World News Briefs -- January 27, 2015

BBC: Israel fires shells into Lebanon after attack on troops

MIDDLE EAST

Antitank missile hits Israeli military vehicle along Lebanese border. Israel shells Lebanon after military vehicle hit by missile near border. Israel shells Lebanon after Hezbollah strike on army convoy.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for missile attack on Israeli vehicle.

U.S. says air strikes pound Islamic State targets near Kobani, Syria.

Syrian opposition figures meet with Assad representatives in Moscow.

Syria Kurds return to 'destroyed' Kobane.

France, Germany, Britain to meet Iran on nuclear issue.

Jordan ready to swap prisoner for pilot held by Islamic State. IS hostages: Jordan in pilot exchange offer after Goto video. Jordan proposes prisoner swap, fate of Japanese IS hostage unclear.

Palestinians attack Gaza UN compound after aid suspended.

ASIA

Pakistan military says its airstrikes kill 76 militants.

Islamic State appoints leaders of 'Khorasan province,' issues veiled threat to Afghan Taliban.

Doubts arise over crucial Philippine autonomy law after rebel clash.

North Korea leader 'to visit Russia'.

Kazakhstan bans rallies, fearing Ukraine-style turmoil: U.N. report.

Thai red shirt leader gets two-year jail term for insulting former PM.

Alibaba engages in harshly worded spat with Chinese watchdog.

AFRICA

Residents: Islamic extremists rampaging in northeast Nigeria with no troops to defend people.

Nigeria elections put Christians in danger of more Muslim attacks.

Suicide attack kills at least five people in north Mali: sources.

Group linked to ISIS says it’s behind assault on Libyan hotel.

Tears, chants as rebel child soldiers are freed in South Sudan.

Bulgaria says six nationals working for U.N. taken captive by rebels in Sudan.

Mozambique says death toll rises after heavy flooding.

Zimbabwe's white farmers face threats of new evictions.

EUROPE

U.S. provides more aid to Ukraine, threatens to step up sanctions on Russia.

EU reportedly to extend anti-Russian sanctions by 6 months.

Russia to spend $35bn on economy plan.

In Russia, crisis deepens slide in living standards for pensioners.

China friendliest country for Russia, the US — most hostile — Russian poll.

Greek leader: negotiating debt solution a priority. Greece's Tsipras aims to avert catastrophe but Greek markets sink further.

France seeks to sanction web companies for posts pushing terror.

AMERICAS

Senate Democrats bow to Obama, withdraw support for new Iran sanctions.

Colombia angers Venezuela with call to free jailed opponent.

Venezuela confirms defection of former security agent to U.S..

Mexico not planning to extradite drug kingpin Guzman: official.

Fidel Castro chimes in on shift in Cuba-U.S. relations.

New England begins digging out from blizzard that caused power outages, flooding.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic Jihad takes mediator role between Hamas, Fatah.

Hamas begins rapprochement with Hezbollah, Iran.

Islamic State commands army of 45,000 Twitter supporters.

Yemeni terrorists’ interrogations ignite Republican ire.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple reports largest profit in history.

China's yuan joins top 5 most-used global currencies.

Yahoo to spin-off Alibaba shares as earnings slide.