Tuesday, May 31, 2016

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2016



The Guardian: Isis fighting back as Iraqi forces try to take centre of Falluja

Terror group launches counterattack but Iraqi commander says the group of about 100 fighters was eventually repelled

Iraqi forces faced tough resistance from Islamic State fighters as they attempted to enter the centre of Falluja, where there are fears for tens of thousands of trapped civilians.

A day after announcing a push into the city, the last major population centre held by Isis in western Iraq, forces led by Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism service were met by a counterattack in the southern Naimiya district on Tuesday.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces intensify assault against ISIL in Fallujah. Islamic State group hits back as Iraqi army moves into Falluja. Heavy clashes as Iraqi forces push into IS-held Fallujah.

UN: 'Islamic State' using human shields in Fallujah.

Syria civil war: Russia denies conducting Idlib raids. Air strikes pummel rebel-held city of Idlib.

Turkey counts cost of conflict as Kurdish militant battle rages on.

New Yemen clashes kill 38 rebels, loyalists.

Saudi says intercepts and destroys ballistic missile from Yemen.

Gaza Strip: Hamas executes three as death penalty resumes.

ASIA

As North Korean missile launch fails, Pyongyang official visits Beijing.

Taliban overrun Afghan police checkpoints in Helmand Province. Taliban kill 9, abduct 35 in Afghan bus attacks.

Hopes for peace dim with new Taliban leader.

Number of Afghans fleeing war doubles to 1.2 mn, says Amnesty.

New Taiwan leadership takes tough stance on disputed South China Sea.

Malaysia immigration: Officials accused of sabotage are fired.

Multiple deaths in Indian army ammunition fire.

AFRICA

Libyan forces advance in push on Islamic State strongholds.

Roadside bombs kills 6 soldiers in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Distress signal from EgyptAir flight 804 confirmed by authorities in Cairo and US.

Nigeria: Security forces kill oil militants, separatists. Buhari's crackdown in Nigeria fails to stamp out Boko Haram.

Power struggles stall South Sudan’s recovery from war.

Kenya announces Dadaab refugee camp will close by November.

Kenya covers up military massacre.

Leader of Western Sahara separatist movement dies after illness.

EUROPE

Mediterranean death toll has reached more than 2,500 this year, says UN.

Dalai Lama says 'too many' refugees in Europe.

NATO chief says Warsaw summit comes at 'critical time'.

Russia sanctions: Still not clear what EU will decide, German FM says.

Moscow has no plans of recognizing Ukraine's self-proclaimed republics — Lavrov.

Freed pilot Savchenko sworn in as Ukrainian lawmaker.

Survey: Merkel's 'grand coalition' dips under 50 percent.

France labour dispute: Hollande digs in as rail strike looms. French Labor unions call for new strikes ahead of Euro 2016.

AMERICAS

Combative Trump details millions in aid for veterans, attacks media.

Clinton and allies step up California efforts as primary draws near.

Secret Service jump on stage at Bernie Sanders rally amid commotion.

Second minister in new Brazil government quits. Lava Jato: Brazilian anti-corruption minister quits over secret recording.

Haiti election: Commission recommends rerunning election from scratch.

Second airline suspends flights to Venezuela.

Kidnapped Mexican striker Pulido escaped by punching captor: official.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Military contemplates aging Guantánamo detainees.

Euro 2016 in France could be extremist target, US warns.

ISIS reportedly uses hundreds of families as human shields to protect Fallujah.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Internet Ad-blocking software use for mobile surges: study.

VW profit tumbles 20% in wake of emissions scandal.

Tech giants back EU hate speech rules.

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