A military vehicle of SDF in west of Raqqa province,Syria June 18, 2017. REUTERS/ Rodi Said
Reuters: U.S.-backed Syrian forces close in on Raqqa from south
U.S.-backed Syrian militias closed in on Islamic State's Syrian stronghold of Raqqa on Wednesday, taking territory on the south bank of the Euphrates River with the aim of encircling the city, a militia spokesman told Reuters.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include Arab and Kurdish fighters and are supported with air strikes by a U.S.-led coalition, began an offensive two weeks ago to seize the northern city from Islamic State, which overran it in 2014.
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MIDDLE EAST
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.
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
'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
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
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
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
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
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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