World News Briefs -- April 15, 2016 (Evening Edition)

CNN: 7.0 quake strikes Japan after earlier one kills 9

(CNN)Daybreak in Japan should reveal the extent of the damage from a magnitude-7.0 earthquake that struck early Saturday in Kyushu island, the same region hit by a 6.2 quake two days earlier.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the latest quake struck just west-southwest of Kumamoto-shi and about 8 miles south-southeast of Ueki, the epicenter of the late Thursday tremor that left nine dead.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of Saturday's seismic event. Nor was it clear how much damage, if any, had been caused, though there's plenty of reason to be concerned.
"No question, this is a large and very important earthquake," said Doug Given, a geophysicist with the USGS. "And it will do a lot of damage."

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MIDDLE EAST

Despite coalition military gains, no end in sight in anti-IS campaign

Damascus skirts transition talk as Aleppo clashes intensify.

Syria's civil war: At least 30,000 flee ISIL attacks.

Air raids intensify in Syria's Homs, prayers canceled: doctor, monitors.

On ground in Syria, scant evidence of draw down trumpeted by Kremlin.

Cost of rebuilding Syria may reach $180bn – World Bank.

U.S., allies stage 36 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

Muslim nations accuse Iran of supporting terrorism: summit communique.

Iran says West not sticking to commitments on easing sanctions.

Gulf-backed Yemeni forces seize city from al Qaeda: military source.

Four soldiers killed, two wounded in bomb attack in southeast Turkey: sources.

Saudi Arabia says donation to Malaysian premier was genuine.

ASIA

Second big quake hits southern Japan, people flee onto streets. New earthquake hits southern Japan.

Afghanistan: Scores of Taliban dead in Kunduz attack. Taliban launch major push to retake northern Afghan city.

US researchers see more signs NKorea is producing plutonium.

Seoul, US say North Korean missile launch apparently failed.

North Korea's failed missile launch prompts 'saber-rattling' jibe from China media.

U.S. defense secretary visits carrier in disputed South China Sea.

US: IS group could be emboldening Filipino militants.

China parades detained Taiwanese on state TV.

Chinese economy shows signs of debt-fueled recovery.

Russia, Japan agree to leaders' meetings this year.

AFRICA

Ghana bolsters security amid warnings of attack.

Students protest at Sudan's oldest university.

Mali and EU hold talks on African immigration programme.

NATO chief says alliance ready to help Libya fight militants.

Burundi: Activist group says hundreds of people have recently disappeared at hands of police as country reels from unrest.

Egypt police fire tear gas, break up anti-government rallies. Protesters demand fall of Egypt's government over islands deal.

Dutch may extend military role in Mali, foreign minister says.

Nigeria regional conflict: 10-fold increase in number of children used in ‘suicide’ attacks.

Thousands march in Harare in rare mass protest against Robert Mugabe.

Kenyan sentenced to death for killing Muslim cleric.

EUROPE

Macedonia corruption: Fourth night of protests as snap election called. Macedonia sets general election for June 5.

Czech Republic to be known as 'Czechia'.

Azerbaijan accuses Armenian forces of 110 ceasefire violations over 24 hours. Armenia claims Azerbaijan repeatedly violated ceasefire over past 24 hours.

Battle lines drawn as Britain squares up for EU vote.

U.K. arrests 5 "likely" linked to Brussels attack suspect.

Belgian minister resigns after airport security criticized.

Merkel authorises Turkey request for criminal probe against comic. Germany grants Turkish call to allow comedian prosecution.

60 people brawl at Swedish refugee center, staff flee.

Spanish minister resigns after alleged links to offshore deals.

Ireland could have a government by next week: minister.

AMERICAS

Raucous Rousseff impeachment process begins in Brazil.

Brazil's Rousseff scraps impeachment broadcast after criticism.

Brazil's Supreme Court says it would not block impeachment of President Rousseff. Brazil lawmakers open key debate on Rousseff impeachment.

Brazil builder made undeclared donations to Rousseff campaign: paper.

Panama reports large migrant expulsions from Costa Rica.

At Vatican, Sanders praises Pope, slams global inequality.

Fox News Poll: Trump widens lead in GOP race, Clinton-Sanders tightens.

Close to half of all U.S. super PAC money comes from 50 donors.

Haiti will miss election deadline, no date for new president.

Venezuela to ration malls, change clocks, to save power.

Fight for $15 protesters across US demand living wage in day of action.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UN warns Iraq political crisis threat to fight against IS.

Exclusive: U.S. considers supporting new U.A.E. push against al Qaeda in Yemen.

Islamic summit focuses on overcoming terrorism, sectarianism.

ACLU sues for docs on CIA detention site.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

UN says record 155 countries to sign climate agreement.

Top finance officials say world economy still facing threats.

World Bank: Panama Papers revelations hurt economies.

No end in sight for energy pain at Wells Fargo, Bank of America.

Russia doesn’t expect oil price boost after Doha meeting – Finance Minister. No guarantee of oil deal at Doha talks.

New malware steals $4M at US, Canadian banks.