World News Briefs -- April 8, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry holds a news conference at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, April 8, 2016.

VOA: Kerry in Iraq: Time to ‘Turn Up Pressure' on Islamic State Extremists

BAGHDAD—Islamic State extremists are losing ground in Iraq, their leaders and fighters are being eliminated and the group's rank-and-file members are losing hope, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday.

Kerry made a quick visit to Baghdad Friday for talks with Iraqi leaders. He promised the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State "will work with Iraq to turn up the pressure even further” during the coming weeks and months.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Rebels take key northern town of al-Rai from IS.

Islamic State begins releasing kidnapped workers: Syrian Observatory.

Syria civil war: Only remaining doctor in besieged town of Zabadani is murdered by sniper.

U.S., Russia said to team up to draft new Syria constitution.

Mosul siege stalled as Iraqi army once again flees when bullets fly, say sources.

Iraq: Falluja residents trapped by IS 'starving'.

Kerry visits Iraq, showing support for embattled PM.

Kerry tells Iran to join efforts for peace in Yemen and Syria.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt announce Red Sea bridge.

ASIA

Pakistan, India peace talks 'suspended'.

Vietnam demands China remove $1 billion oil rig amid sovereignty row. China rebuffs Vietnam criticism of oil rig move.

U.S. inspector general paints grim picture of Afghanistan reconstruction.

New Myanmar government begins releasing political prisoners.

India in talks to buy U.S. Predator drones, has eye on China, Pakistan.

Thirteen North Koreans defect from overseas restaurant.

Al Qaeda-linked group claims Bangladesh killing: SITE.

AFRICA

Nigerian military says 800 Boko Haram fighters have surrendered.

France rules out Libya air strikes, says could help secure new govt.

ANC rebellion gains momentum, raising odds of Zuma's ouster.

Amnesty International demands Chad release activists ahead of polls.

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh seeks fourth term.

South African government to appeal Bashir ruling at highest court.

No more 'free' Saudi money for Egypt: Saudi businessman familiar with matter.

EUROPE

Paris attacks suspect Abrini arrested: Belgian media. Suspected terror accomplice known as 'Man in the Hat' reportedly among several arrested.

Skirmishes continue in Nagorno-Karabakh despite cease-fire.

More migrants shipped back to Turkey under EU pact. Migrant crisis: Deportations resume from Greece to Turkey.

Russian lawmaker accuses West of political and economic siege of Russia.

UK leader Cameron under fire over link to offshore accounts. David Cameron accused of 'completely undermining' Tory claims to be tough on tax dodgers.

Europe's banks under scrutiny as regulators look into Panama Papers.

Catholic Church: Pope Francis urges greater family understanding.

AMERICAS

US election: Tensions escalate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

US Senator wants billions in emergency aid for Mideast.

FBI debates sharing iPhone hacking details with Apple.

Venezuelan leader threatens to cut opposition legislature's term.

Panama Papers: Argentina President Macri to go before judge.

Fidel Castro makes rare public appearance at Havana educational center.

2 men dead in apparent murder-suicide at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Isis: New terrorist group Jahba East Africa pledges allegiance to 'Islamic State' in Somalia.

Number of 'Islamic State' fighters has doubled in Libya, according to US general. ISIS manpower in Libya doubled over 1 year, top US commander says.

ISIS taps tech for Web radio.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tighter global nuclear security rules to take effect in May.

Wall Street gains driven by surge in oil prices.

Uber pays $10m in driver vetting row.