Reuters: U.S.-backed Syrian alliance launches new attack near Islamic State capital
A U.S.-backed alliance of Syrian militias launched a new offensive against Islamic State fighters near their de facto capital of Raqqa city on Tuesday, a monitoring group and an official said.
The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance is the main Syrian partner for the U.S.-led alliance battling the Islamic State group that controls large areas of northern and eastern Syria. Its most powerful component is the Kurdish YPG militia.
Aided by U.S.-led air strikes, the YPG has driven Islamic State from wide areas of northern Syria over the last year or more, though its advances have recently slowed.
There has been no indication of when a full assault on Raqqa city might take place. A Kurdish official contacted by Reuters declined to say whether it was a target of the latest offensive.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq forces keep up shelling of Falluja, U.N. concern mounts for civilians.
Iraqi army suffers losses with Fallujah assault. Iraqi government forces clearing booby traps set up by ISIS outside of Fallujah. Iraqi forces clash with Islamic State near Falluja, bombard city center.
The Islamic State is reportedly rounding up civilians to use as human shields in Fallujah.
IS conflict: 50,000 Iraqi civilians 'at great risk' in Falluja.
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Al-Nusra assembles 6,000-strong attack force in Aleppo – Russian MoD.
Yemen: Bomb attack near Sanaa University kills two.
Israeli border residents worried new Lebanese watchtowers could be turned over to Hezbollah.
PKK bomb kills six soldiers in southeast Turkey: army.
New Turkish cabinet reflects Erdogan's growing power.
Hardliner elected to lead Iran's Assembly of Experts. Iran hardliner Jannati elected head of Assembly of Experts.
ASIA
Tens of thousands need aid after deadly cyclone pounds Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
U.S. official says India has addressed nuclear concerns.
Strike on Taliban chief shows dimming US hopes for Afghan peace.
Senior Taliban figure says death of leader could unify group.
Pakistan says can't confirm Taliban leader killed in U.S. drone strike.
Pakistan protests US airstrike on Mansour as ‘a violation of sovereignty’.
Afghanistan says Taliban shadow governor in Helmand killed.
Obama says will ensure freedom of navigation in South China Sea.
Obama prods Vietnam on rights after activists stopped from meeting him.
'Sanctions against North Korea are not working'.
North Korean workers defect from overseas restaurant, says South.
North Korean envoy rejects Trump overture to meet leader.
Everest safety under scrutiny as third climber dies in as many days.
AFRICA
South Sudanese army 'getting away with murder' as thousands flee abuses: rights group. South Sudan Army killed civilians in western region, group says.
Oil attacks in Nigeria's south hit power, water supply.
Conflicting claims cloud EgyptAir crash cause. Forensic expert: EgyptAir human remains suggest explosion. Investigators play down explosion theory in EgyptAir crash.
Uganda accuses Congo army of killing four of its police.
As fighters return from Libya, Tunisia faces growing challenge.
Kenya Cord alliance protests turn deadly.
China to build Sudan's first nuclear reactor.
South African shanty-town demolition sparks riots, two guards killed.
South Africa's Zuma to appeal ruling on graft charges.
EUROPE
Portuguese, Russian espionage suspects arrested in Rome.
Seven Ukrainian soldiers reported killed in eastern conflict. Surge in eastern fighting kills seven Ukrainian soldiers: official.
Cyprus president cuts short Turkey trip after protocol row.
Greek authorities begin clearing Idomeni refugee camp. Greece begins Idomeni refugee camp evacuation.
Shaken Austrian government pledges action on asylum after far-right surge.
Divert 10% of EU funds to deal with refugee crisis, says Germany.
Serbia's prime minister promises new-style government.
Riots in Barcelona after squatters evicted from former bank.
Tour de France: Special forces to guard race.
French labour dispute: Strike hits all eight oil refineries.
AMERICAS
CDC official says 'thousands' may have arrived in US with Zika.
Sanders campaign requests Kentucky vote recanvass.
Poll: Majority of Americans dislike Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton declines invitation to debate Bernie Sanders.
Clinton email probe in late stage, FBI may question her.
Cuba to legalize small and medium-sized private businesses.
Brazil leaked tape forces minister Romero Juca out.
Price of corn flour in Venezuela soars 900 percent.
Food shortages take toll on Venezuelans' diet.
Venezuela to rejoin global group fighting conflict diamonds.
Some crude production restarts as cool weather saps Canadian wildfire.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Tony Blair says defeating IS requires 'proper ground war'.
Al Qaeda reportedly back in Afghan heartland, plotting new attacks against West.
Is Nusra Front really going to split from Al Qaeda?
IS attacks undermine Iraqi state in war weary capital.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Dow closes up triple digits; Toll Brothers posts best day since 2013.
Facebook to revamp Trending Topics.
Coming soon to Twitter: More room to tweet.
Prosecutor confirms Google Paris raid in tax evasion probe. Google's Paris HQ raided in tax probe.
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