Thursday, November 19, 2015

World News Briefs -- November 19, 2015



Washington Post: France confirms suspected leader of Paris attacks was killed in police raid

PARIS —French prosecutors confirmed Thursday that the ringleader of the deadly terrorist siege in Paris last week was killed in a massive pre-dawn police raid a day earlier, as nations across the region sought to enact countermeasures in view of new intelligence suggesting that terrorist cells may be planning more attacks against European targets, including Vatican City.

Meanwhile, French lawmakers gave their backing to extend state-of-emergency powers for three months. And in neighboring Belgium — an apparent hub for the Paris plot — the prime minister sought measures to deploy more troops and expand detention and surveillance powers.

A sense of urgency deepened across Europe with the Islamic State threatening to strike again. European nations stepped up probes amid concerns that other sites could become targets, including St. Peter’s Basilica.

MIDDLE EAST

Russia says conducted mass Syria strikes, hit Islamic State oil assets: RIA.

Reports: Government air raids on Damascus suburb as talks for Syria ceasefire collapse.

'I'll warm myself on fire of revenge': Hatred hangs in ruins of Iraq's Sinjar.

Syria crisis: Assad says no transition while 'terrorists' remain.

Turkey is playing the worst part of Syrian crisis - Assad.

Global anti-ISIS alliance begins to emerge.

Two dead in Palestinian stabbing attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli police say.

ASIA

Despite tensions, Asia-Pacific nations close ranks against terrorism.

Anti-Apec protests take place in Manila.

Chinese forces 'kill 17 in Xinjiang' after colliery attack.

China vows to bring ISIS to justice as Chinese hostage confirmed killed.

Obama to raise concerns on opposition in Malaysia: White House official.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi meets parliament boss, ambassadors.

Australia port lease to China sparks tensions inside and out.

Australia blocks sale of enormous Kidman farmland holding.

AFRICA

Burundi insurgents target presidential palace in failed mortar attack.

Violence, hunger, poverty stalk troubled Burundi.

Libya's neighbouring countries to meet in Algiers early December.

Election a matter of life and death in Egypt's North Sinai.

Egypt, Russia sign deal to build a nuclear power plant.

UN seeks more peacekeepers for Central African Republic ahead of pope visit this month.

Conflicted: The fight over Congo's minerals.

EUROPE

Abdelhamid Abaaoud, suspected Paris attacks ringleader, was killed in raid. Paris attacks: 'Ringleader' Abdelhamid Abaaoud killed in raid.

Belgian police detain nine people in raids on Thursday: prosecutor.

Hollande to tell Obama Europe can’t wait for US war of attrition with ISIS to succeed – report.

4 European nations shut their borders to economic migrants.

EU to tighten external border checks after Paris attacks.

Europe's anti-immigration and hard-right parties are on the warpath.

Aid groups say Balkan states blocking refugees based on nationality. Migrant crisis: Balkans to limit intake.

'Islamist' gunman kills two Bosnian soldiers in Sarajevo.

PC Yvonne Fletcher shooting: Libyan man arrested in UK.

AMERICAS

Obama says Syrian refugees are no bigger threat to U.S. than ‘tourists’.

Syrian community leader: ISIS is already in America.

Terrorists once used refugee program to settle in US.

Throngs of children are trying to cross the Texas border again.

Colombia's Santos 'in serious difficulty' if Farc deal fails.

Honduras arrests five US-bound Syrians with stolen passports.

Obama speaks for Canada, says both countries will soon sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

Trudeau seeks to assure Obama on Canada’s commitment to fight Islamic State.

US States hint at lawsuits over Gitmo detainees.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Boko Haram ranked ahead of ISIS for deadliest terror group.

Islamic State highlights ‘Sheikh Jalaluddin training camp’ in Afghanistan.

US offer $5M for 'key leader' of ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil slides again as focus returns to heavy glut.

Largest diamond in more than a century found in Botswana.

Antibiotic resistance: World on cusp of 'post-antibiotic era'.

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