Monday, February 27, 2017

World News Briefs -- February 27, 2017



BBC: Mosul battle: Iraqi forces seize key bridge

The Iraqi military says it has retaken a bridge across the River Tigris in Mosul, after driving back Islamic State militants in the city's south-west.

The Federal Police Rapid Response Force advanced into the Jawsaq district on Monday and reached the Fourth Bridge.

Mosul's five bridges have been badly damaged in fighting since October.

But once it is repaired, the Fourth Bridge could help the military bring in reinforcements and supplies from the government-held east of the city.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi commander says troops push deeper into western Mosul. Iraqi forces capture key bridge in push to liberate Mosul. Iraq: Officials recapture new neighborhood in Mosul.

New anti-IS strategy may mean deeper US involvement in Syria.

Turkey-backed Syrian rebels clash with army in north.

Erdogan’s adviser says Turkey will stop operation in Syria after capturing Manbij.

Turkey builds more than half of Syrian border wall.

Saudi foreign minister makes rare Iraq visit, first in decades.

Israeli aircraft attack Hamas targets after rocket fired from Gaza. Israeli planes hit Gaza after rocket attack.

ASIA

Kim Jong-nam death: poison dose so high he died in '15 to 20 minutes'.

Report: N. Korea executes officials with anti-aircraft guns for 'enraging' Kim Jong Un.

South Korea opposition seek interim leader's impeachment.

Philippines military launches airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine militant group posts video claiming to show beheading of German hostage.

UN envoy decries violence against Rohingya in Myanmar.

Taliban leader uses 'special message' to urge Afghans to plant more trees.

China warns US, S. Korea of 'consequences' over THAAD land swap deal.

Land swap clears way for THAAD missile system in South Korea.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold counterterror talks.

Report: Japan ready to offer Russia economic plan for disputed island chain.

AFRICA

IS claims Algeria 'foiled' suicide attack.

Blast near Mogadishu hours after al-Shabab vows attack.

Puntland troops stage short mutiny 'over unpaid salaries'.

Somalia: Puntland region hit by severe drought. Drought, hunger push Somalis to flee amid fears of famine.

Libyan 'hell' driving new migrant surge.

Egypt's Coptic Christians flee Sinai after deadly attacks.

Ethnic, religious violence again grips Nigeria's Kaduna.

Western Sahara: Morocco to pull out of UN buffer zone.

Polisario dismisses Morocco pullback as 'window dressing'.

More looting in Johannesburg after wave of anti-immigrant attacks.

EUROPE

Azerbaijan says five soldiers killed in clashes with Armenian separatists.

Bulgaria's centre-right keeps narrow lead over Socialists: poll.

Hungary building 2nd border fence to stop migrants.

Buoyed centrist alliance, Macron seen beating Le Pen in French runoff.

Driver rams car into German pedestrians, killing one man.

Poland's populist govt brings hope to struggling rural areas.

French Institute in Athens targeted in arson attack.

AMERICAS

'Moonlight' upsets 'La La Land' for top Oscar after major gaffe.

Oscars auditors PwC apologize for best picture mix-up.

'We'll be upgrading all of our military, bigger and better and stronger than ever before': President Donald Trump's proposed budget is set to hike defense spending but slash EPA funding.

U.S. says Trump order will not undermine data transfer deals with EU.

Millions without drinking water as rainstorms batter central Chile. Chile floods: Millions without water in capital Santiago.

Mexico Catholic Church says government submits to Trump 'terrorism'.

Mexico warns US over border wall funding.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump national security adviser wants to avoid term 'radical Islamic terrorism', sources say.

Pentagon seeks to expand fight against extremists in Somalia.

Senior Taliban leader killed in Kunduz air raid.

US drone strike in Syria kills top al-Qaida leader, jihadis say.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Buffett tells CNBC Berkshire bought 120 million Apple shares in 2017.

Trump's trade czar expected to get easy U.S. Senate confirmation.

Global markets cautious ahead of Trump speech.

Bitcoin hits record $1,206 per coin.

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