Sunday, April 10, 2016

World News Briefs -- April 10, 2016



Reuters: Syrian PM says Russia to back new Aleppo attack; opposition says truce near collapse

The Russian air force and Syrian military are preparing a joint operation to take Aleppo from rebels, the Syrian prime minister was quoted saying on Sunday, and an opposition official said a ceasefire was on the verge of collapse.

With a U.N. envoy due in Damascus in a bid to advance struggling diplomatic efforts, the "cessation of hostilities agreement" brokered by Russia and the United States came under new strain as government and rebel forces fought near Aleppo.

The ceasefire came into effect in February with the aim of paving the way for a resumption of talks to end the five-year-long war. But it has been widely violated, with each side blaming the other for breaches. The fighting south of Aleppo marks the most significant challenge yet to the deal.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian PM: Russian air force, Syrian army preparing operation to free Aleppo - agencies.

Syrian rebels capture key ISIL town north of Aleppo.

IS frees most of 300 abducted Syrian cement workers, kills 4.

Iraqi army kills dozens of ISIS fighters, but 90,000 trapped civilians starving in Fallujah.

Iraq death toll reaches 242,000 as Baghdad marks war anniversary.

Yemen conflict: 'At least 15 government troops' killed.

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of training terrorists to carry out terror attacks against it.

Iran will not negotiate with US over missile program, says foreign minister.

Israel says half-year surge in Palestinian street violence wanes.

ASIA

Philippine clash leaves 18 soldiers, 5 militants dead. Philippines vows to 'destroy' militants who killed 18 troops.

Pakistani government claims 34 Baluch rebels killed in raids.

Afghanistan earthquake shakes major cities. Strong earthquake shakes Afghan, Pakistani capitals. Strong earthquake shakes buildings across South Asia.

Rocket strikes in Kabul intended for John Kerry, Taliban say.

Kerry: 'No end date' for Afghanistan power-sharing.

US to North Korea: Refrain from acts that 'destabilize' the region.

China FM: G-20 talks should focus on economy.

More large-scale defections possible from North Korea: Seoul.

Nearly 100 dead in Kerala temple blaze.

AFRICA

Somalia’s president says al-Qaeda-backed rebels are ‘resurgent’.

South Sudan Army Chief sparks controversy.

US researcher who linked soldiers to massacres expelled from DR Congo.

Staff evacuated from shuttered Libyan oil fields due to militant threat.

Libya faces influx of migrants seeking new routes to Europe.


Voting underway in crucial Chad elections. Chad votes as Idriss Deby eyes fifth term.

Tight race expected in Comoros presidential runoff.

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh wins fourth term.

US warns Darfur referendum may not be 'credible'.

Regeni murder: Egypt denies Italy phone record request.

EUROPE

Ukraine Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk tenders resignation. Ukraine PM Arseny Yatseniuk resigns.

Brussels group 'initially planned to hit France'. Brussels bombers were planning to carry out a new attack on Paris, Belgian prosecutor says.

Huge anti-government rally in Iceland amid Panama Papers scandal.

French protests turn violent as police and demonstrators clash.

NATO: No 'business as usual' until Russia respects international law.

Migrants clash with Macedonian police at Greek border.

Refugee crisis reaches Greece's western shores

Greece sells largest port Piraeus to Chinese company.

Austria may seize Hitler’s birthplace to keep Nazi sympathizers from owning it.

AMERICAS

Sanders wins Wyoming, prepares to take on Clinton in New York. Clinton: I will have the delegates required to win.

Obama says Clinton never jeopardized U.S. national security in email case - Fox.

Exclusive: Blocking Trump could hurt Republicans in election - Reuters/Ipsos poll.

U.S. hands over 1,100 pages of Benghazi records - House panel chairman.

Peru Votes in Presidential election as Fujimori leads polls.

Rebel attack kills soldiers ahead of Peru vote. Three dead in attack ahead of Peru election.

Support for Rousseff's impeachment ebbs in Brazil poll.

Argentina's former president faces money laundering investigation

Female police officers subjected to 'attractiveness' inspections in Mexico.

Cuba running low on beer as thirsty US tourists descend.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US warns of 'credible threats' to citizens in Turkey as it launches strikes on Isis. Turkey warning: US advises of threats to Istanbul and Antalya.

German spy chief says Islamic State wants to attack but no specific plot known.

Former Saddam aide seeks to reshape Sunni insurgency.

Families of Afghans killed in US drone raids seek probe.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices jump amid hopes for output freeze at OPEC summit.

Financial turmoil at SunEdison imperils solar projects worldwide.

Hong Kong emerges as hub for creating offshore companies.

Panama law firm says it hasn't been approached by investigators yet.

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