Monday, May 18, 2015

World News Briefs -- May 18, 2015



Reuters: Shi'ite forces move in on Iraqi city taken by Islamic State

A column of 3,000 Shi'ite militia fighters arrived at a military base near Ramadi on Monday as Baghdad moved to retake the western Iraqi city that has fallen to Islamic State militants in the biggest defeat for the government since mid-2014.

Setting the stage for renewed fighting over the city, Islamic State militants advanced in armored vehicles from Ramadi towards the base where the Shi'ite paramilitaries were massing for a counter-offensive, witnesses and a military officer said.

At the same time, U.S.-led warplanes stepped up raids against the Islamists, conducting 19 strikes near Ramadi over the past 72 hours at the request of the Iraqi security forces, a coalition spokesman said.


MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi militias head to Anbar after fall of provincial capital to Isis. Shiite forces in Iraq mobilize to retake Ramadi from Islamic State. Islamic State advances east from Iraq's Ramadi towards army base.

Syrian insurgents battle army around military base in Idlib.

Three more ISIS leaders killed in Syria.

Turkey says it shot down Syrian helicopter.

Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen resume after truce expires.

Iranian navy escorts aid ship to Yemen: report. Iranian warships begin escorting Yemen-bound cargo vessel-agency.

S. Arabia calls in off-the-shelf nuke option with Pakistan – report.

Israel girds for gridlock with White House.

ASIA

Kerry says U.S. and China discuss further sanctions on North Korea.

U.S., China set for high-stakes rivalry in skies above South China Sea.

Beijing says Philippines, U.S. 'exaggerate China threat' in sea dispute.

Fears grow for southeast Asia’s stranded migrants. 'They hit us, with hammers, by knife': Rohingya migrants tell of horror at sea.

Vietnam opposes Chinese fishing ban in disputed sea.

India and China sign deals worth $22bn as Modi ends visit.

South Korea and India to boost defense ties, infrastructure finance.

AFRICA

Burundi president fires defence chief after coup attempt.

Fearful and desperate, refugees flee Burundi unrest.

Tanzania confirms cholera at Burundian refugee camp.

Nigerian military claims destruction of 10 Boko Haram camps.

Three government soldiers killed in Mali rebel attack -sources.

Guinea opposition vows more protests unless president backs down.

Ebola crisis prompts $100m WHO emergency fund.

EUROPE

Ukraine says it will prosecute captured Russian soldiers for 'terrorist' acts. 'Russian soldiers' captured in Ukraine to face trial on terrorism charges.

EU to back 'boat-destroyer' mission in Mediterranean. E.U. ministers meet to discuss stopping human traffickers by force.

Greece seeks loan deal by end of May. Greece says must strike debt deal in May as money runs low.

French police cleared in suburban teens' deaths that sparked riots. French police cleared over teenagers' deaths that sparked riots.

Chechen teenager 'forced' to marry police chief amid growing row in Russia.

Ireland could be first nation to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.

AMERICAS

More than 190 face charges in deadly Waco gang shootings.

Obama will restrict grenade launchers, military equipment from local police.

Push to write new war powers for Obama stalls in Congress.

Brazil’s political system broken, says former president.

China Premier on Brazil visit, promising big investment.

Frustration with Latin America's left on the rise.

Mayan pyramid bulldozed by road construction firm.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State militants 'smuggled to Europe'.

Ex-CIA head: Other terror groups more dangerous than ISIS.

House Intelligence chairman: 'ISIS is al Qaeda 6.0'.

Republicans say detainees released in Bergdahl swap are still security risks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. appeals court reverses part of Apple's $930 million verdict vs Samsung.

Dow, S&P 500 hit records; stocks shake off Greece concerns.

Oil down as firmer dollar, bearish outlook offset Mideast turmoil.

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