World News Briefs -- April 4, 2016

BBC: Panama Papers: Mossack Fonseca leak reveals elite's tax havens

A huge leak of confidential documents has revealed how the rich and powerful use tax havens to hide their wealth.

Eleven million documents were leaked from one of the world's most secretive companies, Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.

They show how Mossack Fonseca has helped clients launder money, dodge sanctions and avoid tax.

The company says it has operated beyond reproach for 40 years and has never been charged with criminal wrong-doing.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army presses ahead with offensive against IS.

Syria war: 'Islamic State' loses al-Qaryatain to government forces.

U.S., allies conduct 24 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

Wave of suspected ISIL attacks kill at least 60 in Iraq. About 25 killed in suicide attacks, shelling across Iraq.

Trapped civilians slow Iraqi military advance against 'Islamic State'.

Yemeni PM sacked in major shake-up of senior officials.

Erdogan: Obama spoke 'behind my back' on press freedom.

ASIA

The Panama Papers are super awkward for Beijing.

Panama Papers: Australia investigates tax evasion.

Vietnam seizes Chinese vessel in South China Sea.

India's ruling party in tight fight in border state as voting begins

UN worried over expected rise in Afghan violence.

North Korea calls for negotiations with the United States. North Korea slams UN’s ‘suicidal’ sanctions, calls for talks with US while UN begins probe into human rights violations.

Pakistan rains kill 45.

AFRICA

Heavy gunfire heard on streets of Congo capital. Heavy, sporadic gunfire heard in Republic of Congo capital.

Nigerian military arrests Boko Haram splinter group leader.

Burundi welcomes UN resolution approving police presence in Burundi.

Libya's unity government freezes accounts of all state bodies.

Motion to impeach Jacob Zuma to be debated by South African parliament. South African ruling party in crisis talks over Zuma scandal.

Return of Algerian ex-oil boss hints at revival of reforms.

South Sudanese rebel Machar to become Vice President this month.

EUROPE

Iceland’s PM faces calls for snap election after offshore revelations.

First boats returning migrants and refugees from Greece arrive in Turkey. Greece sends first migrants back to Turkey under new EU deal.

German minister says migrant crisis may have peaked.

Ties between Germany and Russia enter new chill.

Turkey must stop meddling in other states' affairs, end support of terrorism, Russia says.

Brussels airport partially reopens 12 days after suicide attacks.

Conservatives in Spain seen inching ahead in new election: poll.

IMF's Lagarde tells Greece debt leak is 'nonsense'.

Air France crew angry at order to wear headscarf in Iran.

AMERICAS

Clinton, Sanders spar over adding new campaign events.

Trump facing new doubts in US Republican Presidential nomination race.

Peru's Fujimori signs pledge to avoid authoritarian ways of father.

Hillary Clinton says the FBI hasn't asked to interview her about email server.

Tickets to the 2016 Olympics aren't selling, and Brazil is scrambling to boost demand.

Mexico tortures migrants – and citizens – in effort to slow Central American surge.

Never before seen’ spring snowfall in the Caribbean islands – & Colorado Ski Resort snowiest in 50 years.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Syrian Nusra Front's Abu Firas killed in suspected drone strike: rebels.

Islamic State West Africa reaffirms loyalty to al Baghdadi.

U.S. says it killed ISIS militant who killed Marine in Iraq.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices volatile on output fears.

Taliban app removed from Google store.

Tesla says Model 3 orders top $10 billion in first 36 hours.