Tuesday, February 28, 2017

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2017



CNN: Iraqi commander: ISIS leaders 'running away' from Mosul

Irbil, Iraq (CNN)The commander of Iraq's federal police has said ISIS militants in western Mosul are looking to cut and run from their defense of the group's last remaining stronghold in the country.

Cmdr. Ra'ed Shaker Jawdat said ISIS militants were increasingly cut off from each other, and that its leaders were fleeing the remaining pockets of militant control.
"The terrorist organization Da'esh are living in a state of shock (and) confusion and defeat and its fighters are fighting in isolated groups," Jawdat said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS.
"Our field intelligence units indicate that the terrorist organization is falling apart and its leadership are running away from Mosul."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Activists: Syrian pro-government forces near IS-held Palmyra.

Putin says Russia will not support sanctions against Syrian leadership.

Iraq erecting floating bridge to connect east, west Mosul.

Largest post-coup trial opens in Turkey.

UN documents nearly 1,500 child soldiers in Yemen.

Yemen conflict: Red Cross appeals for access to key port.

One dead as clashes rock Palestinian camp in Lebanon.

Israel unprepared for tunnel threat in 2014 Gaza war: report.

ASIA

North Korean diplomats in Malaysia to get Kim's brother's body. Kim Jong-nam: North Korean team seeks body as women face charges. Malaysia to charge women with airport murder of North Korean. Kim Jong Nam killing suspects to be charged with murder, minister says.

South Korea suggests North's suspension from UN over airport killing.

Afghan Taliban kill 11 police officers in Helmand province attack. 'Taliban infiltrator' aids police killing in Helmand province.

China reacts with anger, threats after South Korean missile defense decision.

China says hopes U.S. defense spending benefits global stability.

Washington, Tokyo, Seoul explore ways to restrict Pyongyang's weapons funding.

Thai army, rebel negotiators agree 'safety zone' for unrest-hit south.

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong to be indicted on bribery charges.

AFRICA

Somali president declares 'national disaster' over drought.

Libya exposed as an epicentre for migrant child abuse. Refugee women and children 'beaten, raped and starved in Libyan hellholes'.

Guinea president sacks ministers following deadly protests.

Durban's Commonwealth Games in doubt, S.Africa admits.

Zimbabwe armyworm wreaks havoc.

Families of Tunisia beach attack victims to sue travel company.

No Ibrahim Prize awarded for African leadership.

EUROPE

Ukraine blockade tensions rise in rebel-held east.

OSCE monitors warn risk is high for new Donbass flare-up.

Russia looks for positive signals in Trump's speech to Congress.

Putin says sure will be able to solve disputes with Belarus.

Berlin truck attack: Police raid properties linked to mosque.

Poland's top politician builds momentum against Tusk in EU.

Austria prepares tougher measures against rejected asylum seekers.

AMERICAS

Donald Trump set to make his 'biggest speech yet' in joint address to Congress.

Trump looks to refocus his presidency in address to Congress.

Colombia government slams ELN rebels as they admit to Bogota bull ring bombing.

Mexico warns it will end NAFTA talks if U.S. proposes tariffs.

Door knocks in the dark: The Canadian town on front line of Trump migrant crackdown.

Vancouver up in arms as Trump family launches high-rise tower.

Carnival kicks off in Brazil despite recession, security woes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Australia arrests suspect for advising 'Islamic State' on missile design. Man arrested at Young, NSW for allegedly researching missiles for Islamic State.

Islamic State claims failed suicide attack in Algeria.

IS militants in north Sinai showing their strength.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia wants oil prices to rise to around $60 in 2017 - sources.

SpaceX to fly two tourists around Moon in 2018.

Dow Jones stock index hits best winning streak in 30 years.

US not rich enough to give away money for free - Bill Gates.

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