World News Briefs -- January 29, 2015 (Evening Edition)

Euronews: Israel blames Iran for over deadly clash on Lebanese border

MIDDLE EAST

Hezbollah 'sends anti-escalation message' to Israel. Israel tells U.N. will defend itself against Hezbollah.

Hizballah attack targeted IDF commanders on an inspection tour of northern border security.

Al Qaeda in Syria attacks Western-backed rebels.

Violence in Baghdad suburbs kills 21: sources.

Islamic State assaults Iraqi border post near Jordan.

As Iraqi Kurds gain ground from IS, local Sunnis are wary.

Moscow-hosted Syria talks end, sides agree to meet again.

New Saudi king announces major government shake-up: royal decrees.

Yemen rebels seize military base outside capital.

Jordan demands proof ISIL-held pilot is alive.

Families plead for lives of IS hostages as swap hopes fade.

Gaza war pushed Palestinian economy into recession: IMF.

ASIA

US contractors 'killed in insider attack' in Kabul.

Philippines says peace pact collapse would aid terrorists.

North Korea shows satellite signs of restarting nuclear bomb fuel reactor.

N. Korea demanded $10 billion for summit: ex-Seoul leader.

Suicide bomber hits Afghan funeral. Dozens killed in Afghanistan in attacks on funeral, checkpoint.

Quick resolution on South China Sea disputes sought.

Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties in show of unity against China.

Sri Lanka's new government plans fresh war crimes probe.

Beijing smog makes city unliveable, says mayor.

MH370: Malaysia declares flight disappearance an accident.

AFRICA

United Nations to launch inquiry into deaths of Mali protesters.

Islamic State's Egypt wing claims attacks that killed 27: Twitter.

South Sudan's warring leaders meet face-to-face.

UN, Congo troops launch operation against rebels in eastern DRC.

Boko Haram crisis: Chad 'captures Nigerian town from militants'.

Angry youths stone Nigerian leader's convoy; police fire gas.

U.N. says plans future Libya talks within country.

Libya: 'We're fed up of fighting'.

Ebola outbreak moves into endgame.

EUROPE

EU would have to respond to large military offensive in Ukraine: Steinmeier.

Russia warns West support for Kiev could lead to 'catastrophe'.

Gorbachev: Ukraine could explode into 'hot war' between Russia and the West.

Death toll mounts in intense clashes in east Ukraine. Ukraine: Russia-backed rebels overrun another town in east.

Poroshenko says Kiev strengthening defense along Donbas front line.

Russia warns Bosnia and Herzegovina against ammunition supplies to Kiev.

France says EU to move to increase sanctions on Russia. EU foreign ministers fail to agree on new Russia sanctions.

EU wins Greek backing to extend Russia sanctions, delays decision on new steps.

UK summons Russian ambassador after military aircraft disrupt civil aviation.

Belarus says next round of Ukraine talks on Jan. 30 in Minsk: TASS.

Italy's Renzi wrangles with leaders before presidency vote.

Greece says Dijsselbloem visit will kick off debt talks.

AMERICAS

U.S. funding impasse blocks Secret Service hires: Homeland Security chief.

Panama high court OKs corruption probe of ex-president.

Pelosi warns Netanyahu: Speech to Congress will hurt Iran talks.

Senate readies Iran sanctions if nuke talks fail.

US must return Guantanamo for normal relations, Raul Castro says.

7 dead in Mexico maternity hospital blast.

Anger attends wake and funeral for Argentine prosecutor.

In violent Venezuela, police killings surge to almost one a day.

Venezuelan general appears in NY after 11 months on the run.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Exclusive: U.S. armed drone program in Yemen facing intelligence gaps.

Prisoner released in Bergdahl exchange tried to reconnect with Taliban.

Islamic State video warns Obama: ‘We will cut off your head in the White House’.

The Islamic State’s Dragunov sniper rifles, in photos.

'Foreigners' among 7 jihadists killed in US drone strike in Pakistan.

New deadline approaches in Islamic State hostage crisis. News Guide: A look at the Islamic State hostage crisis.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Alibaba adjusted profit tops estimates, revenue disappoints.

Shell resumes Arctic drilling but cuts $15bn from global investment.

Samsung, Apple back in dead heat for global smartphone dominance.

Swiss bank on safe haven label to become world's data vault.