Monday, May 21, 2018

World News Briefs -- May 21, 2018


Daily Mail: Syria takes complete control of Damascus for first time in six years after ousting ISIS from final pocket of resistance

* The Syrian army declared victory over ISIS after clearing the last few jihadis
* Government troops captured southern Damascus and Yarmuk from the militants
* In a statement they said they 'would not stop until all Syrian land is purified'

Syria's army said on Monday it was in full control of the capital Damascus and its outskirts after ousting the Islamic State group, marking a major milestone in the seven-year war.

'The Syrian army announces today that Damascus, its outskirts and surrounding towns are completely secure,' it said in a statement carried on official media.

The development came after troops had captured a key southern portion of Damascus from ISIS, the statement said, including the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk and the adjacent district of Hajar al-Aswad.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's army captures last insurgent area near Damascus. Syria war: Army takes full control of Damascus after ousting IS. Syria army pushes ISIL out of south Damascus district: State TV. 'IS' leaves last pocket of Damascus.

US vows 'strongest sanctions in history' on Iran.

Iran's Zarif tweets that U.S. is repeating mistakes on Iran.

Germany to meet with France, Britain, Russia and China to save Iran nuclear deal: report.

Senior UAE official says U.S. taking right approach on Iran.

Paraguay becomes third country to open embassy in Jerusalem.

Hospitalized Palestinian president Abbas has lung infection: doctor.

Further arrests of Saudi women's rights activists in escalating crackdown.

ASIA

'Few signs of progress' in Afghanistan: US inspector. Watchdog finds little progress in Afghanistan, despite U.S. military optimism.

Taliban warns Kabul residents Of more attacks. Taliban warn Kabul residents to 'keep away' ahead of attacks.

Iran denies helps to Taliban in Afghanistan.

South Korea downplays North Korea’s threats to cancel talks.

Trump urges China to clamp down on North Korea border.

Report: China drives boats out of South China Sea.

Beijing denies 'militarisation' of South China Sea.

China in the Pacific: Concern over Beijing's influence ramps up in Cook Islands election.

U.S. slaps heavy duties on Chinese steel shipped from Vietnam.

AFRICA

20 killed in DR Congo violence, including wildlife park.

Libyans call on UN 'to stop war on Derna, lift devastating siege'.

UN weighs first-ever sanctions on Libya migrant smugglers.

Guinea's Conde names new PM amid rising political tensions.

Burundi approves reforms to extend presidential term limit.

Ebola death toll hits 26 in DR Congo as vaccinations start. Ebola outbreak: Experimental vaccinations begin in DR Congo.

At least 20 dead after cyclone strikes Horn of Africa.

Zimbabwe applies to rejoin the British Commonwealth.

EUROPE

Iran calls EU efforts to save nuclear deal inadequate.

British MPs demand end to Russian 'dirty money' after spy poisoning. UK government 'turns a blind eye' to dirty Russian money.

U.S.'s Pompeo pledges support for Georgia, calls for Russia troop pullout.

Bulgaria open to Russian role in nuclear power project.

Italian markets in turmoil as political novice emerges as frontrunner for PM.

Sweden issues 20-page 'be prepared for war' pamphlet to every home in the country.

Harry and Meghan look deeply in love as they reveal their official royal wedding photos taken by Mario Testino's protege and say they 'feel so lucky to have been able to share their day'.

AMERICAS

Venezuela election: Maduro wins second term amid claims of vote rigging.

Venezuela: Maduro hails election win but world leaders threaten sanctions .

Lima Group recalls Venezuela ambassadors, condemns vote.

U.S. condemns Venezuela elections, imposes new sanctions.

Under pressure from Trump, FBI and Justice agree to expanded Russia probe.

Six countries at G20 meeting reject Venezuela election result.

Malaria rates soar in Venezuela – a nation that had nearly wiped it out.

FBI, Justice to ‘review’ classified info sought by lawmakers.

More than 80 percent of Americans unsure about Trump, Kim summit.

White House hypes threat from 'violent animals' of MS-13.

Rights commission condemns abuses during Nicaragua protests.

Mexico presidential debate: 'US needs Mexico as well'.

Hawaii volcano: Warning of toxic gas plumes from Kilauea.


TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon spokesperson doubles down on ‘desperate’ Taliban comment.

US office overseeing fight against ISIS gets reprieve.

State adds Islamic State in the Greater Sahara to terrorist list.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. rises on trade war truce; industrials lead.

Barack and Michelle Obama to make TV and films for Netflix.

US suspends trade war with China after 'meaningful progress'.

U-turn over Facebook chief's EU meeting. Mark Zuckerberg finally agrees to live-stream EU parliament hearing on Facebook’s data sharing after outrage it was set to be behind closed doors.

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