World News Briefs -- August 8, 2016 (Evening Edition)

BBC: Quetta hospital bombing: Pakistan Taliban claim attack

A faction of the Pakistani Taliban has said it carried out a suicide bombing that killed at least 70 people at a hospital in the city of Quetta.

The attacker targeted a crowd that had gathered as the body of a prominent lawyer murdered earlier on Monday, Bilal Kasi, was being brought in.

Lawyers and journalists were among the dead. About 120 people were injured.
The Taliban faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, said it was behind both the hospital attack and the killing of Mr Kasi.

He was head of the Balochistan province bar association. He was shot while on his way to the court complex in Quetta.

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MIDDLE EAST

US says no swift victory in battle for Syria's Aleppo.

Aleppo capture 'only matter of time': Syrian opposition.

Rebel alliance launches 'battle for all of Aleppo'.

Syria Aleppo: Jets pound rebels in key city. Russian strategic bombers hammer terrorists’ facilities in Syria.

US-backed fighters savour victory over IS in Manbij.

More than 290,000 killed in Syria war, monitor says.

Iraq's Mosul residents feel relief, anxiety as 'liberation' nears.

Iraqis flee Mosul campaign for packed and underequipped camp.

Millions gather in Istanbul for raucous democracy rally. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan stages huge rally in show of strength after coup attempt. Turkey coup: Erdogan backs return of death penalty at vast Istanbul rally.

Turkey's President heads to Russia amid improving ties.

Iran denies U.S. cash payment was related to nuclear deal.

Ex-Iranian president asks Obama for $2B in frozen funds.

US-Israel reignite rift on Iran nuke deal.

ASIA

U.S. State Dept. urges Thailand to allow resumption of civil liberties.

Carnage as Taliban kill 70 in Pakistan hospital bomb. IS claims suicide bombing at Pakistan hospital: Amaq agency.

Japan protests after Chinese coastguard and fishing boats sail near disputed islands in East China Sea.

Japan urges China not to escalate East China Sea tension.

Ex-Philippine leader Ramos travels to Hong Kong as 'icebreaker' with China.

American, Australian kidnapped in Afghanistan's Kabul.

Report: China to restrict anti-Kim Jong Un statements online.

Thai referendum: Military-written constitution approved.

Japan's emperor signals desire to stand down, citing failing health. Japan's Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate.

AFRICA

S.Africa's ANC soul-searches after vote haemorrhage.

Protests 'don't pay', warns Zimbabwe's embattled Mugabe.

Mozambique peace talks resume as violence spreads.

Libyan govt forces close in on IS jihadists in Sirte.

U.S. air strikes show limits on Libya intervention.

Death toll in Angola's oil-rich Cabinda rises to nearly 40.

UN says attack kills 1 peacekeeper, injures 4 in north Mali.

More than 30 killed in Ethiopia protests: opposition. 'About 50 killed' in weekend Ethiopia protests.

Gunmen dressed as priests kill three soldiers in Nigeria's Delta: military source.

Congo rebels kill at least eight civilians in mounting ethnic violence.


Somalia to hold presidential election on Oct. 30.

US proposes an extra 4,000 peacekeepers for South Sudan.

EUROPE

Russia, Ukraine, Germany, France may meet on G20 sidelines: Lavrov.

Germany, Netherlands to test joint missile defense operations for possible eastern deployment.

Putin arrives in Baku for meetings with presidents of Azerbaijan and Iran.

Putin: Russia to support resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict acceptable for both sides.

Activists: Russian military hardware sighted along northern Crimea border.

'Like being a slave': Workers on Russia's bridge to Crimea report abuse, deceit.

Western leaders ‘too slow’ on countering Russia – top NATO general.

Macedonia storm: Deadly freak floods hit Skopje. Macedonia declares emergency after flooding kills 21.

Murder of former leading North Ireland militant sparks fresh fears.

Third Spanish election would extend political gridlock, poll suggests.

130 British MPs demand extra security amid spike in abuse, threats.

EU court jails Kosovo ex-guerrilla for war crimes.

AMERICAS

Wind, doping and VIP robbery plague Rio Games.

Trump, Clinton duel over economy, jobs. Clinton, Trump clash on economy.

Obama plays his 300th round of golf as president.

Colombia launches big demining brigade.

Cuba blames U.S. open door for migrant surge.

Mexico searches for victims of deadly Storm Earl.

Florida governor criticizes Washington for lagging in Zika fight.

Social costs of Flint, Michigan, water crisis total $395 million: study.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two years of anti-IS strikes in numbers.

Islamic State militants claim capture of U.S. weapons in Afghanistan.

Isis claims responsibility for machete attack on Belgian police officers.

US releases redacted drone strike 'playbook'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Chinese trade drop adds to global economic woes.

Delta warns of chaos after power outage, worldwide system failure.

Android bug fear in 900 million phones.

Serious Fraud Office opens Airbus corruption investigation.