World News Briefs -- September 18, 2017

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the launch of a Hwasong-12 missile in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2017. KCNA via REUTERS

Reuters: Korean peninsula draws range of military drills in show of force against North Korea

BEIJING/SEOUL (Reuters) - The U.S. military staged bombing drills with South Korea over the Korean peninsula and Russia and China began naval exercises ahead of a U.N. General Assembly meeting on Tuesday where North Korea’s nuclear threat is likely to loom large.

The flurry of military drills came after Pyongyang fired another mid-range ballistic missile over Japan on Friday and the reclusive North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3 in defiance of United Nations sanctions and other international pressure.

A pair of U.S. B-1B bombers and four F-35 jets flew from Guam and Japan and joined four South Korean F-15K fighters in the latest drill, South Korea’s defense ministry said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces prepare for assault on Islamic State stronghold in Hawija.

Islamic State suicide bombers attack coalition base in Iraq.

Iraq top court rules to suspend Kurdish referendum. Iraqi Kurdish referendum must be suspended - Iraqi PM.

Turkey holds military drill on Iraqi border before Kurdish vote: army.

U.S. and Iran argue over inspections at nuclear watchdog meeting.

Hamas says it is ready to hold first elections since 2006.

Snapchat blocks Al Jazeera in Saudi Arabia.

ASIA

Rohingya 'extremists' trying to build stronghold - Myanmar army.

New diplomatic missions signal Chinese support for Myanmar amid Rohingya crisis.

China and India water 'dispute' after border stand-off.

Trump, South Korean leader vow to increase pressure on North Korea.

Pressure on Pyongyang will force it to abandon nuclear program — South Korean president.

S. Korea's direct investment in China plunges 44 pct amid THAAD row.

Japanese PM Abe set to call October election.

Wife of ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif wins by-election viewed as test for dynasty.

Burst fuel pipe disrupts New Zealand flights.

Malaysia nixes beer festival after Islamist protest.

AFRICA

At least six killed as rival Somali troops clash in Mogadishu.

'Thousands of women raped and assaulted' in South Sudan.

Egypt guilty of kidnap, torture and abuse, says former detainee.

Libya trafficker's militia in deadly clash with security forces.

UN seeks $10 million as Nigeria cholera outbreak worsens.

UN gives top prize to Chibok girls negotiator.

Biafra separatists sponsored by Nigerian government's opponents: minister.

EUROPE

London subway attack: U.K. lowers threat level after second arrest.

Iceland sets snap election for Oct. 28: president.

Putin to watch parachute drop, part of war games that have rattled West.

Spanish police confiscate Catalan referendum material.

German election: Poll puts far-right AfD in third place.

Theresa May visits Canada for post-Brexit trade talks.

Portugal is upgraded out of junk status and its markets jump.

Deadly storm rips through Romania.

AMERICAS

US may close Cuba embassy after 'attacks' on diplomats.

Adam Schiff: Social media and search engine companies need to testify before Congress on Russian ad buys.

Obama goes from White House to Wall Street in less than one year.

Chile-Bolivia relations at their worst since 1884.

Venezuela indicts alleged accomplice of June helicopter attack.

Peru's Kuczynski swears in new Cabinet, opposition signals support.

Hurricane Maria to become major storm near Caribbean islands.

Hurricane Otis brewing in Pacific.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State claims its ‘soldiers’ carried out London tube bombing.

British police made record-number of terrorism arrests over past year.

H.R. McMaster says White House is 'looking at' stricter travel ban after London terrorist attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Inside the new battle against Google.

Rolling Stone, iconic music magazine, looks for buyer.

Rocket and missile maker Orbital ATK sold for $7.8bn.