Shi'ite fighters look at smoke rising from clashes during a battle with Islamic State militants at the airport of Tal Afar west of Mosul, Iraq November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Reuters: Iraqi troops expand foothold in Mosul as Islamic State pledges more suicide attacks
U.S.-backed Iraqi troops expanded their foothold on the eastern side of Islamic State's stronghold of Mosul on Friday, as the group pledged to mount more suicide attacks on their offensive to take the city.
The elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed the Tahrir district on the northeastern edge of Mosul, the last major city under control of the Sunni hard-line group in Iraq.
A Reuters correspondent reporting from the CTS-held line in Tahrir saw civilians streaming out of the nearby Aden district where fighting blazed, pushing trolleys containing their belongings and carrying home-made white flags.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria conflict: Aleppo bombarded as UN warns of 'bleak' moment. UN warns of 'very bleak moment' as Syria intensifies Aleppo offensive .
Russia says Lavrov, Kerry discuss Syria crisis by phone.
Yemeni government rejects ceasefire deal with Houthi opposition.
West supporting terrorists, says Erdogan.
Turkish Nato officers 'seek asylum' after failed coup.
Turkish bill clears men of statutory rape if they marry.
12 members of nuclear negotiating team arrested by Iran for espionage.
Trump to pick Huckabee as ambassador to Israel: report.
ASIA
Philippine Army says 14 killed in battle with Abu Sayyaf.
Myanmar rejects reports army killed Rohingya fleeing Rakhine conflict.
Pakistan navy claims it 'pushed' away Indian submarine.
Vietnam expanding South China Sea runway, says thinktank .
Thousands expected at Malaysian anti-government rally despite arrests.
Japan's PM Abe meets Trump, says confident can build trust.
Anger at hero's burial for Philippines dictator Marcos.
AFRICA
November deadly for migrants crossing Mediterranean, IOM says.
Far from Mosul, Islamic State close to defeat in Libya's Sirte.
AFRICOM's hunt for Islamic State militants stretches across Libya.
South Sudan: US seeks arms embargo via Security Council.
Most Boko Haram fighters aren’t Nigerians, Army Chief says.
U.S. wants U.N. to blacklist South Sudan's Machar, Malong.
Gridlocked Guinea Bissau names fifth PM in a year.
Piracy still a threat off Somalia, says UN.
EUROPE
Obama, EU leaders agree to stick together, stay tough on Russia.
Trump election: Baltic warning over Russian move on Nato.
Obama in Berlin: Russia is military superpower.
Putin: Russia will oppose any attempts to break global strategic balance, incl. NATO missile system.
European leaders talk Trump during Obama's final day in Berlin.
U.S. says concerned over Russia blocking access to LinkedIn.
No compromise in sight, EU ministers at odds over immigration.
Migrants, local residents clash on Greek island of Chios.
Plane with Russian journalists on way to Peru tracked by Swiss fighter jets (VIDEO, PHOTOS) .
AMERICAS
Trump chooses Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general, Rep. Mike Pompeo for CIA director.
Trump, NATO chief pledge alliance's 'enduring importance' in phone call.
Trump settles Trump University lawsuits for $25m.
Heavy security at Trump Tower not going away anytime soon.
Protests erupt in Peru ahead of Asia-Pacific economic meeting.
After repeated delays, hurricane-hit Haiti to hold presidential vote.
Venezuela frees jailed politician, opposition seeks more releases.
Zika virus is no longer a global health emergency, UN health agency says .
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Isis in Afghanistan: 'Their peak is over, but they are not finished' .
Navy sending new commander to run Guantanamo prison under Trump.
Sri Lanka says 32 'elite' Muslims have joined Islamic State in Syria.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Obama blocks new oil, gas drilling in Arctic Ocean. On its way out, Obama administration moves to slam the door shut on Arctic drilling.
OPEC moves closer to oil output deal as Iran gets new offer.
Volkswagen plans 30,000 job cuts worldwide.
Countries that signed TPP could focus on China-led agreement: Froman.
Marilyn Monroe 'Happy Birthday' dress fetches $4.8m.
