World News Briefs -- February 8, 2017 (Evening Edition)

AFP: Fierce fighting 20km from IS bastion in Syria: AFP reporter

Fierce fighting took place on Wednesday between jihadist militants and US-backed Syrian rebels just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Islamic State's self-proclaimed capital of Raqa, an AFP reporter saw.

On Saturday, the rebels -- a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) -- announced a new phase in a bid to capture Raqa, and mounted an attack from north and northeast.

An AFP reporter at Bir Fawaz, 20 km north of Raqa, heard machine-gun fire all day Wednesday as SDF attacked IS positions in the neighbouring village of Maayzila.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. says Islamic State's Syria stronghold could be isolated in weeks.

Syria rejects Amnesty report on hangings at Saydnaya prison.

Syrian jets wage deadly strikes on rebel-held Homs district.

In Syria, the rebels turn on each other.

Turkey-backed forces take control of outer districts of Syria's al-Bab: PM. Syrian rebels and Turkish forces close in on 'IS' town of al-Bab.

Turkey coordinating troop movements in Syria with Russia.

Turks say CIA director set to visit, as Trump pursues stronger ties.

UN appeals for $2.1 bn for Yemen aid as famine looms. Warning of famine, UN asks for $2.1 billion in aid for Yemen.

Israeli groups ask court to block law legalizing settlements. US tight-lipped as Israel settler law sparks world outrage.

Netanyahu orders reprimand of Belgian ambassador.

ASIA

Philippines Government moves to quell Rodrigo Duterte's 'all-out war' on communist rebels.

Thailand's next election in exactly one year: deputy PM.

Gunmen in northern Afghanistan kill 6 Red Cross staff.

Islamic State claims responsibility for Afghan Supreme Court attack.

Afghanistan war getting little notice from Trump White House.

China's foreign reserves drop below $US3 trillion to six-year low.

China, United States cannot afford conflict, Chinese foreign minister says.

Exclusive: More than 1,000 feared killed in Myanmar army crackdown on Rohingya - U.N. officials.

Bangladesh rebukes Myanmar for 'unprovoked aggression'.

Pope Francis decries atrocities on Rohingya Muslims.

Philippines seeks US, China help to combat sea pirates.

Fire engulfs Philippine slum, thousands homeless. Shanty town fire in Philippines leaves 15,000 homeless.

6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes off Pakistan coast.

Indonesia's military chief accepts apology from Australian Army over offensive training material.

AFRICA

Libya talks on new unity government gather pace: UN.

Trump presidency heralds new era of closer ties with Egypt.

UN warns of atrocities in South Sudan.

Somali Presidential poll moves to second round. Somali capital on lockdown as MPs choose president.

Gunmen kill four guards in attack in Somalia's Puntland.

Polisario on alert along W.Sahara sand barrier.

Angolan rebels call on oil region to boycott election.

Zimbabwe protest leader Mawarire released on bail.

South Africa's Zuma to deploy 400 soldiers at state address.

Equatorial Guinea government moves to new city in rainforest.

EUROPE

Brexit: UK parliament gives Theresa May power to trigger exit from European Union.

France's Fillon appeals to voters, retains party backing.

German intelligence 'finds no evidence of Putin disinformation campaign'.

Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader found guilty. Russian court finds Alexei Navalny guilty in embezzlement case.

Putin signs law reducing punishment for domestic battery.

Top Ukraine separatist commander assassinated.

Merkel urges Putin to help end violence in eastern Ukraine.

German agency working to clear backlog of 435,000 asylum cases.

Tensions rise in New Caledonia ahead of independence vote.

Majority of Europeans say Muslim immigration should be stopped – poll.

AMERICAS

Trump under fire in Nordstrom Ivanka row. Trump tweets that Nordstrom treated Ivanka "so unfairly".

Travel ban decision in hands of federal appeals court judges. Trump attacks federal courts as 'so political,' defends travel ban.

Colombia and ELN rebels open peace talks in Ecuador.

6 dead in clash between marines and gunmen in Mexico.

Jovenel Moise sworn in as Haiti's new president.

Bipartisan US lawmakers urge Trump to sanction Venezuela.

Venezuela’s new iron-fisted boss facing U.S. trafficking probe.

Legal fight vowed after final Dakota pipeline construction endorsed.

Hundreds of U.S. immigrants convicted and not deported committed more crimes — even murder.

El Salvador TV star Pamela Posada denies cartel links.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Plotter in attack on Texas Mohammed art contest jailed for 30 years.

Trump team weighing orders on Guantanamo, cutting government.

UN report: Military pressure on IS has group on 'defensive'.

Searches in Germany, Britain focus on Islamist suspects: prosecutor.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Disney boss warns China trade war would be damaging.

Old-guard Republicans to push carbon tax at White House meeting.

For Chinese home buyers, Seattle is the new Vancouver.

Exclusive: White House eying executive order targeting 'conflict minerals' rule - sources.

Facebook adds tool for helping in times of crisis.