The Guardian: Iraqi special forces hold positions after entering Isis-held Mosul
No new advances planned for Wednesday after poor weather hampers visibility for aircraft and drone support
Iraqi special forces are holding their positions in Mosul a day after entering the Islamic State-held city for the first time since 2014.
Amid poor visibility for the US-led aircraft and drones that have backed Iraqi forces in their assault on the country’s second largest city, special forces general Haider Fadhil told Associated Press no new advances within Mosul were planned for Wednesday.
Fighting continued on the southern approaches to the city, where Iraqi troops took four small villages.
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MIDDLE EAST
Bad weather holds up Iraqi coalition's advance into Mosul. Iraqi's Mosul advance pauses in east, inches on in the south.
Iraqi troops push on Mosul as Turkey slams PM. Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul. Iraqi forces advance on town where Islamic State accused of executions.
Russia tells rebels to leave Syria's Aleppo by Friday evening. Battle for Aleppo: Russia offers humanitarian pause. Putin offers new pause, exits for Syrian's besieged Aleppo.
Turkish army chief holds 'constructive' talks with Russia on Syria: statement.
US call for end to airstrikes in Yemen faces backlash from advocacy groups.
Saudi prince flogged by police after court ruling – report.
Iranians shocked as Koran reciter faces child sex abuse claims. Iran's former prosecutor sentenced to 135 lashes for corruption.
ASIA
South Korea President Park reshuffles cabinet as crisis deepens.
Duterte lashes US 'monkeys' for halting sale of weapons.
India police under fire over prisoner killings.
China's Xi condemns 'cliques' and 'conspiracies' within party.
China, Japan have much to do to get relations back to normal: premier.
Asian MPs urge probe of reported abuses, envoys visit Myanmar's Rakhine.
Flight MH370 'made rapid descent'.
European watchdog to observe Uzbekistan election.
Pakistan denies bail to National Geographic's 'Afghan Girl'.
AFRICA
Mali Islamists say still waging war, dismiss ceasefire report.
18 killed, 43 injured as farmers, herders clash in Niger.
U.N. peacekeepers failed to respond to South Sudan hotel attack: inquiry.
S Africa: Corruption report increases pressure on Zuma. Report raises pressure on Jacob Zuma as thousands protest in Pretoria.
Gambia President Yahya Jammeh 'silencing critics'.
Thirteen port officials charged in Kenyan corruption clampdown.
EU hopes Libyan coast guard training will end attacks on boats.
EUROPE
France moves Calais child migrants, says Britain to take hundreds more.
Swiss take hard line on EU immigration before Merkel talks.
Ukraine rebuilds navy, with U.S. help, to counter Russian build-up in Crimea.
Lavrov calls not to speculate about US’ position on Syria after presidential election.
Russian authorities seal Amnesty International Moscow office.
Moldova: pro-Russian candidate leads ahead of runoff.
Irish PM warns Brexit talks between UK and EU could turn vicious.
Best outcome of Brexit talks is to avert it: German experts.
German unemployment hits 25-year low.
AMERICAS
Clinton and Trump push closing arguments as markets fret over tight race.
Race tightening, Clinton revives Trump-women issue.
Obama on FBI procedures: 'We don't operate on innuendo'.
Venezuela rivals' 'truce' crumbles amid name calling.
Colombia making 'substantial progress' with peace deal: President.
Waiting for peace, Colombia youths set up camp in main square.
Nicaragua president's running mate: his wife.
Police: 2 Iowa officers killed in 2 ambush-style attacks. Iowa police killing: Suspect held after two officers shot.
Obama says US mulling alternate routes for North Dakota pipeline.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
'There will be terrorist attacks in Britain,' says MI5 chief. Warning as hundreds of jailed terrorists back on UK streets.
ISIS child soldiers are latest casualties of brutal terrorist army.
Yemeni money exchange, owners sanctioned for aiding Al Qaeda: U.S. Treasury.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil continues to fall as US stockpiles unexpectedly grow.
Fed is widely expected to leave key interest rate unchanged.
US election uncertainty weighs on global markets and dollar.
