World News Briefs -- March 24, 2016 (Evening Edition)

VOA: Iraqi Army Meets Stiff IS Resistance in Mosul Offensive

MAKHMOUR FRONTLINE, IRAQ - Iraqi forces have met with stiff resistance in the first step of their offensive to retake the Islamic State (IS) stronghold of Mosul.

Some 4,000 Iraqi forces started their advance toward roughly 12 villages about 75 kilometers southeast of Mosul at 6:00 a.m. Thursday.

The troops came from two directions, creating a pincer movement around the villages. By mid-afternoon they had seized four villages, but had not yet managed to control all the area.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army enters IS-held Palmyra, Mosul operation begins. Syrian government forces enter Islamic State-held Palmyra. Syrian forces enter ancient city of Palmyra — media. Syrian state TV says troops enter ISIL-held Palmyra. Islamic State conflict: Syrian forces 'enter Palmyra'.

Russia's special forces officer killed in Syria: Interfax.

Kremlin says Syria peace talk participants must show patience.

Syria war parties to agree on U.N. basic principles in 'baby step'. Syria peace talks pause without concrete progress.

Iraq launches operation to pave way for Mosul assault. Reports: Iraq moves to retake Mosul from ISIS. Islamic State conflict: Iraqi forces launch operation to retake Mosul.

US official says Marines expanding combat role in Iraq.

Turkish warplanes strike PKK targets in northern Iraq: military.

Yemen: U.N. envoy unveils truce plan.

A year into Yemen intervention, Saudi sees few gains.

US State Department defends $1.7 billion settlement with Iran.

Graphic video appears to show Israeli soldier shooting Palestinian man in the head. Two Palestinians who stabbed Israeli soldier shot dead in West Bank: army.

ASIA

Amnesty urges Suu Kyi government to end cycle of repression.

Malaysia arrests 15 for suspected links to Islamic State.

North Korea claims more progress in missile development.

Hard-line militant group wants 'power-sharing' with Kabul in exchange for peace.

Face-off between strongmen exposes Afghanistan’s political rifts.

On South China Sea islet, Taiwan argues Philippines case is far from watertight.

China, Southeast Asian leaders seek greater cooperation.

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan deploy troops in dispute over border mountain. Kyrgyz leader says opponents exploiting Uzbekistan row to cause unrest.

New Zealand votes to keep its flag after 56.6% back the status quo.

MH370: debris found in Mozambique 'almost certainly' from missing plane.

AFRICA

Algerian forces kill would-be suicide bomber east of Algiers: state media.

Morocco says U.N. Western Sahara decision 'irreversible'.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau appears in 'new' video. Boko Haram's Shekau reappears looking dejected in new video.

​Somalia President congratulates Puntland forces on victory against Al Shabaab.

In chaos of Libya, unity government only adds to disarray.

Morocco says arrests nine suspected Islamist militants with Libya ties.

Congo wants 20,000 cut from UN force, UN wants just 1,700.

Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso wins landslide third term.

Kenya dissolves exam board for cheating, arrests to follow.

Angolan rebels claim to have killed 30 troops.

Angola's census shows population rises to 26 million.

EUROPE

U.N. tribunal finds former Bosnia Serb leader guilty of genocide. Karadzic guilty of Bosnia genocide, jailed for 40 years.

Belgian ministers offer to quit over security lapses. Brussels attacks: Belgium admits 'errors' over bomber arrest.

Investigators: Multiple ISIS plots being planned in Europe.

Brussels police believe five bombers may have been involved in attacks.

Brussels attack: Man wanted in subway bombing.

Third bomb failed to explode at Brussels airport: Governor.

Brussels terrorists planned nuclear plants attack, changed target after accomplice’s arrest – report.

Paris attacks suspect Abdeslam seeks quick extradition.

Ukraine's parliament speaker frontrunner to replace PM Yatseniuk.

Russia accuses Ukraine of ignoring peace deal.

Six Russian athletes stripped Of medals, including 2012 Olympic Gold.

French cardinal Barbarin 'apologises' to abuse victims.

Hundreds gather in France to mark Germanwings crash anniversary.

AMERICAS

Obama sorry for U.S. policies during Argentina's 'dirty war'.

Obama declares a new partnership after talks with Argentine leader. Argentina 'Dirty War': Obama to release secret US files.

Brussels bomber brothers were on U.S. watch lists before attack: sources.

U.S. frustration simmers over Belgium's struggle with militant threat.

Farc peace talks in Cuba miss deadline for final deal.

Peru presidential frontrunner Fujimori can stay in electoral race: court.

'Islamophobia': U.S. cities face anti-Muslim backlash.

Effort in 3 US cities to combat extremism off to slow start.

Obama to host China's President Xi on March 31: White House.

Potent synthetic drug exacerbates heroin epidemic in New York City.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

No specific threats against U.S. after Brussels blast: Attorney General Lynch.

IS under pressure as troops advance on Palmyra, Mosul.

New ISIS recruits have deep criminal roots.

Obama: We must unite to destroy ISIS.

US official: Gitmo transfers have resulted in American deaths. Officials say Guantanamo transfers have killed Americans.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Playboy magazine publisher exploring sale: source.

US stocks close narrowly mixed in quiet pre-holiday trading.

Starboard launches proxy fight to remove Yahoo board.

Wall St. lower as dollar's run weighs on oil.

An inside look at Wall Street's secret client list.