Al Jazeera: Joint Iraqi forces poised to enter Mosul to fight ISIL
Troops reach outskirts of ISIL-held city for first time since offensive began, as PM warns fighters to surrender or die.
Iraqi special forces stood poised to enter Mosul in an offensive to drive out fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group after sweeping into the last village on the city's eastern edge on Monday.
The troops said they fended off suicide car bombs without losing a soldier.
Armored vehicles drew fire from mortars and small arms as they moved on the village of Bazwaya in an assault that began at dawn, while artillery and air strikes hit ISIL, or ISIS, positions. By evening, the fighting had stopped and units took up positions less than a mile from Mosul's eastern border and about 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the centre, two weeks into the offensive to retake Iraq's second-largest city.
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MIDDLE EAST
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ASIA
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Upset at being sidelined in talks, Pakistan warns Taliban.
Pakistan police clash with anti-government protesters ahead of march.
Japan mulls deal to retrieve Russian-held isles by banning U.S. military from using them.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi under pressure as Rohingya crisis deepens.
Diwali fireworks choke Delhi, angering Indians.
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AFRICA
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African migrants break into Spanish enclave.
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France ends Sangaris military operation in CAR.
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EUROPE
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Putin signs federal law suspending plutonium disposal deal with US.
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Azerbaijan: Armenia violates ceasefire in Karabakh 31 times during last 24 hours.
Italy quake: At least 15,000 in temporary shelters.
Spain's Mariano Rajoy sworn in as PM for second term.
Pirate Party surge falls short as Icelanders back stability.
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AMERICAS
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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Germany takes aim at China on trade on eve of key visit.
US political uncertainty weighs on global stocks.