World News Briefs -- June 21, 2016

Reuters: 'Brits don't quit', Cameron declares as EU referendum in balance

British Prime Minister David Cameron made a dramatic last-minute appeal to voters on Tuesday to back staying in the European Union two days before a referendum that will shape the future of the West, as polls indicated the outcome was too close to call.

Britons vote on Thursday on whether to quit the 28-nation bloc amid warnings from world leaders, investors and companies that a decision to leave would diminish the former imperial power's influence, unleash turmoil on markets and send shock waves around the Western world.

In a rare televised address outside his Downing Street office, Cameron repeated his message that leaving the EU would jeopardize Britain's economy and its national security, with fewer jobs, fewer allies and higher prices.

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MIDDLE EAST

IS conflict: Iraqi troops push into northern Falluja. Iraqi forces battle IS in Fallujah days after city's fall. Iraqi commander: About 2,500 IS militants killed in Fallujah.

Islamic State regains areas lost to Syrian government.

Russia calls for swift resumption of Syria peace talks.

Jordan soldiers killed in Syria border bomb attack. Jordan's king vows to hit back against attack near Syrian border.

Yemen missile launch, deadly air strike shake truce.

Iran warns Bahrain over revoking cleric's citizenship.

A look at major deals signed in Iran after nuclear accord.

Israel backs Nuclear Test Ban Treaty - with no timeframe for ratification.

ASIA

Japan military on alert for possible North Korean ballistic missile launch.

North Korea losing African, South American allies.

Philippine government, rebels to cease hostilities to aid peace talks.

Philippine President Duterte asks US on sea feud with China, 'Are you with us?'

U.S. to give Afghan forces $3 billion a year from 2018-2020: official.

Kazakh leader reshuffles top officials after protests, violence.

Putin visit to Beijing promises to cement Russia-China economic ties.

Myanmar bans officials from saying 'Rohingya'.

AFRICA

Nigeria agrees one-month ceasefire with Delta militants, officials say.

General says number of US troops in Libya sufficient for now.

Former DRC vice president Bemba jailed for war crimes. DR Congo warlord Bemba jailed over war crimes.

Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of contemplating full-scale war.

South Africa unrest over ANC's Tshwane candidate.

Egypt will decide on Tuesday if EgyptAir black boxes should be sent abroad for repairs: minister.

Egypt court 'voids' Red Sea islands' transfer to Saudi.

EUROPE

Pro-EU forces gain momentum as bitter Brexit debate rages into final days.

'In' lead cut to just 1 point ahead of UK's EU vote: poll.

Source: EU ambassadors agree extension of economic sanctions against Russia for six months. EU to extend Russia economic sanctions for another six months.

Soros sees Russia emerging as global power as EU fades.

Greece receives billions in promised loans from creditors.

Romanian and German President discuss Moldova, security.

Polish air disaster: Official convicted over Smolensk crash.

AMERICAS

Clinton burying Trump: $42 million to $1.3 million.

US House Democrats urge Kerry to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees.

Colombia President Santos: 'Farc peace deal by 20 July'.

Venezuela starts signature checks for recall referendum. Venezuela petition to oust Maduro 'reaches 37%' on day one.

Brazil's Rousseff warned of illegal campaign donations, donor to say: paper.

Armed robbery pushes Australia to call for extra Rio security.

First Cuban product to be sold in U.S.: coffee--sorry no cigar.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State expands beyond Iraq-Syria base with six armies on three world regions.

As the nation debates the place of Islam, the CIA’s Muslim officers fight terrorism.

FBI no-fly list revealed: 81,000 names, but fewer than 1,000 are Americans.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Instagram users top 500 million.

Boeing says it signs sales agreement with Iran Air.

Entire VW board under fire for market manipulation.