Friday, August 28, 2015

World News Briefs -- August 28, 2015



Reuters: Austria, Libya count dead as number of migrants crossing Mediterranean soars

Austria said on Friday 71 refugees including a baby girl were found dead in an abandoned freezer truck, while Libya recovered the bodies of 82 migrants washed ashore after their overcrowded boat sank on its way to Europe and scores more were feared dead.

The U.N. refugee agency said the number of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe had passed 300,000 this year, up from 219,000 in the whole of 2014.

Three Bulgarians and an Afghan were arrested in connection with the truck deaths. The victims - 59 men, 8 women and four children, including a girl of 1-2 years old - were probably from Syria, police said.

MIDDLE EAST

Turkey, U.S. airstrikes on Islamic State to start ‘soon’.

U.S. says committed to transition away from Syria's Assad.

Iraq 'to open Baghdad Green Zone'.

IAEA: Iran broadly complying with nuclear deals, notes concern at Parchin.

Yemeni government says to mount battle for Sanaa within eight weeks.

Turkish poll shows falling level of support for AK Party.

Saudi Arabia sees Mers deaths surge.

ASIA

Battle rages for control of key Afghan district.

Civilians killed as India and Pakistan exchange fire. Pakistan: Indian cross-border fire kills 6 civilians.

Military says 3 Abu Sayyaf militants killed, 10 Philippine marines wounded in clash.

US National Security advisor meets with top Chinese officials.

Asia spooked by China military exercises in East China Sea.

Shanghai shares end week almost 8% lower as markets recover.

Australian visa crackdown plan cancelled after outrage.

Malaysia blocks anti-government rally organiser website.

Vietnam grants amnesty to 18,000 prisoners.

AFRICA

Up to 200 feared dead as two migrant boats capsize off Libya. Libya recovers 82 bodies after migrant boat sinks - official.

Clashes force 5,000 to flee after beheading in CAR.

S. Sudan President tells Army to observe cease-fire. South Sudan rebels, army again accuse each other of attacks after pact.

South Sudan rebels question government commitment to peace deal.

Meet the French troops hunting jihadists in Sahel.

French journalists ‘tried to blackmail’ king of Morocco.

Iranian ship and crew escape after 5 months in captivity off Somali coast.

EUROPE

Migrant crisis: Four arrests over Austria lorry deaths.

Greece's caretaker government sworn in with first female prime minister.

Greece's Syriza to win election but face setback, poll shows.

Putin to lead Russian delegation at 70th session of UN General Assembly.

Higher prices dent Putin's sky-high popularity: paper.

Estonia 'plans Russia border fence' amid Ukraine tensions.

UK launches Twitter account to combat Islamic State propaganda.

AMERICAS

Colombia and Venezuela recall ambassadors over tensions. Venezuela and Colombia recall envoys over border spat.

New Orleans counts on new levees to prevent future flood.

Iran deal opponents plan DC rally for Sept. 9.

US blacklists Colombia 'Farc members' in Switzerland.

Guatemala protests urge President Perez Molina to quit.

Mexico foreign minister takes new post, may augur presidency bid.

Brazil's economy enters recession.

Tropical Storm Erika lashes Puerto Rico; At least 20 dead in Dominica. Florida governor declares state of emergency as Tropical Storm Erika bears down.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US forces snared only 3 out of 116 prisoners at Gitmo.

Virginia teen gets 11 years for aiding ISIS.

FBI warns art dealers of antiquities looted by Islamic State; stolen art could fund terrorists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Facebook has a billion users in a single day, says Mark Zuckerberg.

CEO steps down in wake of Ashley Madison hack.

Exclusive: Arab OPEC producers brace for oil-price weakness for rest of 2015.

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