World News Briefs -- September 18, 2015

VOA: Migrant Crisis: Croatia Seals Border With Serbia

Croatia's prime minister said his country cannot and will not close its borders to migrants who've been streaming into Europe, but instead will redirect them to Hungary.

Zoran Milanovic said Friday that Croatia will no longer register the thousands of migrants entering the country, after more than 11,000 crossed into Croatia this week.

Croatia sealed seven of its eight border crossings with Serbia late Thursday after migrants surged into the country and Hungary turned them away.

MIDDLE EAST

Senior U.S., Russian defense officials talk to defuse tensions over Syria. Syria crisis: US wants Russia military talks, Kerry says.

Syrian jets pound Islamic State-held areas for second day.

U.S. reports 21 air strikes in Iraq, one in Syria Wednesday: U.S. military.

Turkish military braces for more roadside bombings.

Yemen rebels claim capture of Saudi troops, show one on TV.

Police gird for Temple Mount violence Friday as unrest persists.

Saudi Arabia warns against haj unrest as pilgrims pray for peace.

ASIA

Pakistani Taliban storms airbase near Peshawar.

ISIS recruit child soldiers, force marriages on young women in Afghanistan.

Japan security bill prompts heated debate. Japan security vote delayed by opposition tactics.

China 'extremely concerned' by proposed U.S. challenge to claims.

China's foreign investment reaches historic maximum of $123Bln in 2014.

China hails U.S. repatriation of corruption fugitive.

North Korea rebuilds its smuggling fleet.

AFRICA

Burkina Faso's military releases interim president arrested in coup. Coup leaders release Burkina Faso interim president.

In Niger, U.S. soldiers quietly help build wall against Boko Haram.

Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Half a million children 'flee in five months'.

The Gambia ruled by a 'climate of fear'.

Kenya raids Norway-flagged ship seeking smuggled drugs.

Death toll for South Sudan tanker accident rises to 150.

Smuggler vessels off Libya would be seized under UN proposal.

EUROPE

15,000 migrants in Croatia stranded by border crackdown. 'Heads as well as hearts': Croatia says it can take no more migrants.

Bulgaria deploying up to 1,000 troops at Turkish border.

Finnish PM says refugee inflow through Sweden is growing.

Norway says may impose border controls if asylum inflows surge.

Greek campaigning draws to close with main parties tied.

Portugal election race still in dead heat, no majority win: poll.

Scottish leader won’t rule out 2nd independence vote.

Putin, Netanyahu to discuss Middle East situation — Kremlin.

Ukraine probes Putin, Berlusconi wine drinking in Crimea.

Finland strike 'shuts down ports'.

Munich faces collision of refugees and Oktoberfest.

AMERICAS

Go 'nuclear' to stop Obama's Iran deal, urge 57 House Republicans in letter.

Venezuelan Air Force fighter jet crashes near Colombian border.

Pope plans to duck dissidents in Cuba, spawning criticism.

Cuba announces appointment of US ambassador.

US, Cuba to resume regular mail, flights.

Chile quake: State of emergency declared for Coquimbo. raumatized Chileans deal with aftermath of deadly 'nightmare' quake.

Mexico arrests Guerrero gang leader.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

3,000 domestic extremists plotting to attack Britain – MI5 chief.

Senators: ISIS fighters posing as migrants could slip into US.

Haqqani Network publicizes training camp in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World markets mixed on steadied US rates.

Central banks fret stimulus efforts are falling short.

Apple customers report devices crashing on iOS 9 update.