Thursday, January 19, 2017

World News Briefs -- January 19, 2017



New York Times: U.S. Bombs ISIS Camps in Libya

WASHINGTON — Two United States Air Force B-2 bombers attacked Islamic State training camps outside of Surt, Libya, overnight, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Military analysts were assessing the impact of the strikes, but officials said it was possible that dozens of Islamic State fighters may have been killed.

The Pentagon’s Africa Command announced on Dec. 19 the official end of air operations against the Islamic State, also known by the acronyms ISIS or ISIL, in Surt, the group’s coastal stronghold, after conducting 495 strikes against truck bombs, heavy guns, tanks and command bunkers there.

But the need to carry out additional strikes reflected the resilience of the Islamic State in Libya. While the group was driven out of Surt last month, the Islamic State still has several hundred fighters who have dispersed across Libya and pose a threat to the country, its neighbors and potentially Europe, according to American officials and the Africa Command.

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MIDDLE EAST

Most Islamic State commanders in Mosul already killed, Iraqi general says.

Russia invites US to Syria talks in Astana – Lavrov.

Iraq special forces chief says mission accomplished in east Mosul.

Syria: Islamic State group 'kills 12' in Palmyra.

From IS to government control, Syrians left with few choices.

Syria's Assad hopes rebels will disarm after Astana talks.

Departing U.S. ambassador, U.N. report warn of arms embargo violations by Iran.

Istanbul Reina attack suspect says nightclub was chosen at random.

Iran's oldest high-rise tower collapses in fire. Tehran fire: Iconic Plasco building collapses killing 30 firefighters, state media reports.

Palestinians in Israel strike after deadly Negev raid.

ASIA

Xi Jinping portrays China as leader of globalised world as Donald Trump era looms.

Taiwan tells Beijing to grow up over Trump ceremony row.

North Korea may test-launch ICBM soon: South Korean media.

Taliban seeks to reassure UAE over Afghanistan attack.

Philippine president challenges Catholic church to 'showdown'.

Rohingya crisis: Malaysia PM says Muslims must act.

Samsung chief Jay Y Lee staves off arrest warrant amid corruption scandal, prosecutor to keep chasing.

AFRICA

Death toll from suicide blast at Gao army base rises.

U.S. bombers hit Islamic State militants in Libya: U.S. defense officials. U.S. stealth bombers attack alleged ISIS camps.

Gambia crisis: Senegal troops poised at border as Jammeh mandate ends. Gambia's Adama Barrow to be inaugurated in Senegal.

Army mutiny exposes cracks in Ivory Coast success story.

Sudanese government says rebel group to sign Darfur peace pact.

Boko Haram’s legacy of fear and ruin delays return of displaced Nigerians.

Nigeria's Buhari heads to Britain for medical treatment.

EUROPE

Moscow says its criticism of Obama not personal.

Kremlin denies Obama’s claim on nukes, says Moscow always ready to cut nuclear arms.

Poroshenko: Ukraine will get Crimea back (Video).

In Davos, PM May unveils vision for global Britain post-Brexit.

Austrian defense minister announces new plans to strengthen border controls.

French ex-PM Valls shown winning left-wing presidential primaries.

Officials fear many deaths in avalanche-hit hotel in Italy. Italy avalanche: many feared dead as Rigopiano hotel engulfed.

AMERICAS

One day to go: Trump heads to Washington.

Trump inauguration: Fortress Washington prepares for anti-Trump protesters to descend on the Capitol.

Barack Obama uses final press conference as US President to defend slashing Chelsea Manning's sentence.

One more day: Obama in his final hours in the White House.

U.S.-Cuba sign torrent of agreements under the inauguration wire.

Brazil prison violence: Gangs clash at jail where 26 died.

Colombia sets date for peace talks with ELN rebel group.

Canada's Kevin O'Leary: Shark Tank star launches Tory leadership bid.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State group 'lost quarter of territory' in 2016.

German authorities 'lose sight' of three Islamists flagged as threats.

US Supreme Court hears case of Muslims detained after 9/11.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Toshiba shares crash as nuclear writedown crisis deepens.

Netflix's gamble pays off as subscriptions soar.

Paul McCartney sues Sony to take back Beatles catalog.

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