Small number of airstrikes slow Fallujah push

Small number of airstrikes slow Fallujah push

CAMP TARIQ, Iraq

Iraqi forces say they are continuing to push into the Islamic State-held city of Fallujah, having secured its outskirts.

Iraqi officers said Thursday that the large number of civilians in the city was slowing down the military operation, because it means fewer airstrikes can be carried out.

Brig. Haider al-Obeidi said “there were fewer civilians in Ramadi, therefore airstrikes are now less than during Ramadi operation.”

Iraqi forces are heavily dependent on airstrikes to achieve territorial victories against IS.

Scientists’ proposal includes making human DNA

NEW YORK

Scientists proposed a long-term project Thursday that involves creating DNA blueprints for making human beings, a prospect some observers find troubling.

The researchers said they have no intention of using these genomes – huge collections of genetic material – to make people. Instead, they said in interviews, human genomes would be used in lab experiments, inserted, for example, into cells or simplified versions of organs called organoids.

That might help scientists identify the effects of genetic mutations, or create safer stem cells for transplantation, said the researchers, George Church of Harvard University and Jef Boeke of New York University.

SpaceX’s 4th recovered rocket returns to shore

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

Call it the Leaning Tower of SpaceX.

SpaceX’s fourth recovered rocket returned to shore Thursday, leaning to one side but still standing tall on its ocean-landing platform.

The first-stage booster pushed the limits during the landing last Friday. Its speed was close to the design maximum for the rocket and the support system for its legs.

Although the 15-story rocket was in danger of tipping over, it remained upright as it pulled into Port Canaveral, smudged black in places. The touchdown followed the rocket’s launch of a satellite.

Somali forces end extremist siege of hotel; 15 killed

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Somali security forces Thursday ended an overnight siege by extremist gunmen at a hotel in the capital that killed at least 15 people, including two members of parliament, officials said.

The assault started when a vehicle laden with explosives detonated outside the Ambassador Hotel on Wednesday evening and three militants stormed inside the building, said the African Union Mission in Somalia. The AU multinational force is bolstering Somalia’s weak government against an insurgency by the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab.

Flooding prompts move of artworks at the Louvre

PARIS

The rising waters of the Seine overflowed riverbanks, roads and rail tracks across Paris on Thursday, forcing authorities at the Louvre to do something they have not done in generations: hurriedly move precious artworks to higher ground.

Water levels at the famous river that winds through the French capital are expected to peak today sometime about noon. Paris police upgraded their flood warning Thursday to “orange” – the second-highest level – for areas near the Seine, which means they believe the floods could have “a significant impact” on buildings and people.

Associated Press