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Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Services (CTS) advance towards Mosul's western Rabie neighborhood during the ongoing offensive against Daesh terrorists on May 17, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, May 18, 2017.


Air Base Liberated 
Iraqi forces have gained more grounds in their fight against Daesh militants in the northern city of Mosul. The Popular Mobilization Units have retaken an air base in al-Qairawan district in western Mosul. Iraq’s army has already liberated most of the city from Daesh terrorists. Military sources say 12 square kilometers of the city, which amounts to nearly 10 percent of its western part, is still under Daesh control. That means the army has recaptured 98 percent of Mosul. 
Temer Troubles 
Brazil's President Michel Temer has come under pressure to resign after a report released saying he approved payments to silence a possible witness in a corruption inquiry. A leftist Congressman has already filed a demand for Temer’s impeachment. Meanwhile in the capital Brasilia, motorists honked horns and called for president’s resignation. Several hundred anti-Temer protesters gathered in Sao Paulo calling for his removal. Temer was accused by O Globe newspaper of authorizing illicit payments to a jailed speaker of the lower house of parliament. Temer immediately denied the report. The allegations have given a new shock to Brazil that has seen several corruption scandals in the past years. Temer took office last year after the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff over an alleged political scandal.
Turkey-US Rift?
Turkey has called for the removal of the US diplomat coordinating the so-called international coalition fighting Daesh in Syria and Iraq. Brett McGurk is accused of backing Syrian Kurdish militia, known as the YPG. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavush-oglu said McGurk is definitely giving support to the YPG, and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK. Chavusoglu called for him to be replaced. Last year, McGurk visited YPG members controlling the Syrian town of Kobane and was awarded a plaque, which drew Turkey's reaction. Washington and Ankara are bitterly at odds over US support for the YPG in Syria. Ankara regards the militia group as an extension of the PKK, which has fought a decades-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Washington about arming the Kurdish militia during his visit to the White House earlier this week.
Iran Presidential Election 
The clock is ticking for Iran’s presidential election and campaigning has officially come to an end one day ahead of that. Some 56 million Iranians are eligible to vote in a race that is expected to be very tight. Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, Former Prosecutor General Ebrahim Raeisi, Former minister of culture Mostafa Aqa Mirsalim and ex-vice president Mostafa Hashemitaba are four candidates in contention. Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf resigned from the race earlier in the week, endorsing Raeisi. First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri did the same in support of Rouhani. Elections for city and village councils will also be held concurrent with the presidential election.
Brexit Fallout
The British premier has warned that the UK could face dire consequences if it fails to secure a good Brexit deal. May made the remarks during a speech in which she presented her Conservative Party's policy pledges to voters ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections. She said a strong economy and delivering Brexit are her top priorities. The British prime minister triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in March to officially begin divorce talks between London and the EU. But the negotiations will not begin until after the election. She has urged Britons to support her Conservative Party in parliamentary elections to defend the UK's interests in Brexit talks.
Plight of Palestinians
An Israeli settler has shot and killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank. The victim was killed near the city of Nablus. This, after the settler stepped out of his car and opened fire on Palestinians during a march held in solidarity with hunger strikers in Israeli jails. Medical sources say the 23-year-old succumbed to his wounds shortly after being shot. Another Palestinian was injured in the shooting. The occupied Palestinian territories have been the scene of extreme violence since Tel Aviv imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem al-Quds in August 2015. A large number of Palestinians have been killed since then.
Probing Trump-Russia Ties
US president Donald Trump has condemned an investigation into possible coordination between him and Russia during the 2016 presidential election. In his latest tweet, Trump described the probe as the greatest witch hunt in the US history. The tweet came after the US Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into alleged links between Trump and Moscow. Former FBI director Robert Mueller has been named to lead the probe which will also look into related matters. On Tuesday, the US media reported that Trump had asked fired FBI Director James Comey to end a probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. A White house spokesman says Trump will interview four candidates to replace Comey.
Car Ramming in New York
At least one person is killed and 19 others are injured after a speeding vehicle rams into a crowd on a sidewalk of New York’s Times Square. Police has closed off the area after the incident. Eye-witnesses say the driver’s action was intentional as he had driven against traffic and onto the pedestrians. But the U-S media cites police as saying that the incident was not a terrorist act. The driver of the car has been taken into the custody.


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