Reuters: Iraqi air force hits Islamic State inside Syria for first time
Iraqi warplanes have struck Islamic State targets inside Syria in retaliation for recent bomb attacks in Baghdad by the group, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Friday.
It appeared to be the first time Iraqi jets have conducted such raids across the border. A Syrian source said the strikes had been coordinated with Damascus.
Islamic State, which is now on the defensive after losing control of eastern Mosul in Iraq to a U.S.-backed Iraqi military offensive, has claimed responsibility for several car bombs in Baghdad in the capital in the past few weeks.
"We are determined to chase terrorism that tries to kill our sons and citizens, wherever it is found, so we gave orders to the air force command to strike Islamic State positions in (the Iraqi town of) Hosaiba and Albu Kamal inside Syrian territory as they were responsible for recent bombings in Baghdad," Abadi said in a statement.
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MIDDLE EAST
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Army claims gains in fight for western Mosul.
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Yemen on 'brink of famine' as more than one-third of population faces starvation, UN warns.
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Israel denies Human Rights Watch work visas due to 'extreme, hostile agenda'.
Israel to publish long-awaited report on 2014 Gaza war.
Iran complying with nuclear deal, says UN watchdog.
ASIA
North Korea steps up sanctions-busting: UN report.
Pakistan army launches first nationwide anti-terrorism operation. Pakistan OKs military cross-border operations against terrorists.
China hits back at Donald Trump's 'champion of currency manipulation' jibe.
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China say North Korea's nuclear plan is a problem between U.S. and North Korea. China says US must work together on solution to N. Korea.
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Top Philippine drug war critic arrested, but defiant.
AFRICA
Angola says Portugal decision to charge vice president a 'serious attack'.
Morocco urges UN to end Polisario 'provocation'.
Egypt Christians flee Sinai after a spate of attacks. Egyptian Copts flee Sinai after suspected Islamic State attacks.
Boko Haram attack kills seven in Nigeria: security sources.
Boko Haram leader killed spokesman over 'leadership plot'.
Fear hangs over busy Uganda-DR Congo border post.
Residents trapped in Libya Tripoli amid militia fighting.
East Libya bans travel for those aged between 18 and 45.
South African police use force to disperse anti-immigration protesters.
EUROPE
Pro-Kremlin politicians warn Trump could unleash new arms race.
Trump badmouths Sweden, Germany, Paris.
Paris mayor fires back at Trump for insulting her city.
Juncker envisions EU overhaul, roles for post-Brexit UK and Turkey.
Ukrainian military shell Donetsk water purification plant.
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Le Pen blasts EU, NATO, praises Trump.
A citizens' petition calls for a new French President: Barack Obama.
Geert Wilders suspends election campaign over alleged security leak.
German entrepreneurs see pickup in Russia business.
Bosnia appeals against UN court's Serbia genocide ruling.
AMERICAS
U.S. charges former Guatemala VP, ex-minister with drug trafficking.
White House bars major news outlets from gaggle.
Trump repeats call for US nuclear supremacy.
At conservative gathering, Trump blasts purveyors of 'fake news'.
FBI refused White House request to knock down recent Trump-Russia stories. White House dismisses CNN report on FBI as ‘indefensible’.
Trump blasts FBI for 'leaks' in midst of investigation.
Guatemala army blocks Dutch boat offering abortions. Dutch boat offering abortions to Guatemalans detained by army.
Venezuela loses right to vote in the UN until it pays its debts.
Colombia freezes FARC assets under peace deal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Treasury, UN sanction 2 senior leaders in al Qaeda’s Syrian branch.
Pakistan launches terrorism crackdown after spate of bloody attacks.
Syrian 'moderate' rebels flocking to Al-Qaeda after CIA halts weapons pipeline.
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street edges higher to give Dow 11th straight record.
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Alphabet sues Uber for allegedly stealing autonomous car technology.
US no longer Germany's top trade partner. China steams past U.S., France to be Germany's biggest trading partner.
