World News Briefs -- October 2, 2015

Reuters: U.S., allies demand Russia halt Syria strikes outside IS areas

Russia bombed Syria for a third day on Friday, mainly hitting areas held by rival insurgent groups rather than the Islamic State fighters it said it was targeting and drawing an increasingly angry response from the West.

The U.S.-led coalition that is waging its own air war against Islamic State called on the Russians to halt strikes on targets other than Islamic State.

"We call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its attacks on the Syrian opposition and civilians and to focus its efforts on fighting ISIL," said the coalition, which includes the United States, major European powers, Arab states and Turkey.

MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: Russia strikes 'will fuel extremism'.

Iranian troops move into Syria as White House blames Russia for worsening crisis. Reports: Iranian troops in Syria for joint offensive.

Turkey, coalition partners, call on Russia to cease Syria air strikes.

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says fight against Islamic State should be expanded. Leading Iraqi cleric urges wider war against Islamic State.

Yemeni government cuts relations with Iran: state TV.

Turkey kills over 10 Kurdish militants, 44 people detained in Istanbul.

Bahrain recalls ambassador from Iran over 'meddling'.

Netanyahu predicts Arab countries will align with Israel against Iran and Isis.

Israeli military deploys troops after settler couple killed in West Bank shooting attack.

ASIA

Taliban gain momentum in Afghanistan’s north as fight for Kunduz continues.

Afghan Taliban attack: Fears for civilians in Kunduz.

Taliban expands fight beyond Afghanistan's Kunduz.

Suspect in southern China bombings died in blast, police say. China tightens censorship on Guangxi blasts.

Rising Rakhine party looming threat to Myanmar's Muslim minority.

World's oldest rainforests burn as Indonesia spreads haze.

Search begins for aircraft carrying 10 people in Indonesia.

AFRICA

14 dead in Nigeria blasts. Nigerian city of Maiduguri 'attacked by five girl bombers'. Boko Haram seen behind female suicide attack in northeast Nigeria.

ISIS militants attack forces guarding Libya oil port.

Egypt's army sometimes operates beyond border to 'chase smugglers': Libyan FM.

South Sudan peace deal implementation behind schedule: minister.

Drug trafficking fuelling Mali conflict - minister.

Calls for inequality to be tackled in South Africa as violent crime rises.

African crops, economies at risk as El Nino threatens to scorch and soak.

EUROPE

Putin in Paris for talks as US-led coalition condemns airstrikes in Syria.

Frosty faces as Hollande, Putin discuss differences over Syria.

Sweden sees record number of asylum seekers in 2015.

Hamburg to seize commercial property to house migrants.

Violence in refugee homes could spiral: German police union chief.

Germany to mark reunification day; East and West became one 25 years ago.

Amsterdam brothel owners must speak sex workers' language.

AMERICAS

Oregon shooter said to have singled out Christians for killing in ‘horrific act of cowardice’.

US Debt limit coming a month earlier than expected.

Venezuela says economy shrank 4 percent in 2014.

Cuba is making friends with Venezuela’s enemies.

Mexico extradites 13 high-profile accused crime bosses to the US.

David Cameron rules out slavery reparation during Jamaica visit.

Brazil lower house speaker under pressure over Swiss accounts.

Hurricane Joaquin reaches Category Four as it batters Bahamas.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Israeli intel thwarts first known ISIS plot inside Jewish state.

Netanyahu warns that Iran is building terrorist cells worldwide.

Britain's youngest terror mastermind jailed for life for Anzac Day plot.

Pompeo: Closing Guantanamo bad for intelligence, troop morale.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Pacific trade ministers vow to reach deal but extra time needed.

VW scandal widens as France and Italy launch deception inquiries.

Amazon bars the sale of Apple and Google TV devices.