Thursday, February 12, 2015

World News Briefs -- February 12, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Thousands flee Niger town after Boko Haram attacks

Thousands of civilians fled their homes in the southeastern Niger town of Diffa this week, officials said on Thursday, following waves of cross-border raids and suicide bombings by Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.

Attacks in Niger are deepening a humanitarian crisis in the remote border zone. The area, struggling to feed some 150,000 people who have run to escape violence in northern Nigeria, has seen around 7,000 arrive this week in Zinder, Niger's second biggest town some 450 km (280 miles) west of Diffa.


MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State fighters seize western Iraqi town: officials.

Iraqi army fights to regain control of Beiji from ISIL.

Jordan's air force resumes raids against Islamic State.

U.S.-led forces launch 12 air strikes in Iraq, three in Syria: U.S..

Damascus air strikes 'kill nearly 200 in 10 days'.

Syrian opposition leader asks UN to help end attacks.

Iraq says Jordan offers all military means in ISIS fight.

U.N. Security Council ups pressure on Islamic State cash flows.

Islamic State turns to captured women, kids for battlefield blood transfusions.

Al-Qaeda seizes Yemeni army camp after 7 killed in clashes.

Yemen on brink of civil war says U.N. envoy.

EU expected to re-impose sanctions on Iranian oil tanker firm.

Drug abuse in Iran rising despite executions, police raids.

Israeli military says Gaza-bound boat with weapons-making materials intercepted last month.

Netanyahu’s planned speech to Congress now dominates Israeli elections.

ASIA

U.S. has raised concerns with China about new cyber rules: official.

American troops poised to stay in Afghanistan in far greater numbers after official exit date to prevent resurgence of the Taliban.

China offers to mediate in stalled Afghan Taliban peace talks.

China expands corruption probe of state-owned firms.

Deadly clash in Philippines jeopardizes peace process. Philippine rebels promise help on militants as peace bid stalls.

Six inmates in Taiwan hostage standoff commit suicide.

Korean Air executive jailed in 'nut rage' case.

Grow vegetables extensively! North Korea unveils 310 new slogans.

AFRICA

DR Congo presidential vote set for November 2016.

S.African president's parliamentary address descends into chaos.

Suicide blast in Nigeria kills 7 as Boko Haram pursues deadly campaign.

Thousands flee Niger town after Boko Haram attacks. Niger forces killed 260 Boko Haram militants since February 6: spokesman.

Sudanese government denies mass military rape. U.S. slams Sudan for blocking Darfur mass rape investigation.

Democracy under way, Tunisia turns to tough economic agenda.

Ethiopian capital expands airport, plans new hub to meet growth.

Al Jazeera trial: Egypt court frees journalists on bail.

France, Egypt agree military hardware deal: French source.

Red Cross concerned about Ebola worker attacks in Guinea.

EUROPE

EU stands by sanctions against Russia after Ukraine truce sealed.

Marathon talks produce Ukraine peace deal; cease-fire Sunday.

Ukraine ceasefire: New Minsk agreement key points. A look at who got what in peace deal for eastern Ukraine.

EU leaders cautiously welcome Minsk cease-fire accord.

Minsk deal provides hope for peace in eastern Ukraine but leaders warn ‘major obstacles’ remain.

France's Hollande says coming hours decisive for Ukraine.

Ukraine: 50 Russian tanks and 40 missile systems rolled into the country while Putin talked peace.

Ukraine gets new bailout deal from IMF. IMF agrees $17.5bn reform programme for Ukraine.

EU leaders agree on new anti-terror measures.

U.N. urges Europe to start major migrant rescue mission in Mediterranean.

Greek debt deal elusive but investors remain hopeful.

Sweden cuts rates below zero and starts QE.

Toxic orange cloud spreads after chemical blast near Barcelona.

AMERICAS

Venezuelan soldiers, students face off at anti-Maduro rallies. Violent clashes in Venezuela on protest movement anniversary.

White House threatens veto of Gitmo transfers restrictions.

Obama set to announce executive order on cybersecurity threat data.

US hopeful on Ukraine cease-fire agreement.

Intel officials tight-lipped on American militant fighters back in US, admit tracking is difficult.

Amid coup charges, Joe Biden meets Venezuelan opposition figures.

Netflix takes a leap of faith on Cuba.

Brazilians hoard water, prepare for possible drastic rationing.

IRS apologizes for seizing bank accounts of small businesses.

Former Guantanamo detainee in Argentina, calls for asylum.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UN adopts resolution to crack down on terrorist financing.

Al Qaeda terrorist who tried to help Jordan free pilot says ISIS lied.

Widow of Paris gunman resurfaces in IS group propaganda. ISIS magazine claims Hayat Boumedienne is in Syria.

Pentagon acknowledges ISIS spread to Afghanistan amid US troop drawdown.

US Senators urge Obama to disclose legal justifications for drone killings.

Gitmo hearing halted after detainee IDs interpreter from CIA “black site”..

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Icahn: Apple is already worth $1.3 trillion.

Oil bounces back to $56 as dollar weakens.

Expedia to buy Orbitz for $1.34 billion to take on Priceline.

Wall Street rises after Ukraine deal, Swedish stimulus.

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