Reuters: Afghan forces battle to regain control of city after stunning loss
Afghan forces backed by U.S. air support battled Taliban fighters for control of the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, after the militants seized a provincial capital for the first time since their ouster 14 years ago.
The sudden fall of Kunduz on Monday was a major setback for the government of President Ashraf Ghani, which marked its first year in power on Tuesday, and raised questions over how ready Afghan forces were to tackle the Islamist insurgency alone.
Ghani announced in a televised address that more reinforcements were on their way to regain the city, which he said had fallen partly because government forces had shown restraint to avoid civilian casualties.
MIDDLE EAST
Syria war dominates UN as strained ties hamper Obama, Putin.
Obama, Iran's Zarif shake hands in New York, Iranian official says.
Coalition fighting Islamic State launch 17 airstrikes in Syria, Iraq.
Islamic State claims responsibility for car bomb attack in Baghdad: statement.
Yemen conflict: Wedding attack death toll rises to 130. UN chief condemns deadly air strike in Yemen.
Turkey's Erdogan says over 30 Kurdish militants killed in cross border raids on Friday.
United Arab Emirates unveils new migrant labor reforms.
Saudi royal calls for regime change in Riyadh.
Hajj disaster: Foreign officials question Saudi death toll.
Palestinians, Israeli forces clash amid holy site tensions.
ASIA
Afghan forces fight to retake Kunduz from Taliban. U.S. warplanes carry out airstrike in northern Afghanistan.
Taliban vow to bring Sharia law, welcome defectors in captured city.
Japan's Abe calls for 'amicable' and 'stable' China relationship.
Vietnam prepares for Asian economic integration.
China's Xi says to prioritize energy cooperation with Iran.
Joblessness rising in China as economy slows.
Asia's richest man Li voices support for China's leadership.
Nepal blocks Indian TV channels over 'blockade'.
New Zealand to establish massive marine reserve.
AFRICA
'Severe violence' paralyses CAR capital Bangui.
Central African Republic prisoners escape in Bangui.
CAR leader leaves UN early due to violence at home.
Burkina Faso army launches operation near presidential guard camp.
Don't 'betray and disappoint,' UN chief urges S.Sudan.
Egypt’s President Sisi calls on world to stand against ‘plague of terrorism’.
Tanzania election nears with voters seeking faster changes.
South African murder rate soars to 49 a day.
EUROPE
Putin says he can work with Obama despite trading barbs on Syria and Isis.
Russia all talk, no substance in fighting Islamic State: France.
Austria warns migration crisis could lead to use of force on borders.
Croatian leader dismisses Hungary's plan to build fence.
Moldova protesters pledge tougher action if demands ignored.
Britain to host China's Xi on first state visit.
Ukraine crisis: Two 'Russian soldiers' in Kiev terror trial.
On trial for corruption, Romanian PM survives no-confidence vote.
Northern Ireland says Gerry Adams won't face prosecution over 1972 murder.
AMERICAS
Obama, Cuba's Castro meet as two countries work toward thaw.
US Congress nears passage of temporary spending bill.
Colombia justice deal does not address possible jail time: FARC rebels.
Venezuela to allow return of deported Colombians.
Accused businessman in Guatemala customs scam incriminates Perez.
Jamaicans demand billions in slavery reparations ahead of British PM Cameron visit.
Peru anti-mining protest sees deadly clashes.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Thousands enter Syria to join ISIS despite global efforts.
U.S. sanctions Islamic State supporters, targets finances. New US sanctions illustrate sprawling Islamic State network.
Broad coalition against Islamic State hardly possible now — expert.
Isis claims responsibility for death of Italian man in Bangladesh.
Obama to host terrorism summit at U.N..
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Facebook down for second time in a week.
Volkswagen facing £4.3 BILLION bill after revealing it will recall 11 MILLION cars to be refitted because of emissions testing scandal.
Seat says 700,000 cars have 'cheat' emissions software.
Inside the 2015 Forbes 400 List: Facts and figures about America’s wealthiest.
WNU,
ReplyDeleteShooting them is getting closer and closer "Austria warns migration crisis could lead to use of force on borders."