World News Briefs -- May 26, 2015

Members of the Iraqi army and Shi'ite fighters launch a mortar toward Islamic State militants outskirt the city of Falluja, Iraq May 19, 2015. Reuters/Stringer

Reuters: Iraq Shi'ite militia take lead in campaign to reverse Islamic State gains

Iraq's Shi'ite paramilitaries said on Tuesday they had taken charge of the campaign to drive Islamic State from the western province of Anbar, giving the operation an openly sectarian codename that could infuriate its Sunni population.

The Iraqi government is scrambling to reverse its biggest military setback in nearly a year, the fall of Ramadi, capital of Anbar province west of Baghdad. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has vowed to recapture it within days.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq launches counterattack against Isis near Ramadi. Iraqi forces surround Ramadi in ISIL counteroffensive. Iraq launches operation to drive Islamic State from Anbar.

Biden calls Iraq PM to reassure US support.

Yemen fighters backing exiled government take southern city.

Bombing exposes Saudi failure to curb sectarian strains.

Iran, Oman discuss Yemen war, settle maritime borders.

No Iran sanctions relief before end 2015 at best: German envoy.

Iran begins closed-door trial of Washington Post reporter.

ASIA

Deadly Taliban raids hit Afghan security forces.

China to extend military reach, build lighthouses in disputed waters.

Aquino: Philippines to fly over disputed South China Sea.

Xi may cancel US visit in event of South China Sea incident.

North Korea leader hails 'miracle' missile test.

Malaysia mass graves: villagers tell of migrants emerging from secret jungle camps.

Aung San Suu Kyi missing from global meeting on Rohingya.

India heatwave toll nears 800.

AFRICA

S Sudan gains 'full control' of oil town from rebels.

Militants kill Bangladeshi UN peacekeeper in Mali's capital.

Nigeria's Boko Haram 'increases' suicide attacks.

Kenyan police attacked by al-Shabaab gunmen. Al-Shabab claims to have killed Kenyan police officers.

Burundi condemns opposition to president's election bid.

Failed migrants return home to Senegal after Libya ordeal.

S.Africa to release 'Marikana massacre' probe next month.

African observers say Ethiopia poll credible, opposition cries foul.

EUROPE

Greece and creditors play down fears of imminent default.

Only new refugees to benefit from EU quotas in migrant crisis: draft.

Russia should not cut itself off from foreign investment: Putin.

Vladimir Putin’s space dream dragged into $1.5bn black hole. $1.8 billion disappears in Russian space program.

Catalonia separatists pin hopes on September vote after setback.

Pope Francis hasn’t watched TV since 1990 and he misses going out for pizza.

AMERICAS

Obama says working with NATO allies on Islamic State, Libya.

Suriname poll: Incumbent leader Bouterse's party ahead.

Colombia Farc rebel leader Roman Ruiz 'killed in raid'.

US-bound flights subject of anonymous threats.

Venezuela's currency just collapsed 30% on the black market.

Mexico and Texas hit by deadly storms. Houston roads impassable as floodwaters rise.

Poll surge raises election win prospect for Canada's leftist NDP.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

For an IS fighter, a paid honeymoon in caliphate's heart.

Islamic State claims credit for Tunis barracks shooting.

Exclusive: Captured video appears to show foreign fighters in Nigeria's Boko Haram.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon pays $16 million tax in Germany, while making $11.9 billion sales.

Time Warner Cable to be bought by Charter Communications.

More Swiss banks to settle with U.S. DoJ in near future: official.