Pakistani Taliban praises slain al Qaeda leaders.

Islamic State recruits teen soldiers with cars, cash and guns.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil sees sixth day of price gains.

Nokia agrees to pay €15.6 billion for French rival Alcatel-Lucent.

The jumbo jet faces a make or break year at Boeing, Airbus.

No Apple Watches in store until June, Ahrendts tells staff as April 24th date removed from website.

Brent crude oil hits 2015 high as U.S. output slows.

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