World News Briefs -- May 23, 2016

Wall Street Journal: Iraq Begins Assault on Islamic State in Fallujah

Fallujah one of Islamic State’s most significant remaining strongholds in Iraq

BAGHDAD—Iraqi forces have begun their assault on Islamic State in Fallujah, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said late Sunday, an operation that aims to evict the extremists from one of their last major territorial holdings in Iraq.

“The moment of real victory has come, and Daesh has no option but to flee,” Mr. Abadi told state TV, using an Arabic acronym for the Sunni extremist group.

The operation follows months of planning and preparation in coordination with a U.S.-led military coalition that is backing Iraqi forces with airstrikes.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq PM declares offensive to retake Fallujah from ISIL. Falluja assault: Iraqi military moves against IS. Battle begins for city where 100 American troops died.

Bombs kill more than 140 in Syrian government-held cities: monitor. Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple bomb attacks in Syrian cities.

Syria rebels set 48-hour deadline to end regime assault.

Monitor: 60,000 have died in Syrian government jails during war.

ISIL bomb attacks kill 45 army recruits in Yemen.

UN envoy cites progress in Yemen talks, airstrikes continue.

Turkey threatens to suspend agreements with EU.

Erdoğan calls on Europe to take in more Syrian refugees.

ASIA

Afghan Taliban meet on succession as Obama confirms leader's death. Taliban's Haqqani may be even more deadly foe than Mansour. Taliban in disarray as the search for a new leader gets under way.

Obama: Taliban leader's death a 'milestone'.

Afghan leaders see Taliban leader's death as hopeful sign.

South Korea dismisses North's 'bogus' military talks. South Korea rejects North Korea talks proposal as 'bogus'.

Tajikistan votes to allow president to rule indefinitely.

Seventeen girls dead as fire rips through Thai school. Thailand school dormitory fire kills 17 schoolgirls.

Rohingya Muslim shot dead by police in mass escape from Thai detention centre.

Mount Sinabung: Search for survivors after Indonesian volcano erupts, killing seven.

India and Iran sign 'historic' Chabahar port deal.

Britain grants refugee status to ex-president of Maldives, his lawyer says.

AFRICA

Egypt sends robot submarine to help plane crash search.

Egypt must work harder to revive tourism after EgyptAir crash: minister.

Fears DRC president's push to keep power will spark major violence.

Libya wary of Pentagon’s latest effort to train, arm militias to fight Islamic State.

Migrant crisis: Libya intercepts boats carrying 850 people.

Nigeria is headed for a 'full-blown economic crisis'.

South Africa prosecutor to challenge Jacob Zuma corruption ruling. South African prosecutors to appeal High Court order to reinstate President Zuma corruption charges.

EUROPE

Left-winger van der Bellen wins Austrian presidential election.

EU referendum: Brexit 'would spark year-long recession' - Treasury.

Greek parliament approves reforms in exchange for aid, debt relief.

Greek anger spreads to middle class.

Greece 'to move migrants' from Idomeni camp in coming days. Greece to 'step up' evacuation of makeshift Idomeni migrant camp.

Russian soldiers convicted in Ukraine to appeal for clemency.

Russia seeks China’s help controlling the internet.

Lockerbie lawyer seeks $330 million from Putin, Russia for MH17 disaster.

AMERICAS

Trump, Clinton sling mud at each other.

Sanders breaks with White House on Puerto Rican rescue plan.

Protests in Brazil's 2 biggest cities against acting leader.

Violent protests erupt during Chile president's speech.

International concern mounts over Venezuela.

Nearly 1,400 people shot this year as Chicago braces for the summer.

Officer acquitted on all charges in Freddie Gray case. Baltimore police officer acquitted in Freddie Gray death.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS claims deadly Syria, Yemen bombings.

Islamic State group leader urges attacks in Europe and U.S..

The Islamic State is now trying to convince India's Muslims to come join the Caliphate.

EU politicians warned of new Daesh terror threat across Europe.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks little changed as investors wait for Fed.

Oil discoveries sink to lowest since 1952: Morgan Stanley.

Bayer's Monsanto bid to create biggest agricultural supplier.