A member of the Counter Terrorism Service walks past the ruined Grand al-Nuri Mosque in the Old City in Mosul, Iraq, June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
Reuters: Mosul mosque where Islamic State took world stage lies in rubble
The leaning minaret of Mosul's Grand al-Nuri Mosque survived conquests by the Mongols and the Ottomans, neglect under Saddam Hussein, and air raids during the Iran-Iraq War and the U.S. invasion in 2003.
But after three years of Islamic State rule, it is now little more than a pile of stones at the center of a shattered city.
By all accounts except their own, the jihadists rigged the mosque and its 850-year-old tower with explosives and blew them up last week as advancing Iraqi forces came within steps of the complex.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq’s military: ISIL is completely surrounded in Mosul.
Islamic State under pressure in Iraqi and Syrian strongholds.
As Mosul’s battlefield shrinks, US warns of friendly fire.
US-backed forces in new attack on IS in Syria's Raqa: monitor.
U.N. refugee agency: More people returning to Syria in 2017.
Israel strikes Syrian mortar launcher in response to errant fire.
Saudi Arabia pushes on with steep Qatar demands. Gulf crisis: Qatar FM meets UN Security Council members.
Putin has phone talks with Qatar, Bahrain on Gulf row.
WHO: Cholera death toll in Yemen rises to 1500.
U.S., allies disagree about Iran's nuke deal compliance.
ASIA
Donald Trump warns North Korea of 'determined response'. Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in vow tougher response to North Korea's nuclear program. South Korean president: 'retreat' not an option on North Korea.
US renews pressure on China with an eye on NKorea threat.
Former South Korea president faints during 8-hour court appearance.
Xi warns of 'red line' as Hong Kong marks 20 years under China. Xi Jinping talks tough on Hong Kong amid protests over Chinese rule. China flexes military muscle in Hong Kong during Xi Jinping visit.
Snipers, bombs, mortars - Philippine troops battle against Islamists. Fighting in Philippine city displaces nearly 400,000.
Philippines, US hold joint patrol in dangerous waters.
Obama urges end to division in childhood home Indonesia.
Anger as India rolls out its biggest tax reform.
Dhaka cafe reopens on anniversary of deadly ISIL attack.
AFRICA
Millions remain displaced amid DR Congo conflict.
Sudan defends human rights record against US criticism.
Sudan says UN troops cut shows Darfur a 'closed chapter'.
Famine alert in South Sudan lifted, but catastrophe continues.
Al-Shabaab militants executed in Somalia's Puntland.
Scores feared dead after boat sinks off Libya coast.
Nigeria: Human traffickers earn over $150bn annually.
Jacob Zuma under new pressure to quit over alleged links to tycoons.
South Africa says may need seek outside help to get economy going.
EUROPE
Fearing violence, Hamburg residents prepare for G20 summit.
U.N. boss strikes upbeat note as Cyprus talks continue.
Theresa May's Brexit red lines leave UK negotiator 'hamstrung': ex-adviser.
Russia extends tit-for-tat sanctions against EU over Ukraine.
Cyber attack: Ukraine points finger at Russian security services over malware virus.
World leaders bid farewell to late German chancellor Kohl.
More foreigners living in Germany than ever before.
Pope pushes out German hardliner, choses new doctrine chief. Pope shakes up Vatican by replacing conservative doctrinal chief.
AMERICAS
US Congress comes up short on major action so far this year.
Threats against U.S. lawmakers already higher than all of 2016.
Acting FBI boss McCabe referred to justice watchdog for new investigation over potential conflicts in Russia case.
'Suppress the vote': US States refuse White House request for voter data. States and Trump voter fraud commission set for showdown. Trump wonders what states ‘trying to hide’ from voting panel.
Little Rock police: 25 people shot at nightclub.
Mexico: 19 killed in clashes near beach city of Mazatlan.
Colombia and ELN rebels move peace talks toward ceasefire.
Brazil unions protest Temer's reforms amid political crisis.
Canada 150: Huge crowds set to celebrate nation's anniversary.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Afghanistan: IS militants killed in US drone strike.
Kashmiri leader Salahuddin defies 'crazy Trump,' terrorist designation.
U.S., Philippines hold naval patrol to deter Islamist militants.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
OPEC oil output jumps to 2017 high as Nigeria, Libya pump more.
Japan-EU trade deal 'almost there': Europe official.
Moguls set to converge on Sun Valley.
EU challenges WTO decision in Boeing row.
