An Iraqi army vehicle is seen during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, in Qayyara. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
Reuters: Iraqi army aims to reach site of Islamic State executions south of Mosul
The Iraqi army was trying on Thursday to reach a town south of Mosul where Islamic State has reportedly executed dozens to deter the population against any attempt to support the U.S.-led offensive on the jihadists' last major city stronghold in Iraq.
Eleven days into what is expected to be the biggest ground offensive in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, army and federal police units were fighting off sniper fire and suicide car bombs south of Hammam al-Alil, the site of the reported executions, an Iraqi military spokesman said.
The militants shot dead dozens of prisoners there, most of them former members of the Iraqi police and army, taken from villages the group has been forced to abandon as the troops advanced, officials in the region said on Wednesday.
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MIDDLE EAST
IS trickling out of Mosul as losses mount: US general.
Iraqi army aims to reach site of Islamic State executions south of Mosul. Iraq special forces find IS bomb factory, tunnels near Mosul.
Some 60 Iraqi soldiers killed in Mosul offensive, 250 wounded - CENTCOM.
Mosul battle: IS 'loses hundreds of fighters' - US generals.
Iraq: Thousands displaced as battle for Mosul rages on.
Idlib school attack could be deadliest since Syrian war began, says UN.
Syrian army says it takes town near Hama.
Offensive on IS 'capital' Raqa more complex than Mosul.
Erdogan urges against Kurdish inclusion in Raqqa offensive.
EU hits more Syrian military, Assad officials with sanctions.
U.N. peace plan for Yemen seems to sideline exiled president.
UAE hails UN's Yemen peace roadmap.
4 Iranian arms shipments to Yemen stopped: US admiral.
ASIA
India, Pakistan to expel diplomats amid Kashmir tension.
Japan, US, S.Korea Deputy FMs to discuss N.Korea nuclear issue Thursday.
US reassures Asian allies it is still seeking North Korean nuclear disarmament despite 'lost cause' claims.
Support for South Korea's Park slides to all-time low amid crisis over friend.
China says latest South China Sea drill was normal search and rescue exercise.
China's Communist Party elevates President Xi Jinping to 'core' status. China's Xi anointed 'core' leader, on par with Mao, Deng.
India to expel Pakistani Mehmood Akhtar for 'espionage'.
Duterte says Philippines could join sea exercises with Japan, again vents anger at U.S..
AFRICA
Tunisia denies providing base for US drones over Libya.
IMF chief says Egypt in currency 'crisis'. IMF calls on Egypt to pursue reforms amid protests.
Libya's navy says 90 migrants perished after boat fell apart. Dozens missing after migrant boat sinks in Mediterranean, says Libyan navy.
Compensation for IRA victims wasn't set aside in Libya talks, says Straw.
Nigerian militants claim to have bombed Chevron export pipeline.
DR Congo arrests Rwandan FDLR rebel commander.
Madagascar: 1.5m face hunger because of drought, UN says.
In post-Ebola Sierra Leone, more than half the population face food shortages: U.N..
Man shot dead after stabbing guard at US Embassy in Kenya.
EUROPE
Belgian politicians drop opposition to EU-Canada trade deal. EU-Canada trade deal: Belgians break Ceta deadlock.
Putin slams claims Russia meddling in US polls as 'hysteria'.
Putin: Russia is not going to attack anyone. Putin is sure Russia and Ukraine will find way to end crisis.
Russia Syria: Battle group 'refuels off North Africa'.
NATO seeks to manage Russia's new military deployments.
Britain, U.S. sending planes, troops to deter Russia in the east.
French authorities declare the Calais migrant camp empty.
Turkey calls for end to NATO's migrant mission in Aegean.
Angela Merkel: internet search engines are 'distorting perception'.
UK economy grows 0.5% in three months after Brexit vote.
Socialists to fight Rajoy's policies in new Spanish government.
AMERICAS
Clinton, Michelle Obama make first joint campaign appearance in bid for women's support.
Bill Clinton 'for profit' income detailed in hacked email.
Dakota Access Pipeline: Authorities, protesters brace for showdown.
Colombia delays peace talks with ELN rebels until captive freed.
Venezuela anti-Maduro protests: Policeman shot dead. Venezuela protests against Maduro escalate, dozens injured.
Venezuela parliament seeks to push ahead with Maduro trial.
US abstains from UN vote against Cuba embargo.
Haiti faces cholera spike amid woeful international response to Hurricane Matthew aftermath, UN warns.
Chilean president signals fresh cabinet reshuffle in November.
Americans more scared of clowns than climate change, poll shows.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US official calls for vigilance against IS refinancing.
US military kills 5 AQAP fighters in central Yemen.
US targets top two al Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan.
ISIS plotting new attacks against West from Syria, US military says.
Fall of Raqqa key to disrupting terror plots: US General.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Amazon shares drop after earnings fall short.
Mobile and video pump profit at Google parent Alphabet.
British data prompts global bond selloff; U.S. stocks flat.
Tesla turns profit, Musk says no new capital needed for Model 3.
Twitter axes Vine video service. Struggling Twitter cuts nine percent of its workforce.
