World News Briefs -- August 14, 2018



FOX News: US, Afghan forces battle Taliban in Ghazni

Although the Taliban overran a base in northern Afghanistan, and Afghan forces were battling insurgents for a fifth day in the eastern city of Ghazni on Tuesday, the U.S. military reported that the city "remains under Afghan government control.”

“What we observed as these Afghan-led operations drove a large portion of Taliban from the city over the last day or so, was the retreating Taliban attacking the more vulnerable surrounding districts, which Afghan forces are reinforcing,” Lt. Col. Martin L. O’Donnell, a U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesman, told Fox News. “That said, some Taliban forces remain in the city. These insurgent forces do not pose a threat to the city's collapse.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria regime welcomes returning refugees with charm offensive.

Turkey hopes to find solution on Syria's Idlib with Russia.

Lebanon's Hariri says government formation may take more time.

Lebanese Hezbollah leader says group stronger than ever.

Yemen buries children killed by air strike, Riyadh insists raid 'legitimate'.

Erdoğan says Turkey will boycott US electronic products. Erdogan: Turkey can do without US electronic goods.

U.S. official warns of more actions against Turkey if pastor not freed.

Blocked by Israel for years, Palestinian mail finally arrives.

ASIA

Taliban overrun Afghan army base, kill 17 troops.

'We won't survive': Residents speak of ongoing battle in Ghazni.

China alarmed over provisions in U.S. defense funding bill.

US: N. Korea talks moving 'in right direction'.

North Korea stops tourist visas as republic’s 70th anniversary approaches.

Malaysia threatens to nix Chinese projects.

Warm, high-profile welcome for Taiwanese president in the United States.

US denies China policy change after Taiwan leader speech in LA.

Hun Sen: Calls for Cambodian sanctions intensify in Canberra ahead of key Julie Bishop meeting.

Philippines: Tens of thousands displaced in deadly floods.

AFRICA

Mali president claims election victory amid fraud accusations.

Libyan militia evict 1,900 minority Tawergha from IDP camp.

Uganda: Museveni critic Bobi Wine detained by authorities after violent clashes.

Mozambique police name 'ringleaders' behind Islamist attacks.

Congo’s health ministry says Ebola spreads to 2nd province.

Tunisia denies migrants arrested on way to Italy were 'terrorists'.

Nigeria's acting president orders overhaul of controversial police unit.

EUROPE

Italian bridge collapse sends cars plunging, killing 26. Italy bridge: Bridge rescuers search into the night in Genoa.

'What the hell are you up to?' Arson attacks draw Swedish PM's ire.

Malta to let rescue boat dock with 141 migrants aboard.

Freed in Turkey before spy trial, Greek soldiers await flight home.

Laima Vaikule: Latvian pop star angers Russia with Crimea snub.

Ruble slump hits Russians' wallets, not their support for Putin.

Russia offers 2.5 million acres of land to Chinese farmers, but will it ease Beijing’s soybean shortage?

AMERICAS

Ex-Trump aide Manafort's defense rests, case headed to jury.

White House: we cannot guarantee there's no tape of Trump using N-word. Trump lashes out at Omarosa, calls her ‘that dog’.

Bolton to meet with Russian counterpart in Switzerland next week.

Venezuela military officers arrested over drone attack on Maduro. Venezuela: Military figures arrested after drone 'attack'.

Venezuela's Maduro announces curbs to cheap gas.

Argentina ex-leader Kirchner appears in court over corruption.

Cuban 'acoustic attack' report on US diplomats flawed, say neurologists.

Colombia blocks treasure hunters from 'holy grail of shipwrecks'.

Puerto Rico officials say all of island now has power again.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS conflict: Up to 30,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq - UN.

UK Parliament crash: man arrested on suspicion of terrorism.

Jihadist conflict in Cameroon diminishing, says thinktank.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US retailers small companies rally as Turkey fears ease.

Google tracks users who turn off location history.

Another big sports deal for Facebook.

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