Report: IS targets civilians in retreatBAGHDAD — Islamic State militants in Mosul are deliberately targeting civilians who refuse to join them as they retreat ahead of advancing Iraqi forces involved in a large-scale government operation to retake the militant-held city, an international watchdog said today.The statement from Human Rights Watch also said that Mosul civilians were increasingly being caught in the crossfire, with at least 19 killed and dozens wounded in the period from the third week of November into the first week of December.The New York-based group said the fatalities incurred from IS mortar or sniper fire, car bombs, roadside bombings and direct attacks, as well as in airstrikes by the Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition. The findings were based on interviews with more than 50 residents who had fled eastern Mosul, HRW said.

Mongolia bars Dalai Lama from visits ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — Mongolia will no longer allow the Dalai Lama to visit the country after a recent trip by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader prompted protests from China and a suspension of talks on a major loan.China’s Foreign Ministry said today that Beijing “attached importance” to the remarks by Mongolia’s top diplomat and hoped the country would “honor the commitment” it has made on the issue. Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to split Tibet from China.Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil expressed regret that the Dalai Lama’s visit hurt ties with Beijing.