WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, September 24, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, September 25, 2017.

Iraq’s PMU fighting Daesh

A high-ranking commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units says pro-government troops do not need permission from anyone to dislodge Daesh terrorists from anywhere in the country including the town of Hawijah. Speaking to Press TV in an exclusive interview, Hadi al-Ameri said the Iraqi Joint Operations Command had demanded that Peshmerga commanders cooperate with both government forces and the PMU to liberate Hawijah. He, however, added that Kurdish troops were yet to comply with the demand. The commander said the town would soon be fully liberated from Deash. On Thursday, the Iraqi government announced the launch of a new offensive to purge the terrorists from Hawijah in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk. The town is one of the last pieces of land in Iraq that is still under the control of the Takfiri group.

Obamacare repeal faces deadlock in US Senate

Two US Republican Senators have expressed opposition to their party’s bid to repeal Obamacare, amid fears that the act would increase the number of Americans without health insurance. Senator Susan Collins of Main says she cannot imagine a scenario in which she would back the legislation. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky says he will support Obamacare if a key provision of the care act is revised. The comments by the Republican senators come two days after Senator John McCain announced strong opposition to replacing the Obama signature healthcare law. Now with three Senators opposing the bill, it is said that it could be dead when it reaches the Senate. The deadline for passing the legislation is September 30.

Yemen vows retaliation

The Yemeni foreign minister has slammed Saudi Arabia’s devastating war on his country, calling for an immediate end to bloodshed. The top diplomat also called for the resumption of peace talks between Yemeni factions. Mohammad al-Attab brings us more from the capital Sana’a.

Trump travel restrictions

President Donald Trump issues new restrictions on travel to the US as his existing ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries was set to expire three months after it went into effect. North Korea, Venezuela and Chad were added to the list, which included Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Sudan, however, has been removed from the list. The order will take effect on October 18. The US government has accused the eight countries of refusing to cooperate and provide information on terrorism with Washington. The White House also claims that they have not taken necessary security precautions to make sure their citizens do not pose a threat to the US. Trump’s previous travel bans have all been challenged in court. Opponents described Trump’s executive orders as illegal and racist while the administration maintained that they were necessary for the US national security.

Iraqi Kurdistan vote

Voters are heading to the ballot boxes in a controversial secession referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. An estimated five million people are expected to cast their Yes or No votes in parts of the semi-autonomous region. More than one-million voters are expected to cast their ballots in Erbil province, suggesting a high voter turnout in the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region. Polls will remain open for 12 hours with the results expected in 72 hours. Kirkuk, populated by different ethnic groups will also participate in the plebiscite. There are fears that violence may break out in the area. The vote has been condemned internationally, but Kurdistan’s Regional Government has resisted pressure to cancel it.

Germany’s AfD enters Bundestag

Voters are heading to the ballot boxes in a controversial secession referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. An estimated five million people are expected to cast their Yes or No votes in parts of the semi-autonomous region. More than one-million voters are expected to cast their ballots in Erbil province, suggesting a high voter turnout in the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region. Polls will remain open for 12 hours with the results expected in 72 hours. Kirkuk, populated by different ethnic groups will also participate in the plebiscite. There are fears that violence may break out in the area. The vote has been condemned internationally, but Kurdistan’s Regional Government has resisted pressure to cancel it.

US's Libya airstrikes

At least 17 people have been killed in latest US airstrikes in northern Libya. The US Central Command says six air raids were conducted in a region southeast of the port city of Sirte. Three vehicles were also destroyed in the attacks. A US Army source says the drone attacks targeted members of the Daesh terrorist group. Independent sources have yet to confirm the claim. The US has been carrying out drone strikes in a number of Muslim countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. Washington claims the attacks are aimed at taking out the terrorists, but reports show a large number of civilians have been killed in the air raids.

London mayor on Trump

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has once again taken a sharp jab at the US president, equating Donald Trump’s Islamophobic and anti-Muslim rant to those of the Daesh terror group. Speaking at an event of the opposition Labour Party in Brighton, Khan described some of the US president’s views on Islam as ignorant. He said Trump was in fact helping the terrorists by inadvertently playing their game. The London mayor also made it clear that he was offended by Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims, adding that it would be wrong for Britain to host him on a state visit. Khan and Trump have history of confrontations. During the US presidential campaign, Khan was among many who spoke out against Trump’s views. And in June, Trump accused the mayor of a pathetic excuse over his statement, urging Londoners not to be alarmed by additional police in response to a terror attack.

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