Monday, October 16, 2017

World News Briefs -- October 16, 2017



The Guardian: Mogadishu truck bomb: 500 casualties in Somalia’s worst terrorist attack

At least 300 people killed and hundreds seriously injured in attack blamed on militant group al-Shabaab

The death toll in the bombing that hit the centre of Mogadishu on Saturday continues to rise, with more than 300 people now believed to have been killed and hundreds more seriously injured.

The scale of the loss makes the attack, which involved a truck packed with several hundred kilograms of military-grade and homemade explosives, one of the most lethal terrorist acts anywhere in the world for many years.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US-backed Syrian force expects Raqqa victory in ‘a few days’. 'Toughest fighting yet' to oust IS from Syria's Raqa.

Clashes between Iraqi, Kurdish troops close to Kirkuk city.

Turkish troops move into al-Qaida-dominated Syrian province.

Israeli warplanes strike Syrian anti-aircraft battery after coming under 'fire'. Israeli jets attack anti-aircraft battery in Syria in retaliatory strike .

IS claims responsibility for rockets fired into Israel.

Palestinian Authority official in Gaza to advance unity deal.

Israel approves settler housing in the heart of Hebron.

Worn down by censors, Iran's Facebook shuts down.

ASIA

China’s Xi looks to solidify grip on power, ensure legacy at key Communist Party meeting. China’s ruling Communist Party reasserts itself under Xi.

Kyrgyz leader's chosen successor wins presidential vote.

Abe on course for landslide win in Japan vote: poll.

Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, U.S. to meet in Seoul this week.

Philippines military 'kills Islamist Isnilon Hapilon'. Marawi: Leaders of pro-Islamic State siege killed by Philippine troops, Defence Minister says.

Cambodian MPs prepare to take over seats if opposition dissolved.

AFRICA

Somalia bombing death toll rises above 300 as loved ones search hospitals for survivors. Somalia bombing: Death toll from explosion in capital Mogadishu tops 250.

After bombing, Somalia fears renewed al-Shabab onslaught.

World leaders condemn Somalia bombing 'in strongest terms'.

Kenya police killed 67 opposition supporters: Rights groups.

Militants rob bank, attack church in Egypt’s Sinai; 7 dead.

In Madagascar, plague outbreak now threatens largest cities.

Kenya elections: Opposition holds rally in Mombasa.

Weah to face Boakai in Liberia presidential runoff.

EUROPE

The world's youngest leader, 31, wins power in Austria: Anti-EU 'Wunderwuzzi' who wants to cut benefits for foreigners triumphs in election - as the far right surges to second and is poised for coalition government.

EU ministers close ranks to support Iran deal.

Spain issues new Catalonia deadline, saying response wasn't 'credible'.

EU backs Iran deal, urges US Congress to protect it.

UK leader makes surprise Brussels trip to undo Brexit logjam. Theresa May heads to Brussels before Brexit talks with EU.

Scotland sees progress in Brexit talks with London but still objects to bill.

Russia's Putin signs decree imposing restrictions on North Korea.

Driving through the killer inferno: Terrifying moment motorist escapes wildfires blamed on 'terrorist arsonists' that have claimed dozens of lives in Portugal and Spain. Portugal wildfires kill at least 27; 4 dead in Spain. Portugal and Spain wildfires: Death toll soars to dozens.

AMERICAS

Firefighters gaining edge in California wildfires that have killed at least 40. As crews gain ground, California fire victims return home.

EXCLUSIVE: We won’t give back a cent of Harvey Weinstein’s tainted $250,000 says the Clinton Foundation - we’ve spent accused rapist’s every cent claims group run by Bill and Chelsea.

Trump: 'I hope' Hillary Clinton runs in 2020.

Venezuela regional elections: Maduro's party takes most states. Venezuela opposition rejects election results.

US immigration population hits record 60 million, 1-of-5 in nation.

U.S. Army Sergeant Bergdahl pleads guilty to desertion.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US special forces deaths in Niger lift veil on shadow war against Islamists in Sahel.

ISIS-affiliated leaders killed in Southern Philippines.

Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines target ISIS in trilateral air patrols.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices rise amid Iraq tensions.

Weinstein Company in talks over possible sale.

Nikkei index highest in over 20 years.

Kaepernick files grievance claiming NFL owners collusion: report.

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