World News Briefs -- January 18, 2016

VOA: Iran Calls New US Ballistic Missile Sanctions Illegitimate

Iran's Foreign Ministry called new U.S. sanctions targeting the country's ballistic missile program illegitimate.

Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari said Monday that Iran will respond by boosting efforts in its legal ballistic missile program and promoting its defense capabilities.

Iran drew condemnation from the U.S. and other Western powers for two ballistic missile tests late last year they said violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. Iran defended the tests as a matter of national security.

MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State seizes new areas from troops in eastern Syria.

ISIS massacres 300 and kidnaps at least 400 including women and children during attack on government-held city.

Security Council calls emergency meeting on Syrian sieges.

Islamic State battle turns Iraq's Ramadi into ghost town.

Iraq civilians killed fleeing ISIL clashes in Ramadi.

Abduction of Americans in Iraq raises fears about security.

Missing Americans in Iraq reportedly kidnapped from 'brothel' apartment. Missing U.S. citizens were kidnapped in Baghdad, two Iraqi MPs says.

Iran complies with nuclear deal; Sanctions are lifted.

As sanctions are lifted, Iranian foes fear the worst.

Netanyahu: We will warn of any Iranian violations of deal.

US Treasury slaps new sanctions on Iran over missile program.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry denounces U.S. over new sanctions. Iran condemns new US sanctions over missile test.

Iran boosts oil output, foreign firms keen to seal deals.

Besieged Yemeni city of Taiz finally receives aid.

Saudi-led airstrike on Sana'a police kills 26.

Lebanese Christian leader endorses rival for President.

ASIA

Indonesia at risk of bigger IS-linked attacks: Police chief.

Afghan parliamentary polls set for October 15.

Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen prepares for power amid Chinese warnings. Taiwan elects its first female president; China warns of 'grave challenges'.

Philippine plane warned by 'Chinese navy' in disputed sea.

Philippines plans tracking system for civilian flights over disputed sea.

Top U.S. officials to visit China to discuss North Korea.

Pakistan, China, U.S. join Afghan peace talks.

Suicide bomber in Afghanistan kills 14 people after attacking a gathering of pro-government politicians celebrating a relative's release from Taliban captors.

Blame, anger, frustration as China's stock rescue effort looks defeated.

Bomb kills five soldiers in western Pakistan.

Former Pakistani president acquitted of murder. Pakistan's Musharraf acquitted over Baloch rebel killing.

Missing Hong Kong publisher appears on Chinese TV.

AFRICA

Burundi opposition leader still hopeful for peaceful settlement.

Somali General: Kenyans were warned of Al-Shabab attack.

Somali Islamist rebels say they have captured Kenyan troops. Kenya in 'search and rescue' as Somalia's al-Shabaab claims 100 soldiers killed, injured returned to Nairobi.

Burkina Faso and Mali to coordinate forces after deadly attacks. Mali and Burkina Faso join forces against attackers.

'They would check if the white people were moving then shoot them again': Survivors describe how Al Qaeda jihadis targeted Westerners during a 15-hour terror ordeal in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso begins mourning after hotel attack.

Islamic State offensive raises risk for Libya’s oil sector.

Congo looking into new charges against ICC convict Katanga.

Peace deal in turmoil as rebels accuse South Sudan’s Kiir of ‘delaying tactics’.

EUROPE

German minister urges Merkel to prepare border closures.

British lawmakers debate banning Donald Trump from UK for 'hate speech'.

Five French Soldiers killed in avalanche in the French Alps.

US to investigate Russian funding of European political parties amidst fears of 'new Cold War'.

Ukraine says major cyberattack on Kiev's Boryspil airport was launched from Russia.

Germany targets North African migrants in crackdown.

German defense minister raises prospect of Libya mission.

EU's Tusk calls for 'reasonable compromise' on British EU demands.

Poland media law: Duda and Tusk urge calm in EU rights row.

Taxis in Budapest block traffic, demand ban on Uber.

AMERICAS

With day of service, US commemorates MLK legacy.

Puerto Rican officials seek debt restructuring to avoid looming defaults.

Bernie Sanders doubles down on critique of Hillary Clinton's speaking fees.

Sanders lashes out at Clinton in contentious Democratic debate.

U.S. prisoners leave Iran, arrive in Germany, as Obama hails win for diplomacy.

US banks brace for oil loans to implode.

Army rescues 17 fishermen kidnapped by Colombia's ELN rebels.

Argentina President Macri 'wants justice for Nisman'.

Sean Penn on 60 Minutes.

Hawaii reports first US case of Zika-linked brain damage.

Calls for boycott of Oscars grow over diversity of nominees. Could Chris Rock drop out as Oscars host over increasing calls to boycott Academy Awards?

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Paris terror attackers’ contact arrested in Morocco.

Islamic State's double standards sow growing disillusion.

600 Brits caught trying to join ISIS, other jihadists in Syria – UK foreign sec.

US State Department designates Afghan ISIS a foreign terrorist organization.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Banks drag on Europe; oil falls after Iran sanctions lifted.

Asian shares near 2011 low as oil woes deepen.

A world divided: Elites descend on Swiss Alps amid rising inequality.

Apple stock destroys $218B: How low can it go?

U.S. and EU firms warn of 'enormous' consequences if data pact talks fail.