World News Briefs -- December 23, 2015

Reuters: Iraqi troops expected to drive ISIS from Ramadi in days: state TV

Iraq's army chief was quoted on Wednesday as saying he needed only days to drive Islamic State from Ramadi, the city whose fall in May exposed the weakness of the Baghdad government and dampened hopes of restoring control in the north and west.

Iraqi troops began advancing on Tuesday in an offensive complicated by rivalries and suspicions harbored by local Sunni tribes and by Shi'ite militia backed by Iran. U.S. officials, concerned also by militant operations over the border in Syria, have expressed frustration at delays in seizing back the city.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq MP: Ramadi to be 'liberated' in three or four days.

Russia accused of killing at least 200 civilians since joining Syrian fight. Syria conflict: Russia air strikes 'killed 200 civilians'.

Turkey sharpens criticism of Russia's airstrikes in Syria.

Turkey denies targeting civilians in fight against PKK.

Turkish bar association sues national intel agency & police over ISIS slave trade.

Istanbul airport explosion kills cleaner.

With parties ‘deeply divided over path to peace,’ Yemen faces Balkanization, Security Council warned. U.N. Security Council alarmed by Yemen ceasefire violations.

Iran calls the new U.S. visa law breach of the nuclear deal.

2 Palestinians killed after stabbing attack in Jerusalem. Two Israelis, two Palestinian attackers killed in Jerusalem.

ASIA

Afghan reinforcements 'reach besieged town' of Sangin as Britain sends troops. Afghan minister: Reinforcements rushed to southern district under Taliban attack. Afghan Taliban 'push further' into key town of Sangin.

Voice of Afghan journalist now heard on IS radio. Islamic State radio spreads panic in Afghanistan.

Japan says armed Chinese coastguard ship seen near disputed islands.

Chinese defends ship patrol near Diaoyu Islands.

Thai military leader denies rights abuses and claims massive support.

Two charged over planned terror attacks in Australia.

Tajikistan bans Christmas and new year celebrations.

AFRICA

Suspected Boko Haram fighters launch three strikes on Lake Chad area.

Libya's U.N. envoy says no plan to ask for Western airstrikes soon.

French forces ‘neutralise’ several suspected jihadists in Mali.

Mass graves for '300 Shia Nigerians' in Zaria.

Drought puts 18 million at risk in Eastern Africa.

Zambia power cuts leave most of the country in darkness.

Somalia bans Christmas celebrations. Somali government bans Christmas celebrations.

EUROPE

Ukraine faces 'catastrophe' if IMF-backed budget not passed: PM.

Spain Socialists reject Rajoy or PP-led government. Spanish Socialists promise to block Rajoy as standoff deepens.

Croatian president nominates pharmaceutical exec as next PM.

EU referendum: Polish leader Duda fears 'crisis' if UK leaves.

Migrant crisis: Sweden operator cancels trains on bridge link.

Khodorkovsky arrested in absentia, put on international wanted list – Russian investigators.

Stalin center opens in central Russia.

AMERICAS

Venezuela leftists challenge election of 22 opposition lawmakers.

New Argentine government fires 'activist' media regulator.

Stores close ahead of expected Mall of America protest.

Poll: Majority opposes accepting Syrian refugees into U.S..

Most Americans have less than $1,000 in savings.

Parents of 9/11 victims dying without seeing justice.

Fireball blazing over Los Angeles and Las Vegas was Russian rocket booster from Soyuz launch: military.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Drone strike kills four Al-Qaeda suspects in Yemen.

Russia's interests coincide with Taliban's in fight against ISIS: agency cites diplomat.

Divisions emerge within the Islamic State’s Yemen ‘province’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Record U.S. warmth brings out natural gas and heating oil bears: Kemp.

Oil prices will reach $70 a barrel by 2020, says Opec.

Record highs predicted for bitcoin in 2016 as new supply halves.

Internet mogul Kim Dotcom vows to fight extradition to US.