Friday, February 8, 2013

World News Briefs -- February 8, 2013



Paratroops Mutiny In Bamako In Blow To Mali Security Efforts -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Malian government soldiers fought mutinous paratroops in the capital Bamako on Friday in a clash that threatened to undermine a French-led offensive against Islamist rebels which has moved up close to the Algerian border.

In the southern capital, local residents fled in panic as heavy gunfire echoed from the Djikoroni-Para paratrooper base on the Niger River and army units with armored vehicles surrounded the camp. At least one person was killed, state media reported.

Smoke rose from the base, where mutinous members of the 'red beret' paratroop unit loyal to deposed Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure, who was toppled in a coup last year, started firing with their weapons to protest attempts to redeploy them.

After several hours of firing, calm returned at the camp.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Assad's forces try to beat back rebels edging into Damascus.

Blast near Syrian military factory leaves 54 dead, activists say.

Non-radical Syrian rebels recently received a ton of foreign weapons.

Iraq bombs kill 36, Sunnis stage protest rallies.

Palestinian groups meet in Egypt in unity quest.

Yemen calls for Iran to stop sending arms.

ASIA

China, Japan engage in new invective over disputed isles.

Blast near mosque kills 16 in Pakistan's northwest.

Japan, Saudi to sign emergency oil supply pact: Nikkei.

Sunday marks start of Chinese New Year.

Mystery blogger suspected to be Communist leader.

AFRICA

Mali conflict: 'First suicide bombing' in Gao. Suicide bombing in Mali; soldiers allied with coup leader attack camp of presidential guard. Paratroops mutiny in Bamako in blow to Mali security efforts.

Sudan: Rebels claim seizing military base in central Darfur, 'over 100 killed'.

Kony's LRA killing fewer civilians, group finds.

Tear gas fired as Tunisia buries politician. Chokri Belaid death: Tunisians mass for burial.

Egypt's government nearing end of the road, says ex-PM.

Nigeria polio vaccinators shot dead in Kano. Nine killed in shootings at Nigerian polio clinics.

Zimbabwe: 'Execution fears' after hangman appointed.

EUROPE

EU leaders strike deal on long-term austerity budget. EU budget: Leaders edge towards compromise deal.

Final polls show Italy's center-left needs Monti to govern.

French economy to avoid recession, says central bank.

Ukraine rejects $7bn Gazprom bill for unused gas.

New generation of Russian dissidents flees to west.

New Russian citizens to get call-up for military service.

AMERICAS

Powerful blizzard takes aim at northeastern U.S..

State of the Union Address likely to focus on domestic issues.

Mexican mayors admit paying cartels to stay alive.

Colombia reaches sustained production of over a million barrels of oil per day.

World’s eyes are on Acapulco rape case as Mexico prepares for peak spring break season.

Canada eyes revoking citizenship of dual nationals tied to terror.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Panetta defends Pentagon response to Benghazi attack.

Terrorist tweets: how Al Qaeda's social media move could cause problems.

France boosted al-Qaeda in Mali by paying £11m in ransoms, says U.S. ambassador.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Copper prices rise on China's stronger economic data.

Record oil exports shrink trade deficit as U.S. fills energy gap.

Boeing notifies European airlines of Dreamliner delays.

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