World News Briefs -- February 17, 2016 (Evening Edition)

France 24: Dozens killed as large explosion rocks Turkish capital Ankara

Twenty-eight people were killed and dozens wounded in Turkey's capital Ankara on Wednesday when a car laden with explosives detonated next to military buses near the armed forces' headquarters, parliament and other government buildings.

The Turkish military condemned what it described as a "contemptible and dastardly" attack on the buses as they waited at traffic lights in the administrative heart of the city.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said 28 people including soldiers and civilians had been killed and 61 wounded in the blast, which took place near a busy intersection less than 500 metres from parliament during the evening rush hour.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. believes mustard gas used by Islamic State in Syria, Iraq.

Kurds' advance in Syria divides U.S. and Turkey as Russia bombs.

US to Russia: 'Put up or shut up' on Syrian ceasefire. Obama says Putin intervention won't help Assad prevail in Syria.

Humanitarian aid sent to besieged Syrian towns. Syria aid trucks enter four of five besieged areas.

Turkey pushes case for ground operations as Kurds advance.

Turkey wants ‘secure line’ created 10km within Syria, including Azaz - deputy PM.

Iraqi PM ready to resign as part of cabinet reshuffle.

Exclusive: Radioactive material stolen in Iraq raises security fears.

Turkey faces more turmoil as Erdogan seeks to enhance powers.

'Humanitarian catastrophe' unfolding in Yemen: UN. UN says a 'humanitarian catastrophe' is unfolding in Yemen.

UN envoy: Divisions in Yemen are blocking new peace talks. UN envoy says 'deep divisions' blocking new round of Yemen talks.

Gaza's Hamas rulers says Egypt briefly opens border crossing.

ASIA

Obama plans to sign North Korea sanctions bill: White House.

U.S. expects 'very serious' talks with China after missile reports.

Kerry slams China for South China Sea 'militarization'.

China defends right to deploy missiles on its own territory. China foreign minister downplays missile deployment reports.

Suu Kyi meets Myanmar's military chief again as transition talks drag on.

Myanmar's insurgents fight on despite advent of democracy.

Philippine rebels kill 6 policemen, wound 8 others in attack.

Maldives opposition leader jailed for 12 years for role in protests.

Lawyers clash with protesters in India over Student's arrest.

Australia PM warns New Zealand against taking refugees.

AFRICA

Two million need food aid in Niger despite crop surplus: UN.

Egypt to shut prominent NGO that documents alleged rights abuses: security sources.

UN envoy to Libya says time running out, IS expanding.

Campaigns finished, Ugandans prepare for Thursday elections. Uganda goes to the polls gripped by fear of political violence.

Radio silence: Burundi's media targeted in ongoing political crisis.

DRC opposition claims success after 2-day strike.

UN: 4 new sex abuse allegations in Central African Republic.

Somali plane bomber was known as religious but not extremist.

President: Kenya to build jail for terror suspects.

EUROPE

High-ranking Ukraine monitor frustrated with both sides.

Ex-PM Tymoshenko’s faction quits Ukraine governing coalition. Ukraine PM hunts for new allies after coalition cracks.

Putin says EU-Russia ties will return to normal 'sooner or later'.

Merkel throws political muscle behind deal to avoid `Brexit'.

Thousands in Kosovo call for government to resign.

Hungary premier blasts migrant flow as threat to Europe.

Austria to cap migrant arrivals at 3,200 a day.

Paris attackers snooped on Belgian nuclear boss, media say.

RAF jets scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers 'heading for UK airspace'.

AMERICAS

Mexico drops dollar auctions, raises rates, cuts spending.

Scores of dismembered bodies found in Colombian jails.

Brazilians clash after questioning of ex-President suspended.

National poll shows Donald Trump with big lead and Democrats in virtual tie.

Barack Obama: I don't think Donald Trump will be President.

Obama fires back at Senate Republicans in Supreme Court battle.

British Defense Secretary visits contested Falklands Islands.

Facing severe food shortages, Venezuela pushes urban gardens.

Brazil reports more cases of microcephaly under investigation.

Pope concludes Mexico trip with visits to prison, US border.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Freed Gitmo detainee, ex-bin Laden aide cements place as top jihadist in videos.

Joint Staff: We won't break law to close Gitmo.

United States wants NATO to step up fight against Islamic State.

Daesh, al-Qaeda compete for influence in Africa.

Military: Gitmo detainees cannot be transferred to U.S. prisons.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Crude, data trigger third straight Wall St. rally.

Iran talks tough on oil output in Opec talks. Iran snubs Doha proposal, won't freeze on oil output levels.

Apple to fight order to help FBI unlock shooter's iPhone.

El Niño is causing global food crisis, UN warns.