Reuters: Mattis signs orders to send additional troops to Afghanistan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday he had signed orders to send additional troops to Afghanistan, the most concrete step yet by President Donald Trump’s administration in tackling America’s longest war.
Mattis did not specify the size of the force, which will help combat Taliban insurgents and other armed Islamists.
“Yes, I have signed orders but it is not complete. In other words I have signed some of the (orders for) troops that will go and we are identifying the specific ones,” Mattis told reporters.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi PM Abadi declares victory over ISIL in Tal Afar. Iraq says Tal Afar ‘fully liberated’ from Islamic State.
Britain will send more troops to Iraq to bolster IS fight.
UN gives Iran all-clear on 2015 nuclear deal. Iran in compliance with 2015 nuclear deal: IAEA report.
U.S. says Iran shows 'true colors' by restoring Hamas ties.
Kuwaiti emir to meet Trump as Gulf crisis continues.
Yemen's Saleh makes first appearance since Huthi clash.
Two million Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
ASIA
Myanmar ethnic violence: 'Major massacre' of Muslim Rohingyas, reports of women and children among 130 killed.
Rakhine violence pushes more Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh.
North Korea threatens to turn South into 'field of ruin'.
Trump, Abe agree to strengthen pressure on North Korea.
Jails, justice system at breaking point as Philippine drugs war intensifies.
Bhutto murder case: Musharraf declared fugitive by Pakistani court. Benazir Bhutto: Five cleared of ex-Pakistan PM murder.
Mattis signs orders to send more troops to Afghanistan.
India's growth rate slows as new sales tax confuses firms.
Monsoon floods leave over a thousand dead in South Asia.
AFRICA
Somali government: 10 civilians were killed in joint Somali - U.S. raid.
South Sudan rebels, short on supplies, draw on determination.
Eritrea rebels struggle as government strengthens ties with Gulf Arab states.
Amnesty warns against 'outsourcing' migrant crisis to Libya.
French foreign minister to travel to Libya to push peace deal.
Catholic bishop protects 2,000 Muslim refugees in CAR.
Islamic state claims responsibility for Algeria suicide attack: Amaq.
President Jacob Zuma's son Duduzane denies alleged corruption.
EUROPE
Moscow to study new US moves on closing Russian missions and report its reply — Lavrov.
Russia warns US against news sanctions on North Korea.
Separation of forces in Ukraine's Donbas reaches deadlock - Russian OSCE envoy.
Brexit talks yield 'no decisive progress,' says EU negotiator Michel Barnier.
Hungary's Viktor Orban sends EU a border fence bill.
EU-Poland tension worries Polish citizens abroad.
Macron government launches overhaul of France's labour laws.
Angela Merkel faces protests in Germany's nationalist heartlands.
Frankfurt to evacuate 70,000 while World War II bomb defused.
Putin 'holiday mansion' revealed by Russian opposition leader.
Public mourns Princess Diana on 20th anniversary of death.
AMERICAS
Tropical Storm Harvey: Twin blasts rock Texas chemical plant as flood danger moves east.
Hurricane Harvey: US petrol prices rise as key pipeline shut.
Trump to donate $1 million to flood relief: W.House.
S&P sounds alarm over US debt ceiling.
Trump's border wall moves forward with prototypes.
US orders Russia to close San Francisco consulate.
US, Canada aim for NAFTA deal by year's end: W.House.
Mexican president likens leftist rival to Venezuela's Maduro.
Hurricane Irma strengthens to Category 3 storm in Atlantic.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
What is left of ISIL's 'caliphate'?
Top US commander says ISIS leader likely still alive.
US warned Spain of Barcelona attack risk: report.
Manchester bomber's brother faces trial in Libya.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
U.S. data sends stocks higher; yields fall.
Apple expected to unveil next iPhones at Sept. 12 showcase.
China blocks US request for WTO arbitration in grain dispute.
Wells Fargo reveals more fake accounts.
Hyundai faces financial woes in China, South Korea.
