World News Briefs -- March 29, 2016

Reuters: Pakistan detained more than 5,000 after Easter bombing killed 72

Pakistan has rounded up more than 5,000 militant suspects, then released most of them, in the two days since a suicide bomber killed at least 72 people in a park in Lahore at Easter, a provincial minister said on Tuesday.

Investigators were keeping 216 suspects in custody pending further investigation, said Rana Sanaullah, a state minister for Punjab province from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's ruling party.

Details of the sweeping raids aimed at anyone suspected of violent Islamist extremism came as the Taliban faction claiming responsibility for the attack issued a new threat on Tuesday, singling out the media.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria civil war: Army 'steps up offensive from Palmyra'.

Iraqi army says border area with Syria taken from ISIS.

U.S. orders military families to leave parts of Turkey.

Biden to host Turkey's Erdogan as ties with U.S. show strains.

UNICEF: Thousands of Yemeni children dying due to conflict.

Ajman fire: Huge blaze hits UAE residential towers.

Most Israelis support soldier accused of shooting Palestinian, says poll.

ASIA

Pakistan Army, Rangers to cleanse Punjab after Karachi. Military gives ‘go-ahead’ for operation in Punjab.

Lahore attack: Pakistan 'detains 200' after Easter blast. Pakistan detained more than 5,000 after Easter bombing killed 72.

Obama to discuss North Korea nuclear issue with Asian leaders.

Obama seeing China leader as South China Sea tensions rise.

Obama, Park and Abe to discuss North Korea on Thursday.

Myanmar lifts state of emergency in conflict-torn Rakhine state. Myanmar lifts Rakhine emergency four years after communal violence.

Japan's PM defends new security laws as protesters denounce them.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef hit by 'worst' bleaching.

From Israel to Colombia, who's laundering money in China.

AFRICA

EgyptAir plane hijacker arrested at Cyprus airport. EgyptAir hijacker arrested. EgyptAir hijack ends with passengers freed.

16 dead as army clashes with rebels in DR Congo.

Nigerian army rescues 72 Boko Haram hostages.

'Somalia-bound' ship of weapons seized by French navy.

France calls for urgent set-up of Libya unity government.

Jailed Niger opposition granted provisional release after election.

Sub-Saharan Africa's dependence on child labor affects development.

U.S. agency freezes $473 million aid to Tanzania over Zanzibar election.

Mozambique police raid Renamo's offices and Dhlakama's home.

EUROPE

Belgium police still hunting third airport suspect. Belgium accused of string of attacks blunders.

Brussels attacks: 'Months' until airport fully reopens.

Hopes fade of imminent deal to end Ukraine political crisis. Ukraine's parliament sacks corruption-tainted prosecutor.

Situation on contact line in Donbass deteriorating despite Poroshenko’s statements — DPR.

Spanish court says to try alleged Islamists, renews request for US help.

Bank of England warns of EU referendum risks.

Somali pirates in French court over fatal hijacking.

AMERICAS

Brazil party set to abandon Rousseff, making impeachment more likely.

Brazil minister quits before vote on Dilma Rousseff's coalition. Brazil centrists PMDB to vote on coalition exit.

Polls show Trump with big lead, Clinton edge narrowing.

US election: Obama blames media for Trump's success.

US Secret Service: 'No' to guns at Republican Convention.

UN says disputed Falkland Islands are in Argentina territorial waters. Falkland Islands seek clarity on new ruling expanding Argentina's sea control.

Colombia arrests army general for extrajudicial killings.

US Congress headed to continuing resolution to fund government in fiscal '17, lawmaker says.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIL has its eyes on Al Qaeda’s global network (commentary).

FBI warned Dutch about El Bakraoui brothers week before attacks.

CIA photographed detainees naked before sending them to be tortured.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil could fall back to low $30s or below: Analysts.

Yellen says Fed should proceed 'cautiously' given global risks.

San Bernardino iPhone: US ends Apple case after accessing data without assistance.