Monday, June 15, 2015

World News Briefs -- June 15, 2015



NYT/AP: Thousands Flee Syria as Kurds Gain on ISIS

AKCAKALE, Turkey — Thousands of Syrians cut through a border fence and crossed into Turkey on Sunday, fleeing intense fighting in northern Syria between Kurdish fighters and Islamic State militants.

The flow of refugees came as the Kurdish fighters neared Tal Abyad, a strategic Syrian border town held by the Islamic State, Kurdish officials and an activist group said.


MIDDLE EAST

U.N. chief opens Yemen talks, Saudi-led planes bomb capital.

Syrian Kurds seize control of main road, encircle Islamic State town: spokesman.

Syrian rebels accuse Kurds of deliberately displacing Arabs.

U.S.-led forces launch 16 air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq.

Egypt extends opening of Rafah border crossing to Palestinians for 2 days.

Israeli probe says Gaza offensive lawful and legitimate.

Saudi Arabia beheads 100th person this year.

ASIA

Afghanistan forces face surge of foreign fighters.

Vietnam, Chinese boats clash near disputed South China Sea Isles.

China to Japan: Stay out of South China Sea.

Hong Kong police arrest nine over 'bomb-making plot'.

North Korea soldier walks over DMZ and defects.

India tries to assuage Myanmar after cross-border raid boasts.

Mers death toll rises to 16 in South Korea outbreak.

AFRICA

Wanted Sudan leader Bashir flies out of South Africa. Sudan's Bashir leaves South Africa despite court order.

Boko Haram suspected in suicide bomb attacks that killed 23 in Chad.Suicide bombers hit police HQ in Chad's capital.

Somali Islamists attack Kenya military base, 11 militants, two soldiers dead. Kenya official: Al-Shabab commander killed in attack of army. Briton among al-Shabab fighters killed in Kenya, tests expected to confirm.

Two blasts in northeast Nigeria's Potiskum kill 10.

Libyan Islamists claim to drive Islamic State from port stronghold.

Egypt: 'New' Suez Canal to open Aug. 6.

Rwanda's ruling party says wants Kagame to run for third term.

EUROPE

Greece crisis: PM Tsipras tells creditors to 'get real'. Greece, creditors dig in after debt talks founder.

Russia says will retaliate if U.S. weapons stationed on its borders.

Donetsk People’s Republic will never be part of Ukraine – leader.

Kiev digs 100 kilometers of anti-tank ditches on border with Russia — PM.

Pro-Europe, pro-Russia camps split vote in Moldova's local elections.

Italy threatens EU: 'Sort out migrant mess you caused or get hurt’. Rome feels pressure of migration buildup with makeshift refugee camp.

Macedonia protest: Albanians march in Skopje.

Search on for people, zoo animals missing in Georgia flood.

British royals mark 800th anniversary of world-changing Magna Carta.

AMERICAS

Gallup poll: Americans now less likely to think the war in Iraq was a ‘mistake’.

Jeb Bush set for '16 race; campaign logo omits Bush surname.

US Venezuela talks take place in Haiti despite tensions.

Guyana to seek help from United Nations for ending escalating border dispute with Venezuela.

Mexico election body confirms election tally signaling PRI win.

Rebel attacks on oil sites threaten peace talks in Colombia.

Marquitos: Colombian ELN commander 'killed by army'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Mokhtar Belmokhtar: Top Islamist 'killed' in US strike.

Homeland Security chair: Obama's Guantanamo transfer 'reckless'.

Islamic State teenager said to be UK's youngest suicide bomber.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed on track for September rate hike as economy picks up: Reuters poll.

Airbus to build giant satellite network.

Inconclusive fast-track vote in US Congress leaves Trans-Pacific Trade pact talks in limbo.

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