AFP: Iraq on cusp of Mosul victory three years after major defeat
Three years after the Islamic State group routed them in Mosul, Iraqi forces are now on the cusp of retaking the city from the jihadists and avenging a historic debacle.
The fall of Mosul was the worst defeat that Iraqi forces suffered in the war with IS, and regaining it would cap a major turnaround for security forces that broke and ran despite outnumbering the jihadists who attacked the second city in 2014.
"Of course, we celebrate the successes of the military" three years after the city's fall, said Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a senior commander in Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service, which has spearheaded the battle.
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MIDDLE EAST
U.S., Russia discuss de-escalation zone for southwest Syria: diplomats.
Syria says troops reach Iraq border after US tensions.
US-backed forces fighting Islamic State enter Syria stronghold of Raqqa.
Rights groups: Many casualties in Mosul from heavy weapons.
Trump berates Qatar as Gulf stand-off escalates.
Qatar says won't 'surrender' in row with fellow Gulf Arabs as Donald Trump again weighs in.
Qatar crisis grows as Arab nations draw up terror sanctions list.
Qatar rejects Saudi-led bloc's 'terror' list.
'There is no trust': Gulf states give up hope on Qatar.
Iraqi government rejects Kurdish move for independence.
Turkey says Iraq’s Kurdistan independence vote ‘grave mistake’.
Iran leaders accuse US, Saudis of supporting Tehran attacks.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation says sorry amid anger over snub for London victims at Socceroos game. Saudis apologise after London attack snub in Australia.
Thousands mourn Tehran attack victims, chant 'Death to Saudi'.
UN agency blasts Hamas after tunnel found under schools.
ASIA
China says it is vigilant as two U.S. bombers fly over South China Sea.
Indian soldiers kill five rebels in Kashmir: army.
Taliban regains control of Helmand province, Afghan Army fails to recover ground.
In war-shaken Philippine city, civilians struggle to escape.
Philippine military asks Facebook to close jihadist accounts.
India, Pakistan join China and Russia-led security bloc.
North Korea says it has tested new anti-ship missile.
N. Korea coal export sinks to zero after China import ban: UN data.
Japan's Diet enacts abdication law for Emperor Akihito.
Man jailed for 35 years in Thailand for insulting monarchy on Facebook.
AFRICA
Trump, Egypt's Sisi discuss Arab unity, fighting terrorism: White House.
France faces US reservations over UN backing for Sahel force.
UN chief 'concerned' over renewed Central African unrest.
14 killed as coldiers clash over drought food aid in Somalia.
Three peacekeepers killed in northern Mali attack: UN.
Boko Haram stages deadly attacks in Maiduguri.
Security fears in Tripoli as General Haftar widens military campaign.
DR Congo's Kasai unrest must be investigated - UN.
South Sudan refugees recall horrific sexual assaults.
Zambia opposition leader moved to maximum security jail.
South Africa opposition lay graft charges against Zuma, finance minister.
EUROPE
Election debacle leaves UK government in a minority on eve of Brexit talks.
May’s gamble on a snap British vote backfires spectacularly, but she resists calls to step down. May to try to form government after UK election debacle, uncertainty over Brexit talks.
UK election result: How the world reacted.
Russia may seize U.S. property if its own compounds not returned: Kommersant.
French poll forecasts majority for Macron's En Marche!.
Catalonia to hold referendum on independence from Spain in October.
Poll: Germans want Merkel to remain as chancellor.
Qatar crisis: Germany seeks to bridge rift with Arab states.
Juncker: EU needs stronger defence arm.
Paris bids strong for 2024 Olympics.
AMERICAS
Trump accuses ex-FBI chief Comey of lying.
Trump commits US to NATO's Article Five on mutual defense.
Comey says Trump fired him to undermine FBI Russia investigation.
Trump claims 'total and complete vindication' after Comey testimony.
Trump's personal lawyer to file complaint after Comey testimony, source says.
Jared Kushner to meet with Senate Intelligence Committee staffers.
Exclusive: Deutsche Bank says privacy laws prevent Trump financial disclosures.
Venezuela government turns on 'traitor' prosecutor Ortega.
Crisis in Venezuela leads to dangerous witch hunts in South Florida.
UN: Indigenous, environment rights under attack in Brazil.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Trump calls on Qatar to stop funding terrorism.
Al-Qaeda-linked group claims deadly UN base attack.
Saudi Arabia and allies release Qatar 'terror list'.
Pakistan says army prevents IS group from establishing base.
Islamic State claims it killed two Chinese in Pakistan.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Tech stocks tumble, taking down Nasdaq.
Share markets shrug off UK election, but pound pummeled.
Republicans take knife to post-crisis Wall Street reforms.
Supreme Court of Canada won't hear appeal of Quebec maple syrup 'rebel'.
