Monday, April 24, 2017

World News Briefs -- April 24, 2017

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the South China Sea while conducting flight operations on April 9, 2017. Z.A. Landers/Courtesy U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS

Reuters: U.S. carrier group heads for Korean waters, China calls for restraint

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all sides to exercise restraint on Monday in a telephone call about North Korea with U.S. President Donald Trump, as Japan conducted exercises with a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group headed for Korean waters.

Trump sent the carrier group for exercises in waters off the Korean peninsula as a warning, amid growing fears North Korea could conduct another nuclear test in defiance of United Nations sanctions.

Angered by the approach of the USS Carl Vinson carrier group, a defiant North Korea said on Monday the deployment was "an extremely dangerous act by those who plan a nuclear war to invade".

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian government forces advance against rebels north of Hama.

Hundreds of Iraqis flee heavy fighting in Mosul.

Western Iraq ambush on military convoy kills 10.

Saudi Arabia restores perks to state employees, boosting markets.
Egypt's Sisi visits Saudi Arabia as tensions ease.

Yemen missile seriously wounds AFP photographer.

Israel PM issues Holocaust day warning. Siren wails as Israel marks annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Anzac Day: Turkey boosts security for Gallipoli ceremony after warnings about potential attack.

ASIA

Afghan army chief, defense minister resign following attack. Furious Afghans call for resignations after Taliban base attack.

Torture use by Afghan officials on the rise: UN.

Pentagon chief Mattis visits Afghanistan after Taliban attack.

College confirms N. Korea detains US citizen amid tension.

South Korea, allies brace for North Korea follow-up act.

Xi urges restraint on North Korea in phone call with Trump.

China, Philippines spar over military visit to island.

Abu Sayyaf beheads kidnapped Philippine soldier.

Philippine lawyer accuses Duterte of 'mass murder' at ICC.


AFRICA

Libya's warring sides reach diplomatic breakthrough in Rome.

Somalia drought fuelling piracy - US Africa command head. Famine fuels resurgence of Somali piracy: US general.

Mali extends state of emergency as jihadist attacks persist.

Hope as C. Africa holds disarmanent talks.

Suicide bombers kill four in Northeast Nigeria: vigilantes.

Zambian opposition denies arson, says government plotting against it.

3 African countries chosen to test 1st malaria vaccine.

EUROPE

French election: Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen to fight for presidency.

Gloves off in French election as Le Pen aide slams Macron.

Tight, tense French presidential vote echoes around world.

EU's Mogherini, on Moscow visit, says bloc's Russia sanctions to stay.

Ukraine roadside bomb kills OSCE worker. American member of watchdog OSCE killed in Ukraine.

Greece: Death toll from migrant boat sinking reaches 16, with 9 bodies recovered in Greece, 7 in Turkey.

Italy prosecutor claims NGOs working with human smugglers.

Sweden arrests second suspect over deadly truck attack.

AMERICAS

Congress aims to avoid shutdown, while Trump presses for 100-day wins.

Trump at 100 days: 'It's a different kind of presidency'.

As budget deadline looms, Trump pushes border wall funding.

Venezuela protest death toll rises as injured woman dies.

Colombia's ELN loses kidnap victim in jungle escape.

At least 35 killed in drug violence across Mexico: officials.

Haiti leader expected to plead guilty in US drug case.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida leader tells fighters to prepare for long Syria war.

US counting on French anti-terror ops in Africa: Mattis.

ISIS moves its capital in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China clamps down on excess steel as Japan decries Trump 'protectionism'.

Jimmy Choo seeks well-heeled buyer.

Russia and Saudi Arabia could face economic and political consequences if the oil-production deal isn't extended.

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