World News Briefs -- February 4, 2015

CNN: At least 31 killed as plane hits bridge, crashes in Taipei river

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies focus airstrikes on Syrian city of Kobani: task force.

Islamic State: Jordan's King Abdullah vows 'severe response' to IS. Jordanian king vows 'relentless' war on Islamic State's own ground.

Outrage in Mideast over IS killing of Jordan pilot.

U.S. announces $1B aid increase plan for Jordan after pilot death.

Iraq battles ISIS fighters inside the country.

Westerners join Kurds fighting Islamic State group in Iraq.

Nearly 1,000 Iraq Kurds killed fighting ISIS since June.

Islamic State kills 50 captives in Syria this year: Syria monitor.

4,000-strong Christian militia formed to fight ISIS in northern Iraq. Iraq’s Christians take up arms to fight Islamic State.

Suicide car bomber targets Yemen army base, killing 5.

Iran president berates nuclear-armed states.

ASIA

Taiwan TransAsia plane crashes into river.

Philippines says Chinese ship rammed fishing boats in Scarborough Shoal.

China fears Japan will use hostage crisis to drop pacifist policies.

Japan says South China Sea security impacts national interests.

North Korea quashes idea of talks with US.

North Korea threatens US ahead of military exercises - video.

FBI says wanted Islamist militant possibly killed in Philippines raid.

China to toughen military checks to fight internet spying.

India eyes U.S. aircraft carrier technology as arms ties deepen.

AFRICA

Boko Haram crisis: Chad kills 'more than 200' in Nigeria. Chad says nine of its troops killed in Nigeria in battle with Boko Haram. Chad, Cameroon say kill 250 Boko Haram fighters in regional offensive. Boko Haram goes on rampage after Chad offensive.

U.N. Mali mission struggling in desert north with no peace to keep.

Drone strike kills senior al-Shabab official in Somalia.

UN Somalia envoy alerts Security Council on inter-clan conflict threat.

At least 21 killed in machete attack in northeast Congo.

U.N. to Congo: Remove generals accused of abuses or lose support.

Gunmen storm Libyan oilfield, four workers believed killed.

Oil tanker hijacked off Nigeria, one dead: Greek coastguard.

EUROPE

Luhansk carries out first air attack against Kiev-led forces.

Russians present in Ukraine in specialist roles: U.S. envoy.

Ukraine calls for further military and financial support.

NATO ministers to meet on Russia, upgrading response force.

France not planning to deliver lethal weapons to Ukraine: defence minister.

Greek PM says will find solution to problems within EU rules. IMF says it is not in discussions with Greece about debt.

Poland sets presidential election for May 10.

AMERICAS

Dems give Israeli ambassador earful over Netanyahu speech.

U.S. official: Guantanamo 'not on table' in Cuba talks.

Boom in Colombian extortion rings undermines security gain.

China, Argentina agree on work for new nuclear power plants.

Venezuela begins occupation of private supermarket chain.

Six killed as New York train hits vehicle.

Canada's Mounties to take over control of security inside the Parliament Buildings in post-attack shake-up.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama, U.S. blind to Islamic State threat in Libya, top official warns.

Jordan pilot murder: Islamic State deploys asymmetry of fear.

Even Al-Qaeda condemn murder of Jordanian pilot as 'deviant'... and leading Muslim cleric calls for ISIS militants to be killed, crucified and have limbs 'chopped'.

September 11 conspirator Moussaoui says Saudi royals backed al Qaeda.

U.S. board weighs transfer of Yemeni detainee from Guantanamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Staples buys Office Depot to fight internet competition.

OPEC leader: Oil could shoot back to $200.

Gates gives $1.5 billion of Microsoft stock, reduces stake to 3%.

Number of billionaires surges to record high.