Tuesday, January 24, 2017

World News Briefs -- January 24, 2017



CNN: Eastern Mosul liberated from ISIS, Iraqi PM says

Irbil, Iraq (CNN)Iraqi forces have liberated the eastern half of Mosul from ISIS' grip, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reported Tuesday on state television.

"I call on those heroes to move quickly to liberate the remaining part of Nineveh province, especially the right side, which is the western side of the city," Abadi said.

Mosul is divided by the Tigris River, with both sides making up about half of Iraq's second-largest city.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Turkey and Iran agree trilateral mechanism to maintain Syrian ceasefire. Russia, Turkey, Iran agree plan to support Syria truce.

Foreign powers back Syria truce deal, war erupts among rebels.

Iraqi forces battle Islamic State in pocket of eastern Mosul.

Iraqi forces gear up for anti-ISIL push in west Mosul.

UN fears up to 750,000 Iraqis could be displaced in western Mosul offensive.

Jordanian King to visit Russia to discuss counter-terrorism - Kremlin.

Yemen army claims control of port city of Mokha.

At least 40 dead in battle for Yemen port.

Kuwait to deliver message to Iran on dialogue with Gulf Arab states.

Israel announces 2,500 more West Bank settlement homes.

ASIA

Beijing reasserts sovereignty claims over disputed South China Sea islands.

China hits back at US over South China Sea 'takeover' claims.

China urges Trump administration to grasp importance of 'one China'.

Russia says U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan would worsen situation - Ifax.

Afghan official reports Iranian, Pakistani aid to Taliban in Helmand.

Indian troops kill three militants in Kashmir.

Philippines' Duterte blames CIA for botched terror raid.

Japan, South Korea brace for Trump protectionist policies.

Papua New Guinea, Bougainville governments set up commission to oversee independence vote.

East Timor drops its spying case against Australia.

AFRICA

Nigeria suicide bomber 'had baby strapped to her back'.

Roadside bomb kills at least 4 troops in Somalia town: officials.

Gambia's new government mired in controversy.

New Gambia president expected back in country by next week.

Gambia revokes state of emergency in step towards political normality.

Uganda's sprawling haven for 270,000 of South Sudan's refugees.

CAR becomes most dangerous spot for aid workers.

Libya says oil sector open again for business.

EUROPE

Scotland's Sturgeon raises independence specter after court ruling.

Ex EU parliament head Schulz to stand against Germany's Merkel.

Ukraine says Russian sanctions must stay, rejects talk of Trump deal.

French Presidential candidate says Russia sanctions 'ineffective'.

Brexit: Supreme Court says Parliament must give Article 50 go-ahead. Parliament must vote before UK can trigger Brexit, top court rules.

Reports: Fake news targets Germany's Merkel ahead of elections.

EU escalates its campaign against Russian propaganda.

RRDP: Women fear violence and rape in refugee camps.

Germany sends second batch of Afghan refugees to Kabul.

Under Trump shadow, key European body backs EU-Canada trade deal.

AMERICAS

Trump advances controversial oil pipelines with executive action.

Trump admin orders EPA contract freeze and media blackout.

Trump set to make Supreme Court choice this week, short list down to three.

Pressured by Trump, Mexico ready to discuss NAFTA rules in U.S. talks.

Trump backs Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

U.S. budget deficit projected to balloon to $8.6 trillion in 10 years.

Trump's approval rating of 45% is record low for a new president.

Trump to meet with Mexican President on immigration, trade.

Trump adviser offers Canada reassurances on trade, Nafta.

French president meets with leftist rebels in Colombia.

Mexico captures 'El Negro,' son of Sinaloa Cartel leader 'El Azul'.

Massive wildfires cause 'greatest forest disaster' in Chile's history.

1 in 3 Californians supports secession – poll.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Ex-Qaeda affiliate battles rebels in north Syria.

US kills 5 AQAP operatives in Yemen airstrikes.

Pentagon confirms first drone strikes under President Trump.

US bombing in Libya was linked to Berlin truck attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil-dependent US states sliding into recession, S&P says.

Trump's executive orders send S&P 500 to an all-time high.

Alibaba raises guidance as strategy shift makes progress.

New F1 owners replace boss Ecclestone.

'Potential for China to join TPP' after US withdrawal, says Australia.

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