Voice of America: Iraqi Forces Find More IS 'Pockets of Resistance' in Ramadi
PENTAGON—Iraqi forces trying to clear Ramadi after seizing the city from Islamic State militants are meeting with heavier resistance than first anticipated.
U.S. military officials initially said “the numbers are small” when asked about how many IS fighters were left in the city after Iraqi forces moved into key areas of Anbar’s provincial capital Monday. On Wednesday, however, officials said Iraqi forces were encountering “pockets of resistance” and sporadic attacks, indicating a larger presence.
“They are still there,” a U.S. official told VOA on condition of anonymity. “They’re expanding their asymmetric tactics to buy more time and space.”
MIDDLE EAST
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U.S. preparing sanctions on Iran over ballistic missile program: sources.
Twin suicide bombs in northeast Syria kill or wound dozens: Kurds, monitoring group.
Iraqi PM says Turkey not respecting agreement to withdraw troops.
After Ramadi gain, Iraqi army eyes next ISIL stronghold.
Sunni fighters help hold Ramadi as Army pursues IS holdouts.
U.S. leads 28 air strikes against Islamic State: statement.
Russia made 121 air sorties on Dec 28-29, hit 424 targets in Syria: defense ministry.
Russian airstrikes kill over 2,300 in Syria, says human rights group. US: Russian airstrikes on Syrian civilians 'disturbing'
Syrian army backed by jets clashes with rebels holding southern town.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey agree to set up a 'strategic cooperation council'.
Turkey says it has foiled Isis plot to launch New Year's Eve attack.
Little sign of compromise as Turkey seeks constitutional reform.
Bahrain court sentences 29 people to 5-25 years jail for 2014 explosion: BNA.
Qatari royals rush to Switzerland in nine planes after emir breaks leg.
Israel approves broad economic plan for Arab minority.
ASIA
Pakistan contradicts Afghanistan on venue of next talks on Taliban.
U.S. downplayed evidence of abuses in Chinese detention camps.
Rebirth of al Qaeda camps in Afghanistan worries the US: Report.
Afghan businessman accused of bribing US soldiers.
Shot for speaking out: Taliban target prominent critics in Afghanistan.
China, Taiwan open first hotline in tension reducing measure.
China's Xi tells top leaders to watch families amid graft fight.
New book says Communist China's first premier was probably gay.
China to 'wait and see' if Japan sincere on 'comfort women' issue.
South Korean 'comfort women' protest against accord with Japan.
Thailand beach murders: Myanmar protests grow over verdict.
Top aide to North Korea leader Kim Jong Un dies in car crash: KCNA.
8 survivors found 5 days after Chinese mine collapsed.
AFRICA
Nigeria ready to negotiate release of Chibok girls with Boko Haram, Buhari says.
Burundi's president threatens to fight AU peacekeepers.
Voting due to begin in CAR elections. CAR votes: Hopes for peace in landmark election.
Northern Kenya attacks may shed light on country’s security.
Nigeria claims Boko Haram ‘largely’ defeated despite bloodshed.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan sign new deal on Nile dam.
UN envoy: Somalia momentum toward peace 'unstoppable'.
South African special forces commander appointed to lead UN troops in DR Congo.
EUROPE
Brussels New Year fireworks cancelled over attack fears. Paris aims for subdued New Year celebrations after November attacks.
Crimea official says Ukraine has cut off power again, Interfax reports.
Migrant crisis: Over one million reach Europe by sea.
German states to spend around 17 billion euros on refugees in 2016 - Die Welt.
1 killed, 10 injured in attack on tourists at ancient fortress in Russia's Dagestan.
Russian investigators indict 4 men for Nemtsov's murder.
Athletics doping crisis: Russia 'unlikely' to return by Rio Olympics.
Crimeans enter 2016 struggling, but optimistic.
Paris tones down new year celebrations in wake of terror attacks.
AMERICAS
Drone buzzes President Barack Obama's motorcade in Hawaii.
Pinochet dictatorship pacts of silence unraveling in Chile.
Exclusive: U.S. ties ex-Panamanian president to SAP software bribery scheme.
La Familia Mexican drug cartel founder killed.
State Dept. plans New Year's Eve release of Clinton emails.
Cuban migrants say economics, not persecution, fueling exodus to U.S..
Brazil's deficit jumps sharply as recession bites.
Demining Colombia 'will take a generation'.
'Historic' floods threaten 19 levees along Mississippi river.
4 Secret Service agents in deadly head-on crash in N.H..
US 'affluenza' teen wins Mexico deportation delay.
Bill Cosby charged with felony sexual assault in Pennsylvania.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. warily eyes New Year's threats in cities abroad.
First of 17 detainees to be released from Gitmo next week.
Islamic State West Africa launches coordinated assaults in northeast Nigeria.
ISIL's first East African affiliate conducts attacks in Somalia, Kenya.
Belgium is struggling to control homegrown terrorism.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil bogs down Wall St. as S&P 500 clings to gain for 2015.
The world's richest people got poorer this year.
Facebook class action lawsuits to go ahead.
Apple agrees to pay £234m to settle Italian tax dispute.
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