World News Briefs -- January 4, 2017 (Evening Edition)

ABC News Online: Syria conflict: Damascus residents limit water use after attack on rebel-held river

Damascus residents are scrambling for clean water after the Syrian Government attacked rebels holding the city's main source in a nearby valley, producing an outage that has stretched for nearly two weeks.

The cut-off is a major challenge to the Government's effort throughout the nearly six-year-old civil war to keep the capital as insulated as possible from the effects of the conflict tearing apart much of the country.

The Government has advertised its efforts to keep electricity and water flowing to areas under its control, while it blocks the UN and other relief agencies from supplying opposition zones.

But rarely has that struggle for resources been so starkly felt inside the capital.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Thousands return to ruins of freezing Aleppo: U.N. official.

US ready to help Turkish forces in Syria.

US coalition spared ISIS oil production facilities in Syria – Russian MoD.

Number of displaced in Mosul op passes 125,000: UN.

At Mosul front, Iraqis fleeing and returning cross paths.

Istanbul on alert as hunt for gunman reaches 4th day. Turkey says it has identified gunman in New Year's Day massacre. Turkey has identified Reina nightclub attacker: FM.

Turkey detains 5 IS suspects linked to nightclub attack.

Turkey extends emergency rule to maintain purge of Gulen supporters: deputy PM.

Arab separatists in Iran say attacked pipelines in west, Tehran issues denial.

Three Yemeni soldiers killed in offensive against al Qaeda: sources.

Israeli soldier convicted over killing of wounded Palestinian attacker. Israeli soldier Elor Azaria convicted over Hebron death.

Saudis expect 46% increase in oil revenue this year.

ASIA

Pakistan arrests 150 Islamists trying to rally in support of blasphemy law.

Gangster-killing Philippines president Duterte claims some of his cousins may be in ISIS.

S. Korea vows US missile system as opposition lawmakers head to China.

More than 150 prisoners escape in Philippines after gunmen storm jail. Philippines jail stormed by armed men, hundreds of prisoners escape.

Myanmar says 'no evidence' of Rohingya genocide. Myanmar commission's report on Rohingya 'flawed': HRW.

Myanmar faces danger from Islamic State militants, Malaysian police say.

Thai leaders say general election on track for this year.

Indonesia halts military cooperation with Australia over 'insulting' West Papua posters at training base.

India announces election dates in five key states.

Chinese Government official carries out gun rampage injuring two, then kills himself: local media.

'Thousands' of pilgrims return to China before Dalai Lama event.

12 children injured in kindergarten knife attack in S. China.

AFRICA

Egypt-Saudi deal protesters ordered to be detained.

Egypt arrests four over Cairo church bombing.

Two Moroccan troops killed in C. Africa convoy attack: UN.

Eastern Libyan jet makes deadly strike on rival military's plane.

Tunisia dismantles 'terrorist cell' in growing crackdown.

Congo opposition leader who fled country announces candidacy.

Car bomb wounds four U.N. guards in Somalia's capital.

‘70+ Sudanese refugees murdered in South Sudan’: Missionary.

Drought worsens deadly battle between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.

Seeing demand, Morocco approves first Islamic banks.

EUROPE

Kosovo ex-PM arrested in France on Serbian warrant.

UK's May taps career diplomat to replace EU envoy after scathing resignation.

Gun used by Amri matches Berlin Christmas attack weapon. Germany arrests Tunisian who dined with market attacker.

Police raid Berlin homes linked to market attacker Anis Amri.

Dam leaves Crimea population in chronic water shortage.

Slovakia’s PM calls on EU leaders to stop referendum ‘adventures’.

Eurozone inflation surges to 1.1% in December.

Finland introduces basic income for unemployed.

Swedish six-hour workday runs into trouble: It’s too costly.

France moves to suspend Vitamin D supplement after baby dies.

Queen Elizabeth resumes duties as she recovers from heavy cold.

AMERICAS

Obama to deliver farewell address in Chicago on January 10.

Obama tells Democrats to ‘stay strong’ in protecting his signature health-care law. Pence and Obama kick off Obamacare battle on Capitol Hill. Republicans make repealing Obamacare 'first order of business'.

California hires Eric Holder to fight Trump administration.

Scuttled Ford plant has Mexico fearing more under Trump.

Obama, Pence to Capitol as health care overhaul fight begins.

Trump questions US intelligence as governing challenges loom.

Donald Trump backs Julian Assange over Russia hacking claim.

Russian election hacking allegations top US Senate agenda.

Ex-CIA head: More than one country could be behind hacking. Russia did not hack Vermont electric utility: report.

Trump eyes Cabinet vacancies, policy questions.

Brazil state governor calls for war on drug gangs after massacre. Brazil prison riot, a 'butchery foretold,' sparks fear of more killings.

Behind fence, Mexico's notorious Juarez is wary of Trump's wall.

Jovenel Moise officially confirmed as Haiti's new president.

Venezuela: Basketball star Manaure 'confirms' son kidnapped.

New York train crash injures more than 100 commuters.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIL ramps up fight with weaponised drones.

Pentagon rejects Donald Trump’s call to halt Gitmo transfers. White House expects more Guantanamo transfers to be announced. White House pledges to continue transfer of Guantanamo Bay inmates.

Amnesty makes final push for Obama to close Guantánamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US Fed may need to raise rates more quickly: minutes.

December US auto sales come in at pace of 18.4 million, vs. 17.7 million estimate.

HSBC raises world economic growth, inflation forecasts, dubs moves 'rare treat'.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg takes up challenge to tour US.

Ford to scrap $1.6 billion plant in Mexico as Trump targets General Motors.

Tweet

Subscribe to receive free email updates: