World News Briefs -- June 16, 2015

Russian RS-24 Yars/SS-27 Mod 2 solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missiles drive during the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015. Reuters/Host Photo Agency/RIA Novosti

Reuters: Putin says Russia beefing up nuclear arsenal, NATO denounces 'sabre-rattling'

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday Russia would add more than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) to its nuclear arsenal this year, prompting NATO's chief to accuse Moscow of dangerous "sabre-rattling".

Putin made his announcement a day after Russian officials denounced a U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO member states on Russia's border as the most aggressive act by Washington since the Cold War a generation ago.

MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State forces routed from stronghold on Syria-Turkey border.

U.S. coalition air strikes hit Islamic State near supply route.

Rebel shelling kills dozens in Syria's Aleppo.

Syrian doctors to present US with evidence of Assad’s use of chemical weapons.

Turkey sees signs of 'ethnic cleansing' by Kurdish fighters in Syria.

Rivals signal defiance as Yemen crisis talks open in Geneva.

U.S. not keeping silent on Iran sanctions violations: envoy to U.N..

Bahrain Shi'ite opposition leader sentenced to 4 years.

ASIA

China to 'complete' South China Sea land reclamation. China says South China Sea island developments nearing completion, more expected.

Philippines rebels begin laying down arms. MILF rebels hand over arms in the Philippines.

Afghan, Taliban delegates attend Oslo talks on ending conflicts.

Taliban urge Islamic State to stop 'interference' in Afghanistan.

Pakistan troops cross border to rescue wounded Afghan soldier.

Indian military operation along Burma border opens new rift with Pakistan.

Thai PM denies counter-coup rumors.

Hong Kong on high alert as new democracy showdown looms.

AFRICA

Egyptian court confirms Morsi death sentence over jailbreak during uprising. Egypt court confirms ousted President Morsi's death sentence. Egypt court hands Mursi death sentence in blow to Muslim Brotherhood.

AU calls for further postponement of Burundi election.

Islamic State suffering setbacks in Libya.

Bashir back in Sudan despite South Africa court order.

U.N. denies peacekeepers held hostage as Sudan's Bashir left South Africa.

Fifa corruption: South Africa cash 'worrisome'.

Helicopters deliver aid to thousands fleeing South Sudan violence.

EUROPE

Russia warns U.S. not to store weapons near Ukraine. NATO provoking Moscow into new arms race: Russian defence ministry official.

Two Ukrainian servicemen killed in east Ukraine: Ukraine military.

Greece defiant; accused of 'breaking all the rules'.

French PM defies rebels to push through reforms without vote.

Mediterranean migrants: Italy warns EU over quota plan. EU nations strongly divided over plan to take in migrants.

Danish general election goes down to the wire.

Pope draft encyclical calls for swift action on climate change.

AMERICAS

US lawmakers slam government officials over massive cyber attack.

Senators look to limit U.S. troops in Islamic State fight.

121 murders attributed to illegals released by Obama administration.

US and Venezuela praise talks aimed at lowering tension.

Amid Brazil's economic crisis, consumers struggle with debt.

Poll: Popularity of Peru's Humala sinks to new low.

Alaska wildfires: 'Explosive' flames force evacuations.

5,000 U.S. households worth more than $100 million, report says.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda deputy leader killed in U.S. bombing in Yemen. AQAP confirms death of senior leader.

Libyan militants deny Belmokhtar killed in US airstrike. Mokhtar Belmokhtar, militant leader, not confirmed dead by Libya militants.

Counter-Terrorism: How Al Qaeda devolved into ISIL.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Millionaires now control an even bigger share of the world’s wealth.

IMF concerned over widening income inequality.

Asia overtakes Europe in private wealth, says BCG.