World News Briefs -- May 11, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Islamic State bombs kill 80 in deadliest Baghdad attacks this year

Three suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State across Baghdad killed at least 80 people on Wednesday, Iraqi police and hospital sources said, in the deadliest attacks in the Iraqi capital this year.

Security has gradually improved in Baghdad, which was the target of daily bombings a decade ago, but violence against security forces and Shi'ite Muslim civilians is still frequent. Large blasts sometimes set off reprisal attacks against the minority Sunni community.

The fight against Islamic State, which seized about a third of Iraq's territory in 2014, has exacerbated a long-running sectarian conflict in Iraq mostly between Sunnis and the Shi'ite majority that came to power after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Such violence threatens to undermine U.S.-backed efforts to defeat the militant group.

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MIDDLE EAST

Bombings kill 93 in Iraqi capital's bloodiest day this year. 94 dead in triple Baghdad car bombings claimed by IS.

Syrian army battles jihadists near Palmyra.

Russian serviceman killed in Syria escorting monitoring convoy. Russian serviceman killed in combat mission in Syria's Homs.

U.S., Britain, France block Russia bid to blacklist Syria rebels.

Iraq says Islamic State control shrinks to 14 percent of its territory.

Suicide bomber strikes Yemen military convoy, kills eight: official.

Erdogan says Turkey killed 3,000 IS extremists.

Turkey dismisses UN alarm at alleged rights abuses in Kurdish region.

Turkey will send migrants back to EU if visa-free deal fails – Erdogan party’s MP.

Egypt opens Gaza crossing for 48 hours after 85-day closure.

Homeless at home: most displaced people found in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

ASIA

Philippine stocks highest in 9 months after 'peaceful' elections.

Chinese fighter jets buzz U.S. warship on South China Sea.

Quietly, Vietnam hosts arms gathering attended by U.S. companies.

China will meet economic growth goal this year: vice premier.

Thailand defends rights restrictions at U.N. review.

North Korea defends hydrogen bomb, blames U.S. for tensions.

Bangladesh executes Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes.

Japanese happy Obama to visit Hiroshima, apology or not. Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors want Obama to feel their pain.

Australians planned to 'use small boat to join IS'.

AFRICA

4 police, 3 jihadists killed in Tunisia raids: ministry.

Rwandan genocide defendant says he was 'ordinary citizen'.

Uganda arrests opposition leader ahead of Museveni's swearing in.

Western Libyan forces prepare attack on Islamic State stronghold.

Kenya drawing up timetable to close refugee camp for Somalis.

Children dying in Nigeria military detention: Amnesty. Amnesty report details 'horrendous conditions' of Nigerian detainees.

DR Congo's Katumbi on rough road to presidency.

Nigerian President Buhari 'not demanding' Cameron apology.

Ethiopians die in floods and landslides after heavy rain. Flash floods displace nearly 120,000 in Ethiopia: aid agencies.

Wide arrests in Egypt signal no-tolerance policy on critics.

EUROPE

U.S. to switch on European missile shield despite Russian alarm.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan: 'I'm hoping' Trump doesn't win.

Ukraine talks in Germany make progress on security issues. Ukraine, Russia agree some security measures: Germany.

Armenia President, EU special envoy discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia says Azerbaijani armed forces shelled Armenian army positions. Azerbaijan says Armenian army violated ceasefire 142 times.

Free-travel, terror law disputes threaten EU-Turkey deal. To Europe's chagrin, Turkey digs in its heels on terrorism law.

French government to face no-confidence vote.

Britain's MI5 raises threat level from Northern Irish militants.

Moldova ready to resume talks on Transdniestrian settlement — deputy PM.

Russia boosts power supplies to annexed Crimea.


Italian police bust Somali mafia ring trafficking asylum seekers.

Germans to eat 'Erdogan-Burgers' again despite threats.

Queen Elizabeth II: Chinese officials were 'very rude'.

AMERICAS

Brazil Senate debates impeachment trial as Rousseff's removal looms. Future of Brazil's president on the line in key Senate vote.

Venezuelans clash with police in march to demand recall vote. Venezuela tense as cops block anti-president march.

Director Comey rebuffs Clinton claim FBI only conducting ‘security inquiry’ on emails.

Clinton suffers primary setback as Trump marches toward November.

Joe Biden: ‘I would have been the best President’.

Colombia's President Santos says peace deal with FARC in 'very near future'.

Brazil impeachment: Rousseff appeals to Supreme Court.

Brazilian soccer star urges tourists to skip Rio Olympics.

Canada fires: Alberta oil firms to restart production. Temporary housing first step as wildfire-ravaged Fort McMurray recovers.

Canada adopts UN declaration on indigenous peoples, but some are skeptical anything will change.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State yearly oil revenue halved to $250 million: U.S. official.

UN seeks to counter terrorist activity online.

US launched 4 airstrikes against AQAP at end of April.

US weighs release for Kenyan held at Guantanamo since 2007.

Classified information 'spill' reported at Guantanamo military commission.

Islamic State launches mobile app for children.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

IMF: Global corruption costs trillions in bribes, lost growth.

No let up. Saudi Arabia to increase oil production.

UFC could be sold for $4bn to Chinese investor.

Top 25 hedge fund managers earned $13bn in 2015 – more than some nations.