World News Briefs -- June 22, 2017 (Evening Edition)

VOA: Iraqi Miltary: IS Destruction of Mosque Signified End of Group's Power

MOSUL, IRAQ — Iraqi generals say Islamic State's destruction of the iconic al-Nuri mosque in Mosul is a sign that the militant group's power in the city is coming to an end.

Soldiers in Mosul tell VOA that IS wanted to destroy the mosque in advance of an Iraqi and Coalition victory over the group in Mosul. Iraqi forces have been working to eradicate the terror group from one of its last strongholds in the city.

“As you see, our fighters overcame strong resistance here, and you can see how hard they fought. It is difficult traveling this small city. The roads and the geography are difficult,” Lt. Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Assadi of Iraq's special forces said in Mosul.

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MIDDLE EAST

Anger in Mosul as Islamic State destroys historic mosque.

US condemns Islamic State demolition of Mosul mosque.

IS destroys Mosul mosque where leader Baghdadi declared caliphate.

Removing Assad no longer priority in Syria: Macron.

Activists say Turkey bolsters its troops in northern Syria.

U.S. will take weapons from Kurds after Islamic State defeat: Turkey.

In Yemen’s secret prisons, UAE tortures and US interrogates. UAE runs 'informal prisons' in Yemen: HRW.

Rift between Iran's ayatollah and re-elected president widens.

Gaza's only power plant resumes after Egypt fuel delivery.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of 'dangerous provocation'.

ASIA

Afghanistan sets July 7, 2018 for parliamentary elections.

Afghan car bomb hits New Kabul Bank in Helmand. Suicide car bomb outside Afghan bank kills at least 29.

Pakistan's foreign ministry confirms downing of Iran drone.

N. Korea calls Trump a 'psychopath'.

US urges China to pressure North Korea to rein in weapons progams. US: China needs to exert 'much greater pressure' on North Korea.

SE Asian countries commit to cohesive approach to thwart militants.

Thai parliament approves bill which critics say will prolong military role.

Poll: Almost half of Australians see China as military threat.

AFRICA

Egypt extends state of emergency.

South Sudan must end war, UN chief says on refugee visit.

7 dead in suicide blast at police station in Somalia capital.

7 militants killed in clashes with army in eastern DR Congo.

U.N. Security Council backs W. Africa force to fight Sahel militants.

Morocco protest leader 'beaten' during arrest: NGOs.

Congo peacekeepers to leave CAR amid sex abuse allegations.


South Africa court allows secret Zuma no-confidence vote.

Benin protestors rally against president's liberalisation drive.

Kenya cholera outbreak hits dozens at health conference.

EUROPE

Russia's Lavrov says new U.S. sanctions harm ties with Washington.

France presents new security bill amid extremist threats.

Merkel slaps down May on Brexit talks.

Germany spied on the White House over years: report.

German MPs back pullout from Turkey's Incirlik airbase amid row.

France's Emmanuel Macron outlines vision for Franco-German alliance.

German deportations to Afghanistan to restart next week: reports.

Brussels Central Station suitcase bomber supported IS, prosecutors say. 4 detained in raids linked to Brussels rail station attack.

Combustible cladding on buildings similar to Grenfell Tower, says British PM Theresa May.

Prince Harry says no royal wants to be king or queen.

AMERICAS

Senate GOP unveils ‘Obamacare’ overhaul, but not all aboard.

No tapes after all: Trump says he didn’t record Comey talks.

Trump disputes Russian interference in 2016 election.

House Dems pressure White House on Kushner, Flynn security clearances.

Nancy Pelosi faces heat from Democrats after Georgia loss.

Maduro promotes military in shake-up of Cabinet in Venezuela.

Venezuelan baseball season should be cancelled, manager says.

Desperate Venezuelans set sights on Colombia as worry mounts.

Murders hit record high in Mexico.

US takes MS-13 gang fight to its root countries.

Haiti ex-coup leader Guy Philippe sentenced in US.

Bill Cosby trial ended in hung jury because two jurors refused to convict, juror tells media.

'El Chapo' to sue Netflix over series: lawyer.

US heavily armed, but many ambivalent about it: survey.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Local Qaeda leader in Yemen killed by US air strike.

Prosecutor: Paris attacker asked family to see him as martyr.

It's 'highly likely' Daesh leader has been eliminated - Russian Foreign Ministry.

'Islamic State' targets children to punish parents in Mosul, says UN.

Pentagon: Islamic State problem ‘not getting better’ in Afghanistan.

Canadian charged in US airport attack investigated as terror.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Major US banks would withstand recession: US Fed.

US stock indexes hold steady as oil’s dismal week eases.

EU leaders urge Internet giants to fight online extremism.

Boeing outsells Airbus at Paris show.

WhatsApp rises as a major force in news media.

Amazon accuses Walmart of bullying in cloud computing clash.