Wednesday, December 24, 2014

World News Briefs -- December 24, 2014



IS Captures Jordanian Pilot After Warplane Crashes In Syria -- BBC

Islamic State (IS) militants have captured the pilot of a Jordanian warplane that crashed in northern Syria, Jordan's military has confirmed.

The jihadist group claimed it had shot down the jet with a heat-seeking missile near the city of Raqqa.

It published photographs showing the pilot, who has been named as Flight Lieutenant Moaz Youssef al-Kasasbeh.

This is the first US-led coalition aircraft to be lost on IS territory since air strikes began in September.

Jordan is one of four Arab states which have bombed targets in Syria.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Isis fighters capture Jordanian pilot after plane came down over Syria. ISIS reportedly shoots down Jordanian plane over Syria, pilot captured.

Suicide bomber kills 33 people south of Baghdad.

Senior Kurdish rebel leader warns Iraq must stay united to defeat 'savage' Isis.

Grisly finds in Iraqi Yazidi village wrested from militants.

U.S.-led forces launch 17 air strikes in Syria, Iraq.

Millions of Syrian refugees scattered throughout the Middle East.

Kurdish rebels threaten renewed violence in Turkey.

Israeli forces kill Palestinian man in Gaza.

Israel police reveal huge political corruption investigation.

Faithful flock to Bethlehem for Christmas.

ASIA

Assam rebels kill scores on night of brutal attacks in Indian state. India attack: Suspected rebels kill dozens in Assam. Curfew imposed after separatist rebels kill at least 63 in northeast India.

North Korea's mysterious Internet outages continue into second day.

US Senators: Without US aid, Afghanistan turns into narco-state.

Japan parliament preparing to re-elect Abe as prime minister. Japanese PM unveils new government, defense pick may rile China.

Japan, wary of North Korea, works to secure infrastructure after Sony attack.

Cambodia, Thai defense ministers meet on border issues.

Special Report: Fear and retribution in Xi's corruption purge.

AFRICA

Without help, Libya could become next Syria, foreign minister says.

U.N. warns over DR Congo violence as villagers flee ax, machete attacks.

Nigeria's Borno and Yobe states impose travel bans.

Insurgency, fraud pose risks for credible Nigerian election.

Somalia's parliament approves new prime minister.

Ebola may last until end of 2015: Expert.

Churches in Egypt on their guard against terrorist attacks over Christmas.

EUROPE

Russia says NATO turning Ukraine into 'frontline of confrontation'.

Ukraine ascension to NATO would end Russia-NATO ties – Moscow. Russia: NATO pushed Kiev to drop nonaligned status.

Ukraine to seek NATO membership and step up military presence in war-torn east.

Ukraine conflict: Minsk peace talks due after Nato vote. Ukrainian reconciliation talks begin in Minsk.

Russia's central bank to help companies meet debts in initiative to shore up ruble.

Northern Ireland parties agree £2bn deal to secure power-sharing.

French jobless total at new record high.

AMERICAS

Violent protests after St. Louis County police officer kills man who pulled gun, authorities say.

Sliding oil prices leave socialist Venezuela on brink of financial collapse.

The Interview: Obama hails move to screen North Korea film.

US wants open internet highway in Cuba.

Cuba says it has a right to grant asylum to US fugitives.

Former President George H.W. Bush hospitalized as precaution.

Alan Gross to receive $3.2m settlement from US over Cuba detention ordeal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

4 Gitmo detainees transferred to Afghanistan are veteran insurgents, files allege.

US government offering $5M reward for Al Qaeda leader freed from Gitmo.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula confirms links to underwear bomber.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Sony tries to save face with 'Interview' flip-flop.

Oil falls, near $60 on supply glut, strong dollar.

UBS raises flag on China’s $1 trillion overseas debt pile.

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