The ruined Grand al-Nuri Mosque is seen after it was retaken by the Iraqi forces from the Islamic State militants at the Old City in Mosul, Iraq, June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
Reuters: Islamic State under pressure in Iraqi and Syrian strongholds
U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pressed Islamic State fighters holding out in Mosul's Old City on Friday, while in Syria the militant group launched a counter-attack against an alliance of militias trying to oust it from its de facto capital of Raqqa.
In Iraq, dozens of civilians poured out of Mosul, long held by IS, and fled in the direction of the Iraqi forces, many of them women and children, thirsty, tired and some wounded.
Iraqi authorities say they are only days away from a victory over militants in their remaining redoubt in Mosul, though commanders of counter-terrorism units fighting their way through the narrow streets of the Old City say die-hard IS fighters are dug in among civilians and the battle ahead remains challenging.
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MIDDLE EAST
Erdogan, Trump talk amid dispute over arms to Kurd fighters.
UN cites ‘notable trend’ of people returning home in Syria.
Gunfire cuts short celebrations at recaptured Mosul mosque.
Mosul victory in 'days' as pressure on IS mounts.
US-backed Syrian forces 'surround' ISIL in Raqqa. IS retakes Raqa district from US-backed forces: monitor.
OPCW probe: Sarin used in deadly April 5 attack in Syria.
New conflicts threaten Syria after Islamic State defeat.
Israel responds to Syrian spillover fire in repeat incident.
New batch of Turkish troops arrives in Qatar.
Lebanon refugee camps hit by five suicide bombers.
It was 129 degrees in Iran Thursday, which is one of the Earth's hottest temperatures ever recorded.
ASIA
Pakistan beefs up security in tribal northwest.
Death toll in Pakistan oil tanker fire rises to 190.
Trump, South Korean president hold post-dinner talks on NKorea policy.
US blacklists Chinese bank, company and two nationals to pressure Beijing to rein in Pyongyang.
China condemns US sanctions over 'North Korea funding'. China, US ties sour over N.Korea, Taiwan.
North Korea drought mobilizes workers to fight drought, bans travel.
China flexes military muscle in Hong Kong during Xi’s visit.
Massive military parade for Xi as Hong Kong activists freed. Xi asserts authority over Hong Kong in PLA troop inspection.
Chinese boats attack Vietnamese fishermen in South China Sea.
Myanmar to block visas for UN delegation.
Former TEPCO executives face trial over Fukushima nuclear disaster.
AFRICA
Dozens feared drowned after 'migrant boat sinks off Libya'.
UN ends peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast after 13 years.
UN agrees to draw down Darfur peacekeeping force.
Congo violence fuels fears of return to 90s bloodbath.
DR Congo skips independence parade amid security fears.
US 'concerned' over Sudan human rights record: embassy.
Libya's oil output nears 1 million bpd, highest in four years: source.
Egypt has blocked over 100 local and international websites including HuffPost and Medium.
EUROPE
UN chief: Progress in Cyprus talks, much more to be done.
Finland, Sweden join British-led rapid action military force.
2 Russian border guards get lost, end up in Ukraine.
Protests, policy rows, volatile leaders — welcome to the Hamburg G20 summit.
G20: Angela Merkel sketches vision of French and German-led Europe.
Merkel issues warning to Trump ahead of G20 summit.
Germany legalises same-sex marriage after Angela Merkel allows free vote.
French far-right leader charged with alleged EU funds misuse.
Slovenia wins maritime border dispute, Croatia defiant.
Awkward farewell for Helmut Kohl, who united Germany but divided family.
Hitler's birthplace seizure backed by Austrian court.
AMERICAS
More court challenges expected for Trump’s new travel ban.
Trump travel ban comes into effect for six countries.
Trump to Senate Republicans: kill Obamacare now, replace later.
Senate revises Russia sanctions bill, sends it to House.
House passes 'Kate's Law' and bill targeting sanctuary cities.
Grassley: Why hasn't acting FBI chief recused himself on Flynn?
Susan Rice to testify before House Intelligence Committee: Report.
Top GOP senator wants vote on Trump's FBI nominee in July.
Brazil authorities seek arrest of 95 Rio de Janeiro police officers.
More Venezuelan children dying from preventable diseases amid crisis.
Mexico spyware scandal: Opposition politicians 'targeted'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
IS withdraws from Syria's Aleppo province: monitor.
NATO: We will do more to fight terrorism.
Terrorists use tech to their advantage, but it's time to stop them, UN expert says.
Ex-CIA agent convicted over imam kidnapping to face sentencing.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Global stocks pressured by tough central banker talk.
Global cyberattack seems intent on havoc, not extortion.
Germany's Bundestag passes law to fine social media companies for not deleting hate speech. Germany votes for 50m euro social media fines.
Could Apple's next big thing be a car?
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