World News Briefs -- October 14, 2015 (Evening Edition)

Suheil (L), a 28-year-old Free Syrian Army fighter of the 101 Division, monitors the movements of forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad near the town of Morek, in the northern countryside of Hama, Syria, October 14, 2015. REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI

Reuters: Islamic State battles insurgents as Syria army prepares assault

Islamic State militants battled rival insurgent groups on Wednesday north of the city of Aleppo, where officials say the Syrian army is preparing an offensive of its own backed by Iranian soldiers and Russian jets.

A rebel fighter and a group monitoring the war said Islamic State fighters took control of parts of the towns of Ahras and Tel Jabin, about 12 km (8 miles) north of Aleppo, before being pushed back.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., Russia escalate involvement in Syria.

Syria 'near miss' prompts US-Russia air safety talks. U.S., Russia finalizing document on Syria air safety: U.S. official.

Coalition airstrikes degrading Islamic State, U.S. official says.

Turkey summons U.S. envoy amid reports of weapons aid to Syrian Kurds. Turkish prime minister warns US and Russia against supporting Syrian Kurds.

Ankara bombing: Turkey suspends top security chiefs.

Israeli military begins deploying in cities to stop attacks. Israeli police set up East Jerusalem checkpoints. Israeli police kill more Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates, approaches 2014 Gaza Strip war levels.

Hezbollah chief backs Palestinian 'intifada'.

Iran nuclear deal gets final seal of approval.

Kerry urges Iran to release three Americans in prison.

New tally shows at least 1,621 killed in Saudi Hajj tragedy.

US Navy report: Arab coalition slowing aid efforts in Yemen.

ASIA

China: No plans to send military ships to Syria.

Myanmar to sign ceasefire agreement with eight armed groups.

Afghanistan clashes kill 22 border police.

India backs Philippines on South China Sea row.

ISIS-aligned Filipino militants release video of hostages.

Taliban declares leading Afghan TV networks military targets.

Global panel seeks to investigate U.S. bombing of Afghan hospital.

China hits back at US in row over South China Sea.

US looks to beef up ally support ahead of South China Sea showdown.

Taiwan to boost coast guard presence on island disputed with China.

Japan, China vow to keep up ties, despite Nanjing row, spying arrests.

Myanmar government seeks to calm fears of election postponement.

El Nino could make Southeast Asia haze worst on record.

AFRICA

Guinea Presidential vote results expected Friday. Guinea's main opposition leader Diallo pulls out of election.

Obama sending US soldiers to Cameroon. White House says U.S. deployment to Cameroon not response to new threat.

Sudan accused of withholding rations for Darfur peacekeepers.

Armed groups, parties boycott Central African Republic talks.

UN: Hunger crisis hits northern Mali amid insecurity, violence.

Tensions build in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta.

Female Ugandan politician stripped in public by police.

Egypt's last Islamists standing offer 'polite' opposition.

Maldives president sacks defense minister after boat blast.

Marikana inquiry: South Africa police chief suspended.

Attorney: Burkina Faso leader Sankara was assassinated.

EUROPE

Germany open to including Turkey on EU list of "safe countries" - official.

Russia requests UN open new MH17 probe.

MH17: Ukraine had reason to close airspace before crash, investigators say.

Russia strongly disagrees with Dutch probe into MH17 crash — aviation agency. Ukraine's pro-Russian rebels reject Dutch MH17 report.

Ukrainian soldier killed by rebel fire in eastern Ukraine.

EU migration: EU presses Turkey to agree deal.

German anti-Islam protesters slam 'dangerous' Merkel.

We won't manage this: Majority of Germans reject Merkel's refugee approach.

Swiss anti-immigration party set for win in national elections.

Hosting NATO top brass, Montenegro says optimistic on membership invite.

France warns about security risks caused by global warming.

Pope Francis apologises for Vatican 'scandals'.

AMERICAS

U.S. Army boosts security at recruiting centers.

Honduras seizes assets of conglomerate in money laundering case.

Supporters offer their take on first Democratic debate.

White House walks back Obama's Clinton email comments.

US debt-limit anxiety is running high.

Trump: I should have Secret Service protection.

Mexico recording provides audio of drug lord Guzman's jailbreak.

US 'will not press for Farc extraditions' from Colombia.

Peru military fails to act as narco planes fly freely.

Brazil's Rousseff accuses opponents of 'coup-mongering'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US targets domestic terrorism with new position.

Pentagon setting up drone base in Africa to track Boko Haram fighters.

US military strikes large al Qaeda training camps in southern Afghanistan.

IS confirms killing of number two in US air strike.

GOP senator: Obama Gitmo review 'reckless, illegal'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China's middle class overtakes US as the world's largest.

Apple loses patent lawsuit to Univ. of Wisconsin, faces hefty damages.

At least 30 involved in VW diesel cheat: Spiegel.

Billionaires shrug off volatile markets for art shopping spree.