World News Briefs -- July 31, 2015 (Evening Edition)

New York Times: ISIS Rivals Attack U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebel Group

BAGHDAD — A Syrian insurgent group at the heart of the Pentagon’s effort to marshal local foot soldiers against Islamic State militants came under intense attack on Friday from a different hard-line Islamist faction, the Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.

The Nusra Front said in a statement that its aim was to eliminate the American-aligned unit, known as Division 30, before it could gain a deeper foothold in Syria. The Nusra Front did much the same last year when it smashed the main groups that had been trained and equipped in a different American effort, one run covertly by the C.I.A.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqis vent rage at power shortages, 'corrupt' leaders.

U.S.-led coalition stages 41 air strikes on Islamic State: military statement.

Nusra Front attacks Western-backed rebels in northern Syria. US-trained Syrian rebels killed and leaders captured by al-Qaida affiliate.

Several dead in Turkey in attacks blamed on PKK group.

Erdogan signals possible Turkey snap election.

Yemen's Houthis suffer more setbacks near Aden-southern sources.

Iran's foreign minister calls for world's nuclear weapons states to disarm.

Iran calls for Israel's nuclear disarmament.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt sign 'Cairo Declaration'.

Iran city hits suffocating heat index of 165 degrees, near world record.

Palestinian fury as 'Jewish settler' arson attack kills child. UN chief calls attack that killed a Palestinian toddler a 'terrorist act,' blames impunity.

ASIA

India, Bangladesh settle decades-old boundary dispute.

Olympics: Beijing celebrates historic day after landing 2022 Winter Games. Olympics-Rights groups slam decision to give Beijing Winter Games.

China blames U.S. military actions for tensions in the South China Sea.

China, Southeast Asia to set up hotline for South China Sea issues.

US urges Taliban to remain engaged in Afghan peace talks.

Increasing confidence plane wreckage is from MH370, Australian official says.

Freeing of Chinese loggers riles Myanmar citizens.

Myanmar floods: More than 20 die and many displaced.

Executives to be tried over Fukushima nuclear disaster.

AFRICA

Seven Libyan soldiers killed in clashes with Islamic State.

Nigeria attacks kill 16 as force chief promises to crush Boko Haram.

Nigeria: Bombing at Maiduguri market kills 5.

Muslims being 'erased' from Central African Republic.

Chad reintroduces death penalty for acts of terror.

Tunisia prolongs state of emergency.

Eritrea blames migrant exodus on human trafficking.

Zimbabwe wants US man in lion killing extradited.

Ebola vaccine is 'potential game-changer'.

EUROPE

Moscow vows to retaliate against latest US sanctions.

Ukraine court permits self-rule for pro-Russia rebels.

Greek PM Tsipras defends Varoufakis over 'Grexit' row.

Greek debt crisis adds to a spike in burglaries and robberies.

Litvinenko inquiry: Vladimir Putin 'ordered killing'.

Germany wants to resume the NATO-Russia Council.

Poland's future President wants more NATO presence.

Under Western pressure, Kosovo to put war crimes court to new vote.

Striking French ferry workers block Calais port route with huge fire.

Calais migrant crisis: PM pledges extra dogs and fencing.

AMERICAS

Venezuela supermarket looting leaves one dead, dozens detained.

Mexican president's approval ratings hit after drug kingpin's escape.

Growing California wildfire destroys homes, forces hundreds to flee.

Obama urges supporters of Iran deal: Lobby Congress for it.

IAEA chief 'positively' mulling U.S. Senate invite to speak on Iran.

Colombia begins exhuming what may be the world’s largest urban mass grave.

Mexico approves U.S. extradition warrant for fugitive kingpin Guzman.

Chileans spooked by crime, demand government action.

Venezuela troops occupy Polar food distribution warehouses.

U.S. officials can’t find Cecil the lion’s killer as Zimbabwe calls for his extradition.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

New Taliban leaders have deep experience in Afghan insurgency.

Jalaluddin Haqqani, Afghan militant leader 'has died'. Reports of Haqqani network founder's death, but family denies.

US judge rejects Guantánamo detainee's unlawful imprisonment challenge.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends lower as weak oil weighs.

Weak oil prices hurt Exxon Mobil and Chevron results.

These nations are panicking with gold and copper prices so low.

Swiss central bank makes 50bn Swiss franc loss.