A look at the best news photos from around the world.
February 17, 2019
![Pro-independence demonstrators march with independence flags during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2019.](https://gdb.voanews.com/bced522b-d7e8-4e2f-9291-e5b0996ae45a_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Pro-independence demonstrators march with independence flags during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2019.
![An explosion strikes during a military demonstration targeting a theatrical "ballistic missile launchpad" at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.](https://gdb.voanews.com/7bca7721-539e-4d20-801e-4a41acf0eb52_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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An explosion strikes during a military demonstration targeting a theatrical "ballistic missile launchpad" at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
![Participants dressed as the imaginary characters smurfs pose during an attempt to hold the world's largest meeting of smurfs in Lauchringen, Germany, February 16, 2019.](https://gdb.voanews.com/991b4dec-8a64-47aa-b2f5-6802918c3edb_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Participants dressed as the imaginary characters smurfs pose during an attempt to hold the world's largest meeting of smurfs in Lauchringen, Germany, February 16, 2019.
![Brady Portenier of Caldwell, Indiana, competes in the El Paso County Colosseum, Texas, during the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, February16, 2019.](https://gdb.voanews.com/12987650-1bd4-4e03-aa63-6bbac309ac65_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Brady Portenier of Caldwell, Indiana, competes in the El Paso County Colosseum, Texas, during the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, February16, 2019.