Friday, March 24, 2017

World News Briefs -- March 24, 2017



Reuters: U.S. sanctions 30 firms, individuals for aiding Iran, North Korea arms programs

The United States has imposed sanctions on 30 foreign companies or individuals for transferring sensitive technology to Iran for its missile program or for violating export controls on Iran, North Korea and Syria, the State Department said on Friday.

Eleven companies or individuals from China, North Korea or the United Arab Emirates were sanctioned for technology transfers that could boost Tehran's ballistic missile program, the State Department said in a statement.

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MIDDLE EAST

US-led coalition vows to crush 'Islamic State'.

US: Syrian fighters facing little resistance at Tabqa dam. Syrian militia reaches Tabqa dam: SDF official.

Final push on Syria's Raqa to begin in days: France.

Iraqi forces to deploy new tactics in Mosul, civilians flee city.

Escaping IS-held Mosul, residents head into unknown.

Iraq's Sadr threatens boycott if election law unchanged.

27 killed in south Yemen clashes.

Israel, US conclude talks without settlement agreement.

ASIA

U.S. general: Russia possibly supporting Taliban in Afghanistan.

‘Complete fabrication’ – Russian FM on US allegations Moscow aids Taliban in Afghanistan. Russia denies supplying Taliban after NATO claim.

Reports of Sangin’s fall are 'complete fabrication,' U.S. military insists.

U.S. turns down Russia invitation to Afghan peace conference.

Taliban denies talks with Pakistan on Afghan peace prospects.

Report: North Korea preparing for another nuclear test.

UN condemns North Korea tests which contribute to nukes.

North Korea security agents are being purged, report says.

China dismisses 'militarisation' of disputed islands in South China Sea.

UN will investigate allegations of ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in Myanmar.

AFRICA

Islamic State routed in Somalia's Puntland, President says.

U.S. warns South Sudan government against 'deliberate starvation tactics'.

250 migrants feared drowned in Mediterranean off Libyan coast.

Somali pirates take over Somali vessel to use as floating base: police.

Egypt's Hosni Mubarak freed after six years in detention. Hosni Mubarak: Egypt's toppled dictator freed after six years in custody.

ICC awards 'symbolic' $250 each to Congo war crimes victims.

Tanzania's president warns journalists that press freedom has limits.

EUROPE

UK police arrest 10 in London attack probe, search 21 sites.

London attack: Police make two more 'significant' arrests in terror investigation.

Middle-aged London attacker was criminal who wasn't seen as threat.

Russia says six of its soldiers killed in Chechnya base attack.

In eastern Ukraine, troops tiptoeing up to front line risk heavy battles.

Murdered ex-lawmaker knew 'misdeeds of Russian elites,' Kremlin critic says.

France's Le Pen meets Putin in Moscow.

20,000 evacuated after fire at Ukrainian military arsenal.

AMERICAS

House steers toward climactic vote on GOP health care bill.

Partisan split at House intel committee over canceled open hearing.

Manafort volunteered to be interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee in its Russia probe. Trump aide with Russia ties offers to talk to House panel.

US Senators introduce new Iran sanctions.

Nations urge Venezuela on elections, warn of diplomatic 'last resort'.

Lima struggles with flooding aftermath.

Toronto school board bars US trips amid travel ban uncertainty.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorist threat higher in Europe than anywhere else except war zones – EUCOM chief.

FBI's Comey warns of 'terrorist diaspora' from ISIS territory.

London attacker Khalid Masood was investigated by MI5 over extremism concerns.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. sanctions 30 firms, individuals for aiding Iran, North Korea arms programs.

Saudi Arabia faces $6 billion U.S. lawsuit by Sept. 11 insurers.

Trump greenlights Keystone XL pipeline, but other obstacles loom.

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