Friday, December 4, 2015

World News Briefs -- December 4, 2015



CNN: San Bernardino shooting: Attacker pledged allegiance to ISIS, officials say

(CNN)Investigators think that as the San Bernardino, California, attack was happening, female shooter Tashfeen Malik posted a pledge of allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Facebook, three U.S. officials familiar with the investigation told CNN.

Malik's post was made on an account with a different name, one U.S. official said. The officials did not explain how they knew Malik made the post.

A law enforcement official said it appeared that Wednesday's attack -- which left 14 people dead and 21 wounded before the two attackers, Malik and her husband, Syed Rizwan Farook, were killed in a shootout with police -- may have been inspired by ISIS. But none of the officials said that ISIS directed or ordered the attack.

MIDDLE EAST

Russian air force hit 1,458 targets in Syria over week: agencies.

Obama says additional U.S. forces will help 'squeeze' Islamic State.

Kerry: Syria's government, rebels can cooperate against IS.

Syria humanitarian crisis 'deteriorating as winter sets in'.

Saudi backs deal that would make Assad ally Lebanon's president.

Saudi Arabia carrying out 'unprecedented wave' of executions.

Four Palestinians killed after attacks on Israelis in West Bank.

Preventing Iran bomb more important than past nuclear activity: Kerry.

ASIA

Fate of Afghan Taliban leader unclear after reports say he was wounded or killed.

At least 40 freed from Taliban prison in joint US-Afghan operation in Helmand province.

Mortar attack kills 9 Afghan civilians at Mosque.

Thailand receives Russian warning of Islamic State threat. Syrians linked to Islamic State travelled to Thailand to 'attack Russian interests'.

Thai migrant crisis meeting ends without any solution on offer.

Pakistan blocks 30 migrants deported from Greece.

Pakistan lawyer files for return of Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Putin, Nazarbayev discuss coalition to fight terrorism: Kremlin.

AFRICA

Burundi facing real possibility of civil war: US envoy.

16 dead in altercation-turned-arson attack at Cairo night club.

Two arrested on suspicion of planning suicide attacks in Tunisian capital.

France flies surveillance missions over IS-held areas of Libya.

China's Xi cheers African leaders with pledge of $60 billion development aid. African states mull adopting yuan as forex reserve: Chinese official.

Nigeria storm over social media bill. Nigeria’s lawmakers are about to pass a bill which could gag citizens on social media.

South Sudan conflict forces over 4,000 people to flee to DRC: UN agency.

EUROPE

Paris attacks: Police seek 'two new suspects'. Belgium seeks public help in search for two Paris suspects.

Germany votes to support fight against Islamic State.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel to return 'economic migrants' to Afghanistan.

Migrant crisis: Greece seeks EU help amid border chaos.

Back to reality for Hollande as voters flock to Le Pen message.

French police don't hesitate to use broad new emergency powers.

Café that was hit by Paris terrorism attack reopens.

Moldova and Ukraine try to block Transdniestria — region's acting foreign minister.

Russian truckers threaten march on Moscow.

Georgian president revokes Mikheil Saakashvili of citizenship.

AMERICAS

Exclusive: Accused California shooter lived in Saudi Arabia for years - Pakistani sources.

Senators demand Obama release immigration history of San Bernardino attackers.

US House adjourns with no budget deal, threatening shutdown.

Court ruling, minister exit complicate Rousseff battle in Brazil. Brazil's Rousseff says to fight impeachment proceedings.

Ecuador legislature lifts presidential re-election limit.

Venezuela’s Maduro threatens to jail local Heinz managers.

Venezuela regime fights back against surging opposition as elections near.

US economy adds 211,000 jobs in November.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

As pressure mounts, ISIS militants hide behind kids.

Belgium arrests 2 suspects linked to Paris attacks.

Islamic State's US recruits so diverse they 'defy analysis'.

France issues guide to surviving terrorist attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OPEC fails to agree production ceiling after Iran pledges to boost output.

Samsung to finally pay Apple $548 million in patent dispute.

Zuckerberg defends his new philanthropic initiative.

Porsche to make electric sportscar in €700m project.

Fifa crisis: US charges 16 more officials after earlier Zurich arrests.

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