Australian mosque targeted by firebomb attack

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• There has been a firebomb attack outside a mosque in western Australia. No one was injured in Tuesday night’s blast which happened in suburban Perth. Worshippers were at prayer when the explosion happened. A Muslim leader has called the attack a hate crime, saying anti-Islamic graffiti was spray-painted on a wall.
• The United States, South Korea and Japan have held a joint missile exercise aimed at countering what they call growing threats from North Korea. The trilateral drill, which took place in waters off Hawaii, included a ballistic target-tracking operation to test the Aegis anti-missile systems.
• A US destroyer has swerved dangerously past a Russian warship in the Mediterranean Sea, drawing criticism from Moscow. Russia's Defense Ministry says the USS Gravely violated international agreements by approaching the Russian vessel. The ministry says the incident shows US sailors do not think about the consequences of dangerous maneuvering.
• At least 36 people have been killed in blasts followed by gunfire at Ataturk airport in the Turkish city of Istanbul. Security sources say scores of wounded people have been transported to hospital. One assailant is still believed to be hiding inside the airport.
• The Iraqi army and volunteer forces are advancing towards the northern city of Mosul in Nineveh province which is under the control of Daesh. Iraqi troops have now reached the administrative borders of Nineveh. Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, fell into the hands of Daesh in 2014.
• Iraq's Supreme Court has invalidated a parliamentary session in which a cabinet reshuffle, proposed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, was approved. The ruling could deal a major blow to Abadi’s efforts to implement reforms. The push for reforms came after hundreds of thousands held several demonstrations calling for change.
• French President Francois Hollande has warned Britain that it cannot cherry-pick what it wants from the European Union after leaving the bloc. Hollande urged Britain to trigger the process for leaving the European Union as soon as possible so that the EU could handle the impact of the Brexit.
• Around 330 Palestinians including 60 children have been arrested by Israeli forces since the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Center for Studies added that Israeli forces have stepped up raids in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip during the holy month.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk