World News Briefs -- February 18, 2016 (Evening Edition)

VOA: Turkey Blames Ankara Bombing on Syrian With Kurdish Ties

Turkey has blamed the car-bombing that killed 28 people in Ankara on a Syrian man with links to Kurdish militia groups, but the United States said Thursday it has yet to determine who launched the attack.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday's attack in the Turkish capital was carried out by the PKK Kurdish separatist group, "together with a person who sneaked into Turkey from Syria."

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S.-led strikes in Syria kill 38 civilians in past two days: monitor.

U.N. aims to air drop food to IS-besieged city in eastern Syria.

Hundreds of armed rebels cross from Turkey into Syria, says monitor.

Russia warns Assad not to snub Syria ceasefire plan.

Moscow warns against introduction of no-fly zone in Syria.

IS Camp Speicher massacre: Iraq sentences 40 to death.

‘Probably chlorine’: ISIS used chemical mortar shells against Kurdish troops in Iraq – report.

Civilians killed in air strikes in Iraq's Anbar.

Turkey vows to stop Kurdish militia gaining border foothold.

Turkey blames Kurdish rebels, Syria for Ankara attack. Turkey blames Syria's YPG group for Ankara bombing. Turkey says Kurds in Syria responsible for Ankara car bomb.

Turkey launches airstrikes hours after Ankara explosion.

Iran election campaign kicks off as reformers seek comeback.

Palestinian teens stab, kill Israeli in West Bank supermarket.

ASIA

Obama signs North Korea sanctions bill into law: White House.

South Korea mulls next steps against nuclear-armed North.

Seoul's spy service says North Korea is preparing attacks.

Pakistani Taliban kills security forces in twin attacks.

Pakistan, with 324 executions in 2015, ranks third worldwide: report.

U.S. and EU warn China on need to respect South China Sea ruling.

Red Cross halts operations in Afghan province after staff taken.

India orders universities to display large flags after protests.

Japan slips back to deficit as exports tumble 13 percent.

AFRICA

Nigerian troops rescue 195 hostages from Boko Haram: army.

Ivory Coast soldiers get life sentences for killing ex-president.

Libya's North African neighbors brace for any Western strikes.

Opposition leader arrested as Uganda holds elections. Ugandans cast votes in presidential elections after lengthy delays.

Uganda election: Facebook and Whatsapp blocked.

MSF says 18 dead in South Sudan fighting, including two staff.

Al-Shabab intelligence chief killed: Kenyan army.

Boko Haram bombs cut 3 million Nigerians from outside world.

Egypt struggles to get subsidized food to poor amid dollar crisis.

Ghana bus crash near Kintampo kills at least 71.

EUROPE

Rajoy says Spain will 'most likely' hold new elections on June 26.

Wary on Turkey, EU prepares for refugee crisis in Greece.

EU leaders to discuss Turkey, 'Plan B' at migration dinner.

Desperate Sweden is forced to hire luxury cruise liner with theatre, gym and swimming pool to house 2,000 refugees at a cost of £65,000 A DAY.

EU starts 'now or never' summit to clinch deal for Britain.

Ukraine's pro-West coalition edges from brink of collapse.

Another Ukrainian party quits ruling coalition.

Ukraine says 'fully ready' for court battle with Russia.

Faith in defending the Motherland: Russians trust military to protect the nation, poll shows.

Lech Walesa 'was paid Communist informant'. Poland's Walesa says will defend himself in court against new communist spy allegations.

AMERICAS

Trump's immigration views 'not Christian:' pope. Pope vs. Trump: 'Not Christian' to only build border walls.

Obama to visit Cuba, just eight months after embassy reopens in Havana.

Superdelegates help Clinton expand her lead despite NH loss.

Trump says ‘torture works,’ backs waterboarding and ‘much worse’.

At Mexico-U.S. border, Pope decries suffering of migrants.

S&P cuts Brazil deeper into junk territory in blow to Rousseff.

Venezuela president raises fuel price by 6,000% and devalues bolivar to tackle crisis. Petrol pump pain: Venezuelan gasoline prices jump 6,000%.

U.S. adds visa restrictions to Yemen, Somalia, Libya travelers.

Hollywood hospital pays ransom to hackers.

El Nino weakens a tad, but US won't feel that for months.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Jund al Aqsa leaders join Al Nusrah Front.

Islamic State finds 'diminishing returns' on Twitter: report.

Pentagon chief: We watch ISIS's chemical weapons capability 'very closely'.

Kerry enlists Hollywood's help to counter ISIS's messaging.

Lawyer for suspect in USS Cole bombing foresees appeal in 2024.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wal-Mart, oil drag Wall Street after three-day rally.

Saudi won't cut oil output, foreign minister tells AFP.

Oil price rises after Iraq says supply talks will continue - as it happened.

OECD: Urgent action needed to boost flagging global growth.

Apple order: White House says San Bernardino request is limited.