Wednesday, June 21, 2017

World News Briefs -- June 21, 2017 (Evening Edition)

The leaning Hadba minaret is pictured on June 19, 2017 in Mosul

AFP: IS blows up Mosul mosque where Baghdadi announced 'caliphate': commander

Jihadists on Wednesday blew up Mosul's iconic leaning minaret and the adjacent mosque where their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" in his only public appearance in 2014, an Iraqi commander said.

The Islamic State group swiftly issued a statement via its Amaq propaganda agency blaming a US strike.

"Our forces were advancing toward their targets deep in the Old City and when they got to within 50 metres (yards) of the Nuri mosque, Daesh (IS) committed another historical crime by blowing up the Nuri mosque and the Hadba" mosque, Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah, the overall commander of the Mosul offensive, said in a statement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State blows up Mosul mosque where it declared 'caliphate': Iraqi military.

Deep in Mosul, US forces support Iraq's fight.

Iraqi forces advance on Mosul mosque where IS declared caliphate.

Aid workers readying for Mosul exodus: UNHCR.

Syria war: Polio paralyses 17 children in Mayadin and Raqqa.

Saudis, allies have list of demands for Qatar: US.

U.S. State Dept. critical of Saudi Arabia's handling of Qatar embargo.

Mohammed bin Salman named Saudi Arabia's crown prince. Saudi king ousts nephew to name son as first in line to throne.

Egypt sends fuel to power-starved Gaza, undercuts Abbas.

Israel boasts of 'unimaginable' power in future Lebanon war.

ASIA

Afghan Taliban release new video of US, Australian hostages.

In high-level talks, U.S. asks China to do more to rein in North Korea.

US spy satellites detect activity at North Korean nuclear test site.

N. Korea is open to moratorium on nuclear, missile tests: report.

'Islamic State'-allied militants attack village in the Philippines. Police: Gunmen holding hostages after raiding village.

Teenager threatens to blow himself up at US base in Afghanistan.

Australia to resume anti-ISIS airstrikes in Syria – defense chief.

In unusual move, Xi appoints top party leader to lead daily affairs of key committee.

US warns Chinese firms with ties to North Korea may still face sanctions.

Warmbier’s death looms over US-China talks on North Korea.

North Korea promoting tourism in wake of Warmbier death.

South Korean leader says he shares 'common' goal with Trump.

'Secret recordings' scandal hits New Zealand prime minister months before election.

China invites Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to Beijing, sources say.

AFRICA

Mali delays constitutional referendum to cool tensions.

Congo peacekeepers accused of sex abuse to leave C. Africa: UN.

CAR violence: Deadly clashes in Bria despite ceasefire deal. 'Dozens killed' in CAR's Bria despite ceasefire deal. Around 100 killed in C. Africa after truce deal.

New report blames South Sudan military for civilian deaths.

UN: South Sudan's famine is over, but situation remains dire.

Refugees from war-torn S.Sudan find 'safety' in Darfur.

UN warns against refugee returns to Nigeria from Cameroon.

Egypt court halts verdicts on islands transfer deal.

Nigerian man pleads guilty to taking part in global email scams.

EUROPE

Russia cancels diplomatic meeting in wake of US sanctions.

Ukrainian government, separatists agree on new cease-fire.

Brussels on high alert as extra security deployed at landmarks, events. Narrow escape for Brussels after 'nail bomb misfires'.

Russia regrets new US sanctions, mulls retaliatory moves.

Romanian PM Sorin Grindeanu ousted by own party in no-confidence vote. Romanian PM ousted in MPs revolt.

French cabinet: Two more ministers resign.

Greece’s Tsipras lays out prospect of bond market return.

Britain's May promises to listen harder on Brexit: Queen's Speech.

Britain’s Prince Philip admitted to hospital with infection.

AMERICAS

Congress hears sinister tale of Russia election meddling.

Angry Dems turn against leaders after House election losses.

Republican avoids upset in costly Georgia congressional race.

Illinois careens into financial meltdown – and not even the lottery is safe.

Venezuela faces increased regional pressure to end crisis.

Venezuelan president sacks military top brass amid abuses.

'Send in the Marines... but they will be met with a crushing response': Venezuela's foreign minister lashes out at the US over plans to mediate crisis which has left 74 dead.

Brazilian police deliver graft investigation against Temer.

Two-month countdown begins to total solar eclipse across U.S..

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Canada urges Qatar to fight terror financing.

Official: FBI looking at terrorism in Flint airport stabbing.

CENTCOM confirms Islamic State’s ‘Grand Mufti’ killed in airstrike.

Google ramps up efforts to combat online terrorism, recruitment efforts.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines launch joint patrols to tackle ISIS threat.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P, Dow end lower, Nasdaq lifted by healthcare, tech sectors.

George Clooney just sold his tequila business for up to $1 billion.

Oil price at seven month low, equities struggle.

Apple opens new round in battle with Qualcomm.

Uber boss Travis Kalanick resigns under investor pressure.

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