EU backs Ukraine as Kiev-Moscow tensions mount

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Iraqi army has made fresh gains in the northern city of Mosul. Iraqi troops have retaken three villages in the south of Mosul held by ISIL terrorist group. According to military officials, scores of terrorists have been killed and seven car bombs destroyed during operations.
  
• Iran’s foreign minister says Turkey and Iran should stand together in the fight against terrorism. Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks during a press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Chavushoglu in Ankara. He also hailed an improvement in Turkey-Russia ties and their efforts to stem the Syria war.
  
• The European Union has pledged support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions between Kiev and Moscow. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says the bloc is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. She has urged Kiev and Moscow to avoid any action which could fuel tensions.
  
• The United Nations Security Council has approved the deployment of 4,000 additional protection force to South Sudan. The US-drafted resolution was adopted with 11 votes in favor and four abstentions by Russia, China, Egypt and Venezuela. The more robust resolution allows peacekeepers more power.
  
• An alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters has released over two thousand hostages held by Daesh terrorists in the northern Syrian town of Manbij. The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces has announced that it has flushed out the Takfiri terrorists during its final assault on the town.
  
• Amnesty International has urged Israel to either release or charge Palestinian hunger striker Bilal Kayed. The detainee, who has been on hunger strike for over two months, went on protest after his continued detention without trial. Reports say Kayed’s health condition is deteriorating.
  
• The UN human rights office has called on Australia to end the practice of processing and keeping refugees offshore. On Thursday, a damning report revealed extreme cases of human rights violations against refugees in an Australian detention center on the remote Pacific island of Nauru. Over half of the incidents involved children.
  
• Iranian weightlifter Kianoush Rostami has broken his own world record winning the men's 85 kilogram overall results at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Rostami has clinched Iran's first medal of the Games.

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