World News Briefs -- March 25, 2018



BBC: Syria war: Rebel evacuations from Eastern Ghouta gather pace

Syrian rebel groups have pulled out of more towns in the Eastern Ghouta, as the government tightens it grip on the enclave outside Damascus.

Buses carrying fighters, their families and others left the area late on Saturday, leaving the city of Douma as the last rebel-held stronghold.

The evacuations followed a deal between government forces and a local rebel group, Faylaq al-Rahman.

About 70% of the Eastern Ghouta is now under government control.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria forces close to gaining full control of Eastern Ghouta.

Eastern Ghouta evacuations: Thousands to be bused to Idlib.

Turkey to target new town in Syria operation: Erdogan. Turkey targets Iraq’s Sinjar to oust Kurdish rebels.

Turkey takes 'total control' of Syria's Afrin, says state media.

Turkish army says killed 91 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq.

Turkey's economy to grow 5.4 percent in 2018.

UN says needs $350 mn for Yemen, calling it 'peanuts'.

Rights groups urge Yemen war crimes accountability.

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas in Gaza, army says. Israeli warplanes hit Hamas in Gaza: army.

Thousands of Africans protest Israel's mass deportation plan.

Iran MP slams appearance of footballer who played Israeli club.

ASIA

North and South Korea schedule talks at Panmunjom within days.

North Korea slows down operations at main nuclear test site.

North Korea criticizes South Korea's plans for more jets, missiles.

Obama: N. Korea 'real threat', urges co-operation.

Russia and Taliban deny US claims of working together.

Multiple casualties in suicide attack on Afghan Shiite mosque: officials.

Vice Premier Liu He says China ready to 'defend itself' against US tariffs.

Police, politicians accused of joining Sri Lanka's anti-Muslim riots.

Bomb kills one, injures 13 at protest camp in Kabul.

Japan's Abe apologizes amid cronyism scandal, vows to revise constitution.

South Korean former president to be questioned under arrest this week.

AFRICA

Somalia's parliament and presidential palace rocked by nearby car bomb blast. Car-bomb explodes near Somalia's parliament.

U.S. House panel to probe China military footprint in Africa: chairman.

Nigeria says talking to Boko Haram about possible ceasefire.

In Egypt’s election, turnout provides the only suspense. Authorities urge Egyptians to vote as Sisi seeks second term.

Sinai Peninsula: Sisi's offensive continues despite promises.

Cameroon votes new Senate as tensions plague anglophone regions.


Sierra Leone: Court puts break on presidential runoff.

EU 'extremely concerned' after DR Congo shuns aid talks. Congo crisis worsening, EU says, as government shuns aid conference.

South Africa police say may issue Zuma summons this week.

EUROPE

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont detained in Germany. Catalan ex-leader arrested in Germany on Spanish warrant.


British opposition wants legislation on N. Ireland border after Brexit.

Scores arrested in Belarus opposition protest in Minsk.

French supermarket siege: memorial service held for victims.

More than 10,000 people rally to unify Romania and Moldova.

Italian parties reach deal on parliamentary speakers.

Moscow says Europe 'unpredictable and aggressive' over Skripal: RIA.

AMERICAS

March for Our Lives: thousands join anti-gun protests around the world. Heartbroken by gun violence: Rallies across US demand change.

Trump defends $1.3 trillion spending plan, points to military gains.

Austin bomb suspect called himself a 'psychopath' in confession video, congressman says.

At least seven die in Rio police shootout as army takeover drags on.

Peru: Former President Kuczynski barred from leaving country amid corruption probe.

Venezuelan candidate would seek debt restructuring, adviser says.

Stormy warning! Porn actress set for TV talk on Trump.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US says airstrike in Libya kills 2 militants.

All terrorists receive arms, finances from abroad - Chief of Russia’s General Staff.

Mattis: Aerial photo request triggered firing of Gitmo tribunal overseer.

ECONOMY/BUSINESS/FINANCE

China appeals for cooperation as it warns of ‘trade war'.

Facebook boss apologises in UK and US newspaper ads.

First non-stop scheduled flight from Australia to Britain lands after 17 hours.

Cambridge Analytica-linked firm 'boasted of poll interference'.

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