World News Briefs -- June 3, 2015

Daily Mail: Violence arrives on the streets of Athens: Protesters attack police with flagpoles and tear gas is sprayed at demonstrators in rallies ahead of Greece's debt crisis referendum

* Helmet-clad riot police make human wall to protect themselves against 'No' campaigners in torn central Athens
* Greek capital will tonight see supporters of both sides of Sunday's referendum gather less than a kilometre apart
* Each protest is set to draw in crowds of more than 12,000 on the night of the last day of nationwide campaigning

Clashes have broken out between a group of youths and police in the Greek capital's Syntagma Square just before the start of the main 'No' rally backed by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' government.

Greek police used pepper spray to deter several dozen anti-establishment protesters from throwing rocks and smashing property in the big Athens square in front of parliament.

Less than a kilometre away, `Yes' voters have also started gathering ahead of their own rally.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies target Islamic State in 24 air strikes in Syria, Iraq.

Syrian rivals locked in heavy clashes over Aleppo.

Turkey reinforces Syria border as fighting in Aleppo intensifies.

Yemen battle rages as air strikes intensify in Sanaa. Saudi-led air strikes on Yemen cities kill 16: Houthis.

Kerry, Zarif meet on key Iran nuclear disputes.

Marathon Iran nuclear talks go down to the wire. Iran nuclear talks in endgame, negotiators push on sticking points.

UN nuke agency chief says 'more work' needed on Iran probe.

Rockets land in Israel, Egypt's IS affiliate claims responsibility.

Israel accuses Hamas of aiding Islamic State in Egypt.

UN rights body backs call for accountability in Gaza war.

ASIA

China close to completion of 10,000-foot runway in disputed South China Sea.

China angered by new U.S. military strategy report.

Indonesian plane crash increases pressure for military overhaul.

Vietnam Communist Party chief to meet Obama on landmark U.S. trip.

Border clash tests Afghan-Pakistan relations.

North Korean farmers face dry fields, drought.

50 killed in Philippines ferry accident.

China air force uses drone for first time in Xinjiang quake.

Pakistan police arrest cleric who led mob attacking Christians.

AFRICA

Egyptian military pounds Islamic militant positions.

Egypt marks 2nd anniversary of Islamist ouster with mourning.

Nigeria struck by new wave of Boko Haram atrocities. Boko Haram kills 11 'traitors' in northeastern Nigerian town. Gunfire heard on outskirts of Nigerian city of Maiduguri.

Political tension grips Burkina Faso ahead of elections.

UN declares Burundi elections not free or credible amid tense standoff. East African leaders to meet over Burundi crisis.

South Sudan conflict: UN imposes sanctions on generals.

Malian refugees in Mauritania face food shortage as funds scarce.

S Africa: Opposition files charges against deputy president.

EUROPE

Greek economy close to collapse as food and medicine run short.

The Latest: Former Greek military leaders urge calm, unity.

Tsipras asks for 30% debt haircut, 20yr grace period.

Greek court clears way for referendum that could shape country’s future.

Ipsos poll puts Greek 'Yes' camp narrowly ahead. Greek referendum poll shows 'Yes' 41.7 percent, 'No' 41.1 percent.

Dutch police detain 200 after riot in The Hague. Mass arrests in The Hague as clashes over death in police custody continue.

France rejects Julian Assange's asylum request.

Eurozone economic growth speeds up.

AMERICAS

US law enforcement, cities on alert for July 4 holiday. Potential holiday threats assessed with focus on ‘Lone Wolf’ terrorists.

U.N. offers help on simmering Guyana-Venezuela territorial dispute.

Colombia capital on edge after two small explosions. Colombia's ELN rebels likely behind Bogota blasts: president.

US senator ends visit to Venezuela, urges moderation.

Venezuela faces beer drought after Polar brewery closures.

JetBlue launches New York-to-Havana charter flights.

Cubans get access to Wi-Fi across 35 spots across the nation.

Smaller majority "extremely proud" to be an American.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Nusrah Front, allies form new coalition for battle in Aleppo.

GOP lawmaker: July 4 warning reflects 'intense concern' about ISIS.

Islamic State senior fighter 'killed in US drone strike'.

Top Tunisian jihadist killed by US strike in Libya: report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Let's make a deal: mega-mergers drive M&A frenzy.

Uber suspends UberPOP in France.

Top choice blocked for U.N. digital privacy investigator post.

European bonds and stocks on the defensive before tight Greek vote.