AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISIS IN IRAQ
United States and its allies launched 22 airstrikes on ISIS, including four near Ramadi, the capital of Anbar taken by the group on May 17. The strikes near Ramadi hit ISIS tactical units, armored vehicles and a fighting position. Meanwhile, Iraqi military and the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces were deployed to Khalidiya in a strategic move aimed at preventing ISIS from advancing on neighboring city to Ramadi, Habbaniyah. The fall of Ramadi was seen as a major defeat for the al Abadi government. About 500 people died in the city, and more than 40,000 have fled in the past week.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Peru declares State of emergency in the province of Islay, calling on a full military control. Decision came after clashes between the police and protesters resisting a proposed copper mine left a 55-year old man dead. The $1.4 million Tia Maria copper mine project owned by Southern Copper, is backed by the Peruvian government led by Ollanta Humala. Protesters argue that if built, the Tia Maria mine will pollute Arequipa’s key waterways.
SENATE FAILS TO PASS FREEDOM ACT
US Senate blocked both a House-passed bill and a short-term extension of the USA Patriot Act. The bill would have moved the bulk collection of phone records of American citizens from the National Security Agency being held by telecom companies. The vote on the bill was 57 to 42, while the extension was 45 to 54, both short of the 60 votes threshold. The expires on June 1 with no real path to being reauthorized before it lapses for at least a brief period of time.
MEXICO DRUG BATTLE
At least 43 people have been killed in a gunfight between security forces and armed group in the Mexican state of Michoacan situated next to Jalisco. Jalisco is the stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel. The group has organized several large-scale attacks on federal and state forces in recent weeks.
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