Iraq claims victory over Islamic State in Tikrit
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) – The Iraqi government claimed victory over Islamic State insurgents in Tikrit on Wednesday after a month-long battle for the city supported by Shi’ite militiamen and U.S.-led air strikes, saying that only small pockets of resist…
FBI confirms death of militant with DNA from severed finger
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday it has confirmed that Zulkifli bin Hir, one of its “most wanted terrorists,” was killed in a raid in the Philippines in January.
Islamic State seizes vast Damascus refugee camp
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Islamic State fighters seized most of a vast camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of Damascus from other insurgents on Wednesday in a bid to capture a major foothold close to President Bashar al-Assad’s seat of power.
Nigeria’s Buhari says to ‘spare no effort’ in squashing Boko Haram
ABUJA (Reuters) – A day after becoming the first politician in Nigerian history to succeed a sitting leader by ballot, president-elect Muhammadu Buhari promised on Wednesday to “spare no effort” to defeat Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
Pemex oil platform fire kills four in Gulf of Mexico, 302 evacuated
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – At least four people died after a fire broke out on a Pemex oil processing platform in the Gulf of Mexico early on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of 302 workers, the Mexican state-run oil company said.
China rounds up more than 1,000 in online gambling bust
BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese police have rounded up more than 1,000 people involved in an online gambling network, freezing bank accounts worth about 330 million yuan ($53 million), state news agency Xinhua said.
From brides to battlefield, women taking up new roles with Islamic State
ERBIL, Iraq (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Women traveling to join Islamic State militants are no longer just seeking to become “jihadi brides” but are taking on new roles, on the frontline in logistics and intelligence and as medics, according to military and expert sources.
Nigeria’s Buhari says to ‘spare no effort’ in squashing Boko Haram
ABUJA (Reuters) – A day after becoming the first politician in Nigerian history to succeed a sitting leader by ballot, president-elect Muhammadu Buhari promised on Wednesday to “spare no effort” to defeat Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
First TV debate of UK election campaign to pit Cameron against six others
LONDON (Reuters) – Prime Minister David Cameron will face off against six political rivals later on Thursday in the first TV debate of Britain’s national election campaign, hoping the format will allow him to cast himself as a statesman against squabbl…
Yemen Houthi fighters backed by tanks reach central Aden
ADEN (Reuters) – A unit of Houthi rebels and allies backed by tanks pushed into central Aden, the main foothold of fighters loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, witnesses said on Wednesday, despite a week of air strikes by Saudi-led coalition for…
