World News Briefs -- October 18, 2019 (Evening Edition)

A Catalan demonstrator walks by a fire during Catalonia's general strike in Barcelona, Spain, October 18, 2019. REUTERS/Juan Medina

Reuters: Barcelona rocked by violence on fifth day of separatist protests

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters battled police in the heart of Barcelona on Friday, setting up fiery barricades and hurling rocks at security forces on the fifth day of unrest following the jailing of Catalan separatist leaders.

The violence followed a largely peaceful demonstration which drew more than half a million people onto the streets of the Catalan capital to denounce the lengthy jail terms that have sent a shockwave through Spanish politics.

As night fell, masked youths blocked a broad boulevard close to the city’s police headquarters, setting fire to large garbage bins and throwing a hail of stones, cans and bottles toward massed lines of security forces in full riot gear.

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MIDDLE EAST

Fighting continues on Syria-Turkey border amid war crimes allegations.

UN investigates alleged use of white phosphorus in Syria.

Turkey plans presence across northeast Syria, Erdogan says.

Pompeo meets Netanyahu in Israel amid concerns about Syria, Iran.

Lebanon: WhatsApp tax sparks mass protests. Lebanon scraps WhatsApp tax as protests rage.

Amid protests, Lebanon's Hariri sets deadline to resolve crisis.

ASIA

Hong Kong protesters vow to hit the streets in major 'illegal' march.

Pence to deliver China policy speech next Thursday: White House official.

Bombing at Afghanistan mosque kills at least 60. Explosion at Afghan mosque kills dozens.

UN: Afghan insurgents responsible for most 2019 casualties.

Moon Jae-in's encounter with Japan envoy raises hopes of improved ties.

Pakistan avoids FATF 'black list,' gets stern warning.

China bankrolls Solomon Islands stadium ahead of Pacific summit.

China's economy marks slowest growth on record.

'Free to kill': Duterte tells newly appointed police chief.

New Zealand to test 'armed response teams' after Christchurch attacks.

AFRICA

WHO says Ebola in DR Congo still qualifies as global emergency.

Sudan peace talks resume after deadlock.

Partial Mozambique election results show big win for ruling party.

Violent protests against Madagascar's 'new city'.

Victims of Libya air raids fear returning home.

Guinea prosecutor seeks jail terms for opposition leaders.

Bobi Wine calls Museveni 'enemy of Uganda'.

Deadly flooding causing problems across Africa.

Stony silence from Eritrea as Ethiopia basks in Nobel glow.

Kenyan port of Mombasa becomes world's new drug trafficking hub.

EUROPE

UK MPs set for crucial vote on Johnson's revised Brexit deal.

EU urges Turkey to end Syria military operation after ceasefire announcement.

Brexit: Johnson in race to win support for deal. Boris Johnson returns to London to sell lawmakers new Brexit deal.

Catalonia holds general strike as protesters descend on Barcelona.

Catalan president seeks independence vote by 2021.

Wanted ex-Catalan leader Puigdemont surrenders to Belgian authorities.

EU leaders leave Balkan states hanging on accession talks. EU blocks Albania and North Macedonia membership bids.

AMERICAS

Hillary Clinton suggests Tulsi Gabbard is Russia's Democrat.

Backlash over Mexico's botched attempt to arrest 'El Chapo's' son.

'Failure:' Mexico admits bungled arrest of kingpin's son amid mayhem.

White House aide's words on Ukraine upend impeachment strategy, rattle allies.

Trudeau could lose power in Canada’s election Monday.

Venezuela joins U.N. Human Rights Council despite strong opposition.

Brother of Honduras president found guilty in vast drug conspiracy case.

Argentineans mark day of loyalty to former leader Juan Peron.

Surge of Mexican migrants is new challenge for Trump border crackdown.

Mexico deports 311 Indian migrants to New Delhi.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Brother of Afghan Taliban leader killed in Pakistan mosque blast.

'ISIS will be back.’ Lawmakers voice Syria fears to Pentagon chiefs.

Belgium to evacuate Isis suspects from Syria detention camps.

After Turkey attacks Syria, detained IS women await 'deliverance'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing, J&J, dismal China data drag Wall Street lower.

U.S. moves ahead with tariffs on European Union goods.

NBA facing 'substantial' losses over China dispute.

Samsung says fix coming for security-flawed Galaxy phones.