World News Briefs -- July 31, 2015

VOA: Monitor: US-trained Rebel Group in Syria Attacked by Nusra Front

The al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front attacked the headquarters of a new U.S.-formed rebel group in northern Syria early Friday, rebel groups and an organization monitoring the war said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based pro-opposition group that relies on sources inside Syria, said the clashes left at least 13 people on both sides dead.

The Observatory also said Friday that warplanes believed to belong to the U.S.-led coalition had bombed Nusra Front positions near Azaz, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Aleppo city.

MIDDLE EAST

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.

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

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

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.

ASIA

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

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

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

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'.

US judge rejects Guantánamo detainee's unlawful imprisonment challenge.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

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.