World News Briefs -- March 25, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Syrian army takes Palmyra citadel, IS commander killed

Islamic State fighters were on the retreat in the strategic Syrian city of Palmyra on Friday, as the United States said it probably killed several senior leaders of the militant group this week including its top finance officer.

The double blow to the hardline Islamist group in its self-declared caliphate, which covers huge areas of Syria and Iraq, came three days after Islamic State suicide bombers killed 31 people in Brussels, the worst such attack in Belgian history.

Syrian soldiers fighting to retake the desert city of Palmyra from Islamic State forces recaptured its old citadel on Friday, various media reported. The citadel overlooks some of the most extensive ruins of the Roman empire.

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MIDDLE EAST

Pentagon moving to increase US troop numbers in Iraq soon.

Ceasefire regime in Syria generally observed — Russian ceasefire center.

IS under pressure as troops advance on Syria's Palmyra. Syrian state TV says troops enter ISIL-held Palmyra. Syrian army retakes Palmyra citadel from Islamic State.

Russia warplanes in Syria attack militants carrying weapons to Palmyra — source.

'No drama, no walkouts' and no progress in Syria peace talks. Syria conflict: US and Russia want draft constitution by August. Kerry, Putin agree to accelerate search for political solution in Syria.

Iraqi forces make slow progress south of Mosul.

Suicide bomber kills 26, wounds 71 south of Baghdad - official.

Thousands stage anti-government protests in Baghdad. Iraqi Shi'ite leader threatens unrest if reforms blocked.

Turkey: 3 soldiers killed in PKK attack on military station. Turkish military strikes PKK in northern Iraq, kills 24 militants.

Turkey takes journalists' trial behind closed doors.

Islamic State claims blasts at Aden checkpoints; at least 20 dead.

Saudi Arabia campaign leaves 80% of Yemen population needing aid.

Yemen Houthi chief says hopes for peace but will confront aggression.

ASIA

Iran's Rouhani making first visit to Pakistan as president.

Hopes for peace between Afghanistan, Taliban fade.

Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan flee to Kunar province.

Kyrgyz, Uzbek officials meet over border standoff.

As Korean tensions rise, rival leaders get personal.

China 'detains 20 over Xi resignation letter'.

A hundred Chinese boats encroach in Malaysian waters: minister.

Korean-American in North Korea confesses to stealing secrets: media.

Japan kills 333 minke whales.

AFRICA

Egypt kills 60 gunmen in North Sinai: army.

Suicide bomber detained in Cameroon says she's one of Chibok girls.

More than 800 Boko Haram hostages rescued by Nigerian army.

Nigeria indicts firms over arms fraud contracts.

SAS deployed in Libya since start of year, says leaked memo.

Blasphemy cases rise in Egypt and Christians bear the brunt.

Mali rebel 'to admit' Timbuktu mausoleum destruction at ICC.

Egypt 'finds killers of Italian student Giulio Regeni'.

US to fund Tunisia border surveillance.

EUROPE

Wounded suspect held in major Brussels police operation over attacks.

Brussels police conduct more raids linked to deadly bombings. Brussels attacks: 10 suspects arrested in three countries. Eight men held in Brussels and Paris following terror attacks.

EU ministers call for strengthening of Europe’s external borders in wake of Brussels attacks.

Brussels attackers originally planned to strike next week: report.

Belgium confirms plans to conduct airstrikes on Daesh after Brussels attack.

Kerry defends Belgium's counterterrorism efforts.

French police foil 'advanced’ terror plot near Paris.

One in two Russians support military return to Syria if peace talks fail.

Bulgaria says ready to erect fence on border with Greece.

Radovan Karadžić's sentence for Bosnia genocide exposes continuing divisions.

1,000 opposition supporters march in Belarus capital.

AMERICAS

With Brazil in crisis, who has time for the Olympics?.

Dilma Rousseff defiant amid calls for resignation over corruption scandal.

At least 2 Americans killed in Brussels attacks, US official says.

CNN Poll of Polls: Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump lead nationally.

Argentina: Thousands march 40 years after military dictatorship began.

Venezuela is running short of everything.

Haiti's new interim prime minister vows elections 'as soon as possible'.

The Rolling Stones land in Havana for first Cuban concert.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State second-in-command likely killed: U.S..

Islamic State video calls for jihad after Brussels blasts.

U.S. concerned terror plots accelerated after Brussels.

Dozens of terror plots thwarted across Europe, say officials.

Obama admin: Bush released Gitmo detainee who killed Americans.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Investors are still betting big on gold. What do they know that you don't?

China-backed bank says more than 30 countries await membership.

Microsoft takes Tay 'chatbot' offline after trolls make it spew offensive comments.

Playboy empire reportedly exploring sale of itself.