Reuters: Iraqi forces seize oil city Kirkuk from Kurds in bold advance
BAGHDAD/KIRKUK, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi government forces captured the major Kurdish-held oil city of Kirkuk on Monday, responding to a Kurdish referendum on independence with a bold lightning strike that transforms the balance of power in the country.
A convoy of armored vehicles from Iraq’s elite U.S.-trained Counter-Terrorism Force seized Kirkuk’s provincial government headquarters on Monday afternoon, less than a day after the operation began, a Reuters reporter in Kirkuk said.
Neither side gave a casualty toll for the operation. But an aid group working in Kirkuk said several Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Iraqi soldiers had been killed in an overnight clash south of the city - the only serious fighting reported.
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MIDDLE EAST
Site of IS beheadings in Raqqa seized by Kurdish-led force. US-backed fighters seize infamous Raqa roundabout from IS.
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
North Korea warns states: Don't join any U.S. action and you're safe.
North Korea tells UN will not negotiate with a 'hostile' US.
EU slaps new sanctions on North Korea.
Trump to meet Duterte on Asia trip dominated by N.Korea.
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
Cameroon premier in troubled anglophone region for 'dialogue'.
DR Congo wins seat on UN rights council despite US opposition.
Guterres wants UN to help tackle Sahel violence.
Somalia truck bombing toll over 300, scores remain missing.
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
Bomb kills reporter who covered Malta’s ‘Panama Papers’ link.
Populist parties gain more victories in European politics.
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. EU defends Iran deal despite Trump, appeals to U.S. Congress.
Madrid moves towards direct rule over Catalonia.
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
Trump, McConnell insist they’re together for GOP agenda.
Trump: Cuba ‘is responsible’ for attacks on US personnel.
Puerto Rico struggles with massive environmental crisis.
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.
Big drop in asylum seekers illegally crossing into Canada in September.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Drone strikes target IS training camps in Yemen.
New Jersey man convicted in New York bombing that injured 30.
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
Wall St. closes at records helped by finance, energy sectors.
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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