Monday, August 28, 2017

World News Briefs -- August 28, 2017

Members of Iraqi Army fire mortar shells during the war between Iraqi army and Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) against the Islamic State militants in al-Ayadiya, northwest of Tal Afar, Iraq August 28, 2017. Thaier Al-Sudani. Reuters

Reuters: Iraqi forces face tough resistance from IS in final Tal Afar battle

AL-’AYADIYA/BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi forces said they faced tough resistance on Monday from Islamic State fighters driven out of the city of Tal Afar to a small town where they had “nothing to lose” by fighting to the end.

An advance by the Iraqi army and Shi’ite paramilitary groups into al-’Ayadiya was being slowed by snipers, booby-traps and roadside bombs, military officials told Reuters.

“The offensive started from two fronts in a bid to distract Daesh fighters,” army Lieutenant Colonel Salah Kareem said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran building missile factories in Syria and Lebanon - Netanyahu.

'Strong indications' Trump won't recertify Iranian compliance with nuclear deal.

New Hamas leader says it is getting aid again from Iran.

Exclusive: U.S.-backed Raqqa battle should end in two months, says senior SDF commander.

Iraq fighters take 'victory selfies' at Tal Afar citadel. Iraqi forces regain full control of Tal Afar.

Heavy clashes in last pocket of IS fighters near Tal Afar.

Iraq: Car bombing at busy Baghdad market kills 12 people. 12 people dead as car bomb explodes in Baghdad.

Islamic State prepares to evacuate Syria-Lebanon border zone. Islamic State leaves Syria-Lebanon border zone.

Calls for safe passage of civilians trapped in Syria's Raqqa.

Israel jails five relatives of Palestinian attacker.

UN chief visits Israel to seek ways for peace.

Two million pilgrims converge on Mecca for the hajj.

ASIA

South Korea says North fires ballistic missile.

India withdraws troops from disputed Himalayan region, defusing tension with China.

Myanmar army conducts clearance operations; thousands flee clashes. Rohingya militant group warns of 'war' against Myanmar Government; thousands flee clashes.

Rohingya tell of fleeing Myanmar for lives, UN says 3,000 left.

Aung Sang Suu Kyi's office accuses aid workers of helping 'terrorists' in Myanmar.

Trump's Afghan plan poised to fail, Pakistan Premier says.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte tells police to kill ‘idiots’ who resist arrest in his war on drugs.

Pakistan army: Bombing kills 2 troops in tribal region.

Vietnam resumes huge banking-sector corruption trial. 51 bankers, businessmen on trial in Vietnam for fraud.

India guru rape: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh jailed for 10 years

AFRICA

In war-torn Darfur, new U.S. aid chief stresses need for humanitarian access.

Europe-Africa summit yields new approach to asylum claims.

10 civilians killed during U.S. special forces raid in Somalia: reports.

Suspected Boko Haram militants kill 15 in Cameroon.

Libya navy seizes oil tanker, detains Filipino crew.

Sierra Leone mudslide and flood leaves more than 1,000 people dead, local leaders say.

Shock and fear amid South Africa cannibalism case.

Kenya's Supreme Court begins hearing election challenge.

Kenya plastic bag ban comes into force after years of delays.

EUROPE

Merkel, Macron urge Russia and Ukraine to support cease-fire.

Scores treated after mystery ‘chemical haze’ hits UK coast.

Brexit: UK officials in Brussels for latest talks.

Migrant crisis: France hosts summit with African leaders.

Italian PM holds talks on migration after mass protest over Rome eviction.

Turkey rift: German politicans demand economic pressure.

It's official: Pope Francis to visit Myanmar, Bangladesh in November.

Jailed German nurse may have killed further 84 patients.

Russia's controversial Crimea bridge gets giant arch.

AMERICAS

Houston endures more rain and chaos; 6 feared drowned in van.

Trump prepares to travel to Texas as state copes with Harvey.

Harvey slams region’s economy, with damages in the billions.

Tropical Storm Harvey: Houston braces for even more flooding, officials forced to open dams.

Officials act to protect downtown Houston from Harvey floods.

Trump declares emergency in Louisiana for storm Harvey.

Lawyer says Trump Tower in Russia considered during campaign. Trump’s business sought deal on a Trump Tower in Moscow while he ran for president.

Exclusive: Trump vents in Oval Office, "I want tariffs. Bring me some tariffs!".
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Crisis flares in Guatemala over corruption and organised crime. Guatemala’s president plunges into constitutional crisis.

Colombia's Farc begins first congress after peace deal.

China says sanctions won't help as Trump targets Venezuela.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Barcelona attackers evaded checks specially designed to prevent attacks: minister.

New Hamas leader says relations with Iran have been restored.

Ten pro-IS militants slain sneaking into Philippine warzone.

Buckingham Palace attack: Second man arrested on suspicion of terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks are mixed as storm affects insurers, energy companies.

Oil markets roiled as Harvey hits U.S. petroleum industry.

Wall Street braces for the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

China merges energy giants into global leader.

Uber board chooses head of Expedia to be company's new CEO.

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