Tuesday, June 26, 2018

World News Briefs -- June 26, 2018


Al Jazeera: Syria assault in Deraa intensifies as thousands continue to flee

At least 45,000 people have fled intensified fighting in the southern Deraa province towards Jordan, UN says.

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are intensifying their offensive over key rebel-held towns in the southern province of Deraa, as thousands of people continue to flee the area, witnesses tell Al Jazeera.

Clashes broke out on Tuesday between pro-government forces, which have amassed on the outskirts of the town of Basr al-Harir, as fighting between the two sides escalated.

"At least 200 air strikes and 150 barrel bombs targeted Basr al-Harir this morning as government forces moved in on the village," said Jihad Hamza, a pro-opposition activist in Deraa.

"Rebel fighters are organising themselves to push back the assault," he added.

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MIDDLE EAST

Assad-allied forces intensify offensive in Syria's rebel-held areas.

Syria war: Government forces make gains in south-west.

Syria says Israeli missiles attack near Damascus airport.

Dozens killed near Yemen's Hodeida as UAE demands rebel pullout.

Iran's Rouhani calls for unity in face of economic woes.

UN Palestinian refugee agency warns of massive funding shortfall.

Prince William to meet Israeli PM in historic Middle East trip.

ASIA

Anti-Taliban operation under way, despite armistice in Afghanistan.

Afghan Taliban say fighting will continue despite civilian deaths.

General involved in Rohingya crackdown fired after EU sanctions.

Pompeo says won't put timeline on North Korea denuclearization steps.

Two Koreas dial down rhetoric on war anniversary.

Report: 24,000 Chinese soldiers killed, buried in lake in Korean War.

Philippine President Duterte calls God 'stupid'.

Papua New Guinea polio outbreak declared.

AFRICA

Eritrea delegation arrives in Ethiopia ahead of landmark talks.

Libya unity government urges UN to block 'illegal' oil sales.

DR Congo MPs attack Kabila ahead of trial of opposition chief.

DR Congo's Kasai crisis: War crimes committed by both sides, UN says.

Italy's Salvini visits Libya for talks to stop migration.

Top Zimbabwe leaders in peace pledge no-show.

Boko Haram homeless face housing crisis as rains hit.

EUROPE

U.N. to present plan for Mediterranean migrant centers for EU.

Austria deploys police and troops for immigration exercise on border.

Italy: Lifeline migrant rescue ship to dock in Malta.

Macedonia row cuts Greek government majority in parliament.

Sweden's far-right eyes election gains as gang violence rises.

European Union imposes sanctions on 11 Venezuelan officials.

European readers still blocked from some US news sites.

AMERICAS

Supreme Court upholds Trump travel ban. Supreme Court rules for Trump in challenge to his administration's travel ban.

US Supreme Court sides with anti-abortion centers in free speech case.

US vice president talks migration, space in Brazil.

Advocates urge Trump to extend protected status for Yemenis amid civil war.

Mexico's Lopez Obrador open to more private oil investment: adviser.

General strike brings Argentina to a halt.

Farmers in America are killing themselves in staggering numbers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

How tech companies are successfully disrupting terrorist social media activity.

British bomb-maker convicted of London terror plot.

Three sentenced for Molotov attack on Swedish synagogue.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trump says finishing U.S. study on tariffs on cars from EU.

Trump warns Harley-Davidson of 'big tax' for shifting some production abroad. Trump threatens Harley-Davidson: If it moves operations overseas, 'they will be taxed like never before!'.

Global opium and cocaine production at record highs: UN.

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