Tuesday, December 6, 2016

World News Briefs -- December 6, 2016



Reuters: Iraqi army launches fresh assault toward Mosul center

Iraqi army units surged toward the center of Mosul on Tuesday in an attack from the city's southeastern edges that could give fresh impetus to the seven-week-old battle for Islamic State's Iraqi stronghold.

Campaign commander Lieutenant General Abdul Ameer Rasheed Yarallah was quoted by Iraqi television as saying troops had entered Salam Hospital, less than a mile (1.5 km) from the Tigris river running through the city center.

If confirmed, that would mark a significant advance by the Ninth Armoured Division, which had been tied up for more than a month in close-quarter combat with Islamic State on the southeastern fringes of the city.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian troops enter Aleppo's Old City, poised for war's biggest victory.

Syria's army tightens grip on key Aleppo district. Syrian army takes control of another 5 districts in eastern Aleppo — ministry. Syria says it seized nearly 75 percent of eastern Aleppo.

Russia says Aleppo rebels will be 'eradicated' if they don't withdraw.

Iraq army launches assault on vital Mosul bridge. US-backed Iraqi troops inch towards the Tigris in Mosul after weeks of deadlock.

Saudi Arabia condemns 15 Shiites for spying for Iran.

In bid to belong, Israeli Arabs sign up for Israel's army.

2 million Israelis exposed to rocket fire, says report.

UN watchdog: Iran shipped excess heavy water to comply with nuclear deal.

ASIA

China urges United States to block transit visit by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen next month.

White House looks to reassure China after Trump-Taiwan call.

U.S. military to return some land in Okinawa by year end.

More than 20,000 Rohingya flee government crackdown in Myanmar.

North Korea 'hacks South's military cyber command'.

South Korean president Park Geun-hye defies calls to quit.

Investigators: Philippine police killed jailed mayor.

AFRICA

Libyan troops clearing Sirte of remaining ISIL fighters.

UN envoy recommends guard to protect Libya government.

Russia seeks to influence in Libya.

DR Congo: Ethnic clashes leave 31 dead.

Suspected Islamist militants free 93 prisoners from Mali jail.

Congo detains dozens of South Sudanese soldiers fleeing civil war.

LRA commander Dominic Ongwen pleads not guilty to war crimes at ICC.

Egypt arrests 'organ trafficking ring'.

EUROPE

Facing Trump and Putin, NATO and EU renew their vows.

Setting sights on fourth term, Merkel vows tough line on migration.

Angela Merkel endorses party's call for partial ban on burqa and niqab. Angela Merkel endorses burka ban 'wherever legally possible'.

Italian president pushes for new voting law before election.

Russians approve of their nation’s political course, but upset over economic situation, poll shows.

Erdogan maybe more open to Cyprus deal after coup: Cypriot minister.

French Interior Minister Cazeneuve replaces Valls as PM.

Refugees combat cold, frustration in Greece.

Molotov cocktails, firecrackers hurled at police at march over teen’s death in Athens.

AMERICAS

Trump interjects himself in Air Force One, business deals.

Cuba, U.S. to discuss detente in wake of Trump election.

Venezuelans stage protest over political prisoners outside Vatican.

More Central Americans are giving up on the U.S. and looking instead to a Mexican dream.

Brazil's president, beset on all sides, struggling to be savior.

FBI's credibility 'deeply damaged' by leaks during election, congressman says.

Joe Biden leaves door open to 2020 White House run.

Brazil crisis: Rio riot police battle unpaid workers.

Death toll stands at 36 in Oakland warehouse fire.

Outrage as 'lock her up' chant hits Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama defends counterterrorism plan before handover to Trump.

Belgium detains eight for questioning over Islamic State support.

Facebook and other tech giants are setting up a database for terrorist content.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Samsung triumphs over Apple in US Supreme Court patent row.

Trump's 'job traitor' tax plan faces Republican block.

Net earnings: top YouTubers' income rises 23% in past year.

EU approves Microsoft-LinkedIn deal.

No comments: