Tuesday, March 22, 2016

World News Briefs -- March 22, 2016



Reuters: Attacks on Brussels airport, metro kill 34: public broadcaster

Thirty-four people were killed in attacks on Brussels airport and a rush-hour metro train in the Belgian capital on Tuesday, according to public broadcaster VRT, triggering security alerts across Europe and bringing some cross-border traffic to a halt.

A witness said he heard shouts in Arabic and shots shortly before two blasts struck a packed airport departure lounge at Brussels airport. The federal prosecutor said one of the explosions was probably triggered by a suicide bomber.

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MIDDLE EAST

530 killed in areas covered by Syria truce in first 23 days.

Baghdad politics slows fight against IS in Anbar.

Fears in Iraqi government, army over Shiite militias' power.

Isis claims dozens of Iraqi troops killed by British suicide bomber.

Hezbollah says Saudi Arabia, Turkey obstructing Syria peace chances. Hezbollah chief vows to keep up Syria fight until defeat of jihadists.

Nasrallah threatens to attack Israeli nuclear sites in response to a military strike.

Turkish soldier killed in Kurdish militant bomb attack - military.

Revolutionary Guards look to play bigger role in Iran's economy.

ASIA

U.S. commander apologizes for hospital bombing in Afghanistan.

Exclusive: U.N. lifts North Korea sanctions on four ships at China's request.

Taiwan holds media tour to reinforce South China Sea claims.

China says Philippine fishermen used fire bombs in South China Sea.

Suu Kyi to be part of Myanmar’s new democratic government. Aung San Suu Kyi to run Myanmar foreign ministry.

Violence erupts as Jakarta cabbies protest ride-hailing apps.

Vietnam puts prominent blogger on trial for anti-state posts.

Australia arrests two suspected of Islamic State financing: police.

AFRICA

Egyptian Air Force kills 20 Daesh terrorists in north Sinai - Reports.

Egypt retires 14 judges, alleging support for Islamists.

Tunisia reopens Libya border after attack on nearby town.

Gunmen attack EU military training base in Mali capital.

Nigerian state oil firm 'withheld $25bn over five years'.

Liberia closes border with Ebola-hit Guinea.

South Sudan to stop paying hotel bills for rebel advance team.

EUROPE

Brussels hit by explosions at Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station.

Charles Michel, Belgian prime minister, worries of more attacks: ‘We face a tragic moment’.

Former FSB chief believes Brussels blasts are revenge for Abdeslam’s arrest.

UNHCR says won't work in Greek 'detention centres' in swipe at EU-Turkey deal.

Kremlin confirms that Putin will meet Kerry on March 23.

Millions more Russians living in poverty as economic crisis bites.

Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko given 22-year sentence. Russian court sentences Ukraine's Savchenko to 22 years in jail.

AMERICAS

Trump calls for tough U.S. border security after Brussels attacks.

Obama to address the Cuban nation in historic Havana visit.

Obama lets Castro criticize U.S. shortcomings.

Advocates list Cuba’s political prisoners after Castro says there are none.

Cuban refugees flocking to Texas border.

US urges Colombia and Farc to sign peace accord.

Brazil oil giant Petrobras posts record quarterly loss.

Trudeau will push Canada into the red with `unsexy' debut budget.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Supporters of Islamic State praise Brussels blasts on social media.

Abu Sayyaf Group battalion defects to Islamic State.

New terrorism threats emerging in Asia-Pacific.

Many at Guantanamo apparently not ‘too dangerous’ after all.

Kirk to introduce new restrictions on Gitmo transfers.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil market rattled by deadly Brussels blasts.

Apple unveils smaller iPhone and iPad Pro.

Former Intel chief Andrew Grove dies aged 79.

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