Monday, May 11, 2015

World News Briefs -- May 11, 2015



VOA: Airstrikes Continue in Yemen Ahead of Cease-fire

Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition continued airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen Monday, a day before a humanitarian cease-fire is due to go into effect.

The jets bombed the Saada region near the Saudi border, as well as Taiz in southwestern Yemen and the oil-producing Marib province in the east.

Saudi and U.S. officials announced the cease-fire proposal last week to allow badly needed food, fuel and medicine to reach civilians in Yemen. The Houthis said Sunday they had accepted the plan, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

MIDDLE EAST

Five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen expected to begin on Tuesday.

Saudi-Yemen border areas hit by heavy fire. Saudi Arabia sends tanks as "strike force" to Yemen border: Saudi media.

Yemeni rebels say they shot down Moroccan jet. Moroccan warplane apparently downed before Yemen cease-fire.

Iran warns off US, French planes, warships in Gulf of Aden.

King's absence from U.S. summit shows Saudi displeasure over Iran push.

Turkish border crackdown imperils Syrian refugees.

Jihadist group claims mortar attack on Hamas in Gaza.

ASIA

Philippine military chief visits South China Sea island.

US diplomatic overture to N. Korea met with missile-firing.

Beijing calls for restrained reaction to North Korea’s ballistic missile launch.

S Korea vows 'merciless' response to North's missiles.

Japan deepening military ties with US threatens Tokyo's future – Chinese officer.

Malaysia detains hundreds of migrants arriving on boats. Nearly 2,000 migrants rescued off coasts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Australia in corporate tax crackdown.

AFRICA

Mediterranean migrants: Libya rejects EU military plans.

Turkish ship shelled off Libya coast, officer killed, several crew injured.

CAR government and rebels sign peace deal.

Mali separatist rebels ambush army convoy near Timbuktu.

Belgium suspends financial aid for Burundi elections.

Somali president committed to more inclusive vote in 2016.

First black leader elected for South Africa’s main opposition party.

WHO: Liberia is Ebola-free.


EUROPE

EU plans migrant quotas forcing states to 'share' burden.

NATO: Russia has equipped Ukraine rebels to attack at short notice.

Merkel urges more Russian action to halt Ukraine fighting.

Kerry to meet Putin, Lavrov Tuesday. Putin, Kerry to discuss Ukraine, Syria, Iran, U.S. says.

Greece seeks eurozone recognition of economic progress. Greece says deal will be 'difficult' at Eurogroup meeting.

Microstate tax haven in the Balkans? Not that easy.

Sweden rejects Assange appeal to drop arrest warrant.

AMERICAS

US defends record before top UN human rights body.

As Venezuela struggles, Nicaragua feels a chill.

Colombia moves toward ending aerial assault on coca crops.

Big deals expected when Chinese premier visits South America.

New multiracial coalition challenges Guyanese status-quo in election.

France's Hollande begins historic visit to Cuba.

Jury likely to consider Marathon Bomber's sentence this week.

'Jade Helm' war game sparks fears of Texas takeover.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Homeland Security Chief: Global terror threat has entered ‘new phase’.

CIA veteran Morell: ISIS' next test could be a 9/11-style attack.

Investigative journalist defends bin Laden story. Former top CIA official on bin Laden raid account: 'It's all wrong'.

ISIS hackers plan "message to America" attack today.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US inconsistent in pressing China's banks on secrecy.

Airbus remains committed to A400M despite crash. Nations ground A400M planes after deadly Spain crash.

Picasso masterpiece expected to break $142 million record.

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