Monday, May 30, 2016

World News Briefs -- May 30, 2016

Kurdish Peshmerga forces keep watch in a village east of Mosul, Iraq, May 29, 2016. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

The Guardian: Kurdish forces in big push against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

Peshmerga fighters tighten noose around Mosul as Iraqi forces target Falluja and Syrians advance north of Raqqa stronghold

Kurdish peshmerga forces backed by the US-led coalition have launched attacks on Islamic State east of Mosul as the campaign to oust the militants stepped up with three offensives across Iraq and Syria.

As the peshmerga assault got under way, Iraqi forces were gathering around the Islamic State stronghold of Falluja further south, and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advanced north of the militants’ other de facto capital, Raqqa.

However, analysts warned that it would take years to finally defeat the militants in the region.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq troops in 'final assault' on Islamic State in Falluja. Fight for Fallujah: Iraqi forces launch operation to storm city. Iraqi forces push into Fallujah as IS bombings kill 24.

Bombs kill at least 35 in Baghdad; casualties from two other explosions unknown.

U.S.-led coalition troops seen near front line in new Iraq offensive.

U.S.-backed Syrian alliance widens offensive near IS capital.

Syria war: Casualties mount in air strikes on Aleppo.

Chief Syrian opposition peace negotiator quits over failed talks.

Iran pilgrims to miss Hajj amid row with Saudi Arabia.

Jordanian King appoints caretaker PM to oversee new elections.

Israeli police recommend Netanyahu's wife be indicted for financial irregularities, reports say.

ASIA

Philippine troops kill 54 Islamist militants in the south. Philippines Military: 54 Muslim rebels killed in South.

Japan puts military on alert for possible North Korea missile launch.

South China Sea fears grow before tribunal rules on disputed islands.

Afghan official says Taliban attacks killed 12 policemen.

Family of driver killed in US strike on Taliban leader file criminal case.

Philippine Congress proclaims Duterte winner of presidential election.

Great Barrier Reef corals threatened by mass bleaching.

AFRICA

Five U.N. soldiers killed in central Mali attack. Mali: United Nations peacekeepers killed in attack.

Forces backed by Libya's unity government seek to encircle Islamic State-held Sirte.

Nigeria's Buhari says government to talk to Niger Delta leaders.

Egypt military court sentences 8 to death.

Mozambique: Renamo leader Dhlakama reveals assassination plot.

Chad ex-dictator Habre sentenced to life in prison for war crimes. Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-ruler convicted of crimes against humanity.

Uganda to halt military, security ties with North Korea: South Korea.

Two Tunisians killed in landmine blast near Algerian border: ministry.

Daallo Airlines blast: Somalia sentences two to life in prison.

EUROPE

More than 700 migrants feared dead in three Mediterranean sinkings. Between 700-900 migrants may have died at sea this week: NGOs.

NATO urged to show stronger resolve on Russia, boost defense.

Five Ukrainian troops killed by rebels near Donetsk.

Hungary bolsters anti-migrant fence on Serbia border.

Eurozone economic sentiment improves for second month.

French government and union remain deadlocked in wave of unrest.

Poland's ruling party leader vague on support for EU's Tusk.

AMERICAS

Obama marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

Colombian ELN rebels 'regret' journalists' kidnap.

Armed squad kills 11 people in Venezuela.

Lufthansa to suspend flights to Venezuela.

Peru's Fujimori seen winning presidential election next week: poll.

Kidnapped Mexican footballer Alan Pulido rescued 'safe and sound'. Alan Pulido: Seized Mexico footballer freed.

Anger after Toronto police raid dozens of marijuana shops.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: ISIS selling sex slaves on Facebook.

Brother of Paris attacker on trial over militant training. French jihadi network that groomed Bataclan killer on trial.

ISIS may attack Euro 2016 England, Russia fans with ‘suicide bombs & chem weapons drones’ – report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices dip as Iraq raises exports.

Russian-Chinese passenger jet to take on Boeing & Airbus.

France going 'all the way' to collect tax from Google, McDonald's.

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