World News Briefs -- July 26, 2016 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton rallies campaign volunteers in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. July 25, 2016. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Reuters: Democrats begin formal nomination of Clinton in historic moment

Democrats began the formal process of nominating their White House candidate on Tuesday in a vote that will end with Hillary Clinton becoming the first woman presidential nominee of a major party in U.S. history.

Delegates chanted "Hillary, Hillary," as U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski put Clinton's name forward for a state-by-state roll call at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

After a long battle with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Clinton has more than enough delegates needed to win the vote and be the standard bearer for the party against Republican nominee Donald Trump at the Nov. 8 election.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian troops tighten Aleppo siege, urge gunmen to give up.

Kerry: Progress with Russia on Syria despite military doubts. Kerry, Lavrov meet to explore cooperation in Syria.

US-Led Coalition Conducts 20 Strikes on Daesh Positions in Syria, Iraq - CENTCOM.

Syrian Army retakes key points along major oil pipeline.

Turkish troops hunt remaining coup plotters as crackdown widens. Turkey detains generals, journalists in widening purge post-coup.

Turkey names man allegedly behind military coup attempt.

Turkish foreign minister says purge of ambassadors next.

Turkey: Erdogan to meet Putin Aug. 9 in Russia. Erdogan says Turkish people want death penalty reintroduced, slams EU for ‘inaction’. Interview: Turkey's Erdogan accuses EU of breaking its word.

In sign of regional disarray, many leaders forgo Arab Summit.

Iran caps public officials' salaries after row.

ASIA

Thai rights activists charged over report on army torture.

Bangladesh: Nine killed in gun battle with police.

Japan knife attack: At least 19 dead.

Rare mass killing raises questions about security in Japan.

North Korea says decision on nuclear test depends on U.S.: Yonhap.

Pyongyang: US would pay 'terrifying price' for destabilizing Korean Peninsula.

ASEAN in discord ahead of meeting with top China, U.S. diplomats.

U.S. tells China that anti-missile system not a threat.

U.S. says backs resumption of China-Philippines talks on South China Sea.

Afghan forces said to kill more than 120 IS fighters. Key Islamic State leader Saad Emarati 'killed in Afghanistan'.

AFRICA

Libya's rival government threatens oil tankers. Libya army commander threatens to target oil tankers.

Libya's U.N.-backed government summons ambassador over French presence.

UN fine-tunes Central Africa mission ahead of French pullout.

Al-Shabab bombs target African Union troops in Somalia. 2 suicide car bombs near UN offices kill 13 in Somalia.

U.N. warns South Sudan president over replacement of rival.

South Sudan's displaced face hunger.

Dutch helicopter withdrawal threatens to undermine UN Mali mission.

Republic of Congo sentences opposition leader to two years.

ANC woes pile up in South Africa mine massacre town ahead of poll.

Egypt's Coptic pope warns of 'danger' following recent attacks against Christians.

EUROPE

'Islamist terrorism has arrived in Germany': Bavarian premier.

Kremlin says idea it hacked U.S. Democratic Party emails absurd. 'I don't want to use 4-letter words': Russian FM slams reporter over DNC leak claims. Kremlin says using Russian topic in US electoral campaign is "usual fun".

Isis attackers forced French priest to kneel before he was murdered, hostage says. Islamic State group claims attack that killed priest. Elderly priest killed in French church, attack claimed by Islamic State.

French PM accuses opposition of using Nice attacks to 'destabilise government' as security row intensifies.

Germany boosts police presence and warns of further terrorism. Germany must address fears after attacks, says Bavaria governor.

Over 3,000 migrant drownings since beginning of 2016.

UK PM May says strong will on both sides to preserve free movement with Ireland.

Spain records first case of baby born with Zika virus-linked defect.

AMERICAS

Clinton steps into history as 1st woman White House nominee.

Democrats set to nominate Clinton as they seek a way past discord.

Obama: Trump 'is ultimately helping do ISIL's work for us'.

Obama stands by refugee pledge after attacks in Germany. Obama expanding refugee program for Central Americans.

UN agency: Economy still sliding in Latin America, Caribbean.

Venezuela awaits key ruling on Maduro recall.

Peru president rules out pardon for ex-leader Fujimor.

US police hospitalized 54,000 people in 2012.

Mexico mayors demand more security after weekend murders.

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone's mother-in-law 'kidnapped in Sao Paulo'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Key Islamic State leader Saad Emarati 'killed in Afghanistan'.

Many factors make France the top IS terror target in Europe.

US approves release of last Russian held at Guantanamo.

Iran denies 3 senior al-Qaida figures based in the country.

U.S. says looking at more counter-terrorism cooperation with China.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

How the Dow Jones industrial average fared on Tuesday.

Tesla opens Gigafactory to expand battery production, sales.

With Yahoo deal, Verizon sets sights on Facebook, Google.

US Fed seen holding rates steady as inflation watch continues.

Ship hits new Panama Canal wall, sparking design concerns.