Reuters: Iraqi forces launch second phase of Mosul offensive against Islamic State
Iraqi security forces on Thursday began the second phase of their offensive against Islamic State militants in Mosul, pushing from three directions into eastern districts where the battle has been deadlocked for nearly a month.
U.S.-backed forces have retaken a quarter of the jihadists' last major stronghold in Iraq in the biggest ground operation there since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.
More than 5,000 soldiers and federal police troops, redeployed from Mosul's southern outskirts, entered half a dozen southeastern districts, while counter-terrorism forces advanced in al-Quds and Karama districts after reinforcements arrived.
Other soldiers pushed simultaneously towards the city's northern limits. U.S. military advisers were seen watching operations.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian government and rebels have signed ceasefire deal, says Putin.
Ceasefire in Syria comes into force at midnight December 30.
US calls Syria ceasefire deal a 'positive development'.
Syrian children are filmed fleeing in terror from their school as air strikes kill 15 civilians in rebel-held towns near Damascus.
Iraqi troops resume fighting in Mosul after 2-week lull. Iraqi forces launch new advance against Islamic State inside Mosul. Iraqi troops resume Mosul fight after 2-week lull.
Ten years since Iraq's Saddam executed.
Oman joins Saudi 'anti-terror' coalition.
Relations between Obama, Netanyahu camps hit rock bottom.
Benjamin Netanyahu subject of criminal investigation – report. Criminal probe to be opened against Israel PM Netanyahu: reports.
ASIA
Car bomb kills four at Communist Party compound in China.
50,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar: government.
Twin Philippines bombings leave 39 injured.
Philippines' Duterte calls U.S. envoys 'spies' over alleged ouster plot.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte: I once threw a man from a helicopter.
Russia, Iran ties with Taliban stoke Afghan anxiety.
China says to hold first military drills with Nepal next year.
Japan prime minister's visit to Pearl Harbor draws criticism from China. Anger as Japanese minister visits 'war crimes' shrine after Pearl Harbor trip.
Exclusive: Bangladesh police detail suspicions of inside help in central bank heist.
Police seize 1,100kg in Australia's 'largest cocaine bust'.
AFRICA
Mozambique's escalating violence forces thousands to flee.
Abubakar Shekau: Boko Haram has not been crushed. Boko Haram leader in new video says group safe, not crushed. Man purporting to be Boko Haram leader denies Sambisa forest defeat.
South Sudan just avoided a U.N. arms embargo. But can it dodge famine and genocide?
Russian, Egypt's foreign ministers agreed to continue talks on Middle East.
Gambia president orders electoral commission reopened.
To escape poverty, girls are choosing to be child soldiers in the DRC.
Flood in DR Congo kills at least 50 people, leaves thousands homeless.
EUROPE
Europe beefs up New Year's Eve security after Berlin terror attack.
Berlin truck attack: Tunisian released after questioning.
Syrian rebel charged in Sweden on suspicion of war crimes.
Premier says Italy will use its G7 presidency to mend relations with Russia.
Ruble hits 17-mth high to Russians' delight & Kremlin's chagrin.
Russia rules out explosion as cause of Black Sea plane crash, does not rule out terrorist attack.
Refugee boats should be sent back to Africa, according to Bavarian allies of Merkel’s party.
AMERICAS
U.S. set to announce response to Russian election hacking: sources.
US senators: Russia should be sanctioned for election hacks.
Donald Trump dismisses US sanctions threat to Russia.
Colombia passes amnesty law for thousands of FARC rebels. Colombian Congress unanimously approves FARC amnesty law. Colombia approves amnesty agreed in Farc peace deal.
Rio de Janeiro police say Greek ambassador to Brazil is missing.
Argentina: Protesters stone President Macri's car.
Argentina to probe Fernandez over alleged bombing cover-up.
NYPD allows Sikh and Muslim officers to grow beards.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Syrian rebels say former Nusra Front fighters included in ceasefire.
IS military leader killed in Syria air strike: Pentagon.
'A more dangerous long-term threat': Al-Qaida grows as Isis retreats.
ISIS-affiliated cell busted in Dagestan, planned to target Moscow - FSB.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
U.S. goods trade deficit widens; labor market near full strength.
US acting as global policeman for financial crimes.
Toshiba shares slump: What's going wrong?
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