World News Briefs -- March 1, 2019

Al Jazeera: SDF launches assault on last ISIL-held area in Syria

The SDF says an operation is underway to 'clear the last remaining pocket' of ISIL in Syria, on the Euphrates river

Syrian-Kurdish led forces are launching an assault on the last area still controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed group in Syria.

The "operation to clear the last remaining pocket of ISIS has just started", Mustefa Bali, the spokesman of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said in a statement on Friday.

SDF fighters have been trying to seize control of the village of Baghouz, near the Iraqi border, for several weeks.

The SDF said it extracted several hundred civilians late Thursday from Baghouz.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kurdish forces 'launch final assault' on last Islamic State-held territory. Islamic State group in Syria: Final assault on jihadists 'begins'. Syria force launches assault on last IS pocket: spokesman.

Headless bodies found in mass graves in IS Syrian stronghold thought to be those of sex slaves.

Six jihadists among 8 killed by blast in Syria's Idlib.

Chlorine WAS used in attack on Syrian town that left dozens dead in 2018, says chemical weapons watchdog.

Yazidis freed from Islamic State captivity in Syria, returned to Iraq.

Saudi Arabia to put detained women activists on trial.

Southern Yemenis warn exclusion from U.N. peace talks could trigger new conflict.

17 Palestinians hurt in border clashes with Israel: Gaza ministry.

Graft accusation piles pressure on Israel's Netanyahu as election looms.

ASIA

Kashmir conflict: Pakistan returns captured pilot to India. Pakistan releases Indian pilot who was captured in disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistan to take India to the United Nations over 'eco-terrorism'.

At least 23 Afghan security forces killed in Taliban attack. Taliban suicide team attacks Afghan base in Helmand.

North Korea rethinking nuclear talks with U.S., top official says.

South Korea marks 1919 protests against Japanese rule.

US promises to defend the Philippines from ‘armed attack’ in South China Sea, as Manila mulls review of defence treaty.

Bangladesh tells U.N. it won't accept more Rohingya from Myanmar.

Myanmar land ownership law could displace millions of farmers.

China bans 23m from buying travel tickets as part of 'social credit' system.

AFRICA

At least 29 dead after car bombing, gunfight in Mogadishu. Somalia: Deadly battle with al-Shabab gunmen in capital ends.

US strike kills 26 Shabaab fighters in Somalia.

320,000 Somalis fled conflict, insecurity in 2018, says aid organization.

Algeria: Thousands protest against fifth term for president.

Mali jihadist leader denies reports of his death.

Sudan's President Bashir steps down as ruling party leader. Algeria: Tens of thousands protest president's bid for fifth term.

Two Ebola clinics burned down in DR Congo.

Botswana extends credit line to Zimbabwe.

Former Liberia President's son detained over missing cash.

EUROPE

EU ready to give Britain more guarantees 'backstop' is temporary: Barnier.

Irish PM says hard Brexit on March 29 unlikely.

Kremlin says U.S. cyberattacks on Russia are 'the reality we live in'.

Ukraine rows back on anti-corruption law putting IMF aid in jeopardy.

US welcomes demise of EU money-laundering blacklist plan.

Greece scrambles to clean up banks and bad loans.

Brexit: Spain to give 400,000 Britons rights under no deal.

French prosecutors call for far-Right leader Marine Le Pen to face TRIAL over violent pictures of ISIS atrocities that she posted on Twitter.

AMERICAS

GOP bristles over plan to shift military funding to border wall.

Otto Warmbier parents blame Kim for son's death and reject Trump's 'excuses.

Trump says his remarks on Warmbier were 'misinterpreted'.

Trump 'DID order chief of staff John Kelly to give son-in-law Jared Kushner top-secret security clearance', according to 'internal memos' that contradict statements from both the president and Ivanka.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou’s extradition case will go ahead, Canada says after ‘thorough review of evidence’.

US, Russia rival bids for UN action in Venezuela blocked.

US steps up Venezuela sanctions with six officials targeted over aid block.

Venezuela moving oil company office to Russia.

Argentina judge who led Jewish bombing investigation jailed.

Canada begins extradition of top Chinese executive to US.

Rights groups urge release of more Nicaragua prisoners.

Rate of Hispanic poverty in America has fallen to a record low 18.3% - and the overall rate of poor Americans has declined three years in a row, new Census data reveals.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US offers $1 million reward for information on Hamza bin Laden.

Osama bin Laden's son stripped of Saudi citizenship.

9/11 attacks' survivors take Saudi Arabia to court.

Russian court sends 5 militants to prison for failed terrorist plot.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street rises as trade optimism counters weak data.

U.S. companies adapt to 'endless' China tariffs.

Lyft losses grow ahead of $25bn flotation.

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