Tuesday, December 20, 2016

World News Briefs -- December 20, 2016



Daily Mail: Where is the Berlin Christmas market killer? German police FREE Pakistani suspect after admitting he is wrong man - as ISIS praise 'soldier' who killed 12

* Security sources have no clue where the armed real killer is after questioning wrong man for 12 hours
* Senior police chief said: 'We have wrong man. Perpetrator is armed, at large and can cause further damage'
* Arrested Pakistani asylum seeker Naved B, 23, entered country under false name and has criminal record
* Tonight German prosecutors said the suspect had been released because of insufficient evidence
* Asylum seeker was living inside hangar for immigrants at a Berlin airport since raided by commandos at 4am
* Tonight the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed 12 and injured at least 48
* Three of the dead have not yet been identified but six victims have been confirmed as German citizens
* Driver steered at crowds - including children - along 80 metre stretch of pavement packed with stalls
* Polish-registered lorry understood 'stolen by hijacker', who shot driver Lukasz Urban in head in hijacking
* Angela Merkel says Germany is in 'mourning' - but terror attack could be hammer blow to 2017 election hopes

ISIS tonight claimed responsibility for the Berlin Christmas market massacre as German police continued to hunt for the killer amid warnings a second terror attack in the city could be imminent.

The terror group hailed the lorry driver - who murdered 12 people and injured at least 48 others - a 'soldier' and praised him for 'targeting nationals of the coalition countries'.

Tonight German police faced difficult questions about their investigation after they released the only suspect they had in custody, saying there was not enough evidence to tie him to the rampage.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Iran & Turkey reach Syria peace deal. Russian, Iranian and Turkish FMs hold joint press conference (VIDEO).

Lavrov and Kerry discuss issues of final normalization in eastern Aleppo.

U.S. plays down absence from Moscow talks on Syria, says not 'sidelined'.

Aleppo evacuation: Syrian army warns rebels to leave.

At least 22 dead in clashes in Yemen's Taez.

Jordan shootings: Police killed in fresh clashes near Karak. 4 Jordanian police killed in clash with gunmen during raid .

Turkish police arrest six after Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov shot dead in Ankara.

Moscow and Ankara present united front after Russian ambassador's murder.

Russian team arrive in Turkey to probe diplomat's murder. Russian ambassador killing: Andrei Karlov's body flown home from Turkey.

ASIA

Myanmar: 'Thousands may have fled to China' due to fighting.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte should be investigated for murder over killing claim, UN says.

Official calls on Taliban to free couple held 4 years.

New US Okinawa base backed by Japan Supreme Court.

China welcomes Sao Tome decision to ditch Taiwan ties.

Malaysia arrests seven for suspected links to militant groups.

Record pollution levels choke Beijing and surrounding areas.

AFRICA

Deadly clashes erupt as President Kabila's term ends. Deadly protests in DR Congo as Kabila clings to office. Congo forces kill 26 protesters against leader Kabila.

US military formally ends anti-IS operation in Libya's Sirte.

Libya's NOC says oil pipelines reopened, expects 270,000 bpd boost in 3 months.

UN chief warns of South Sudan genocide unless world acts.

Japan resisting frustrated U.S. lobbying for South Sudan arms embargo.

Mali's Tuareg rebels withdraw from committee implementing peace deal.

New armed group emerges as threat in Central African Republic.

Africa battles rise in deadly lifestyle illnesses.

EUROPE

Islamic State claims Berlin Christmas market attack. ISIL makes Berlin attack claim amid hunt for suspects. Berlin Christmas market attacker still on the loose, say police.

Flowers, press and police surround Berlin terrorist attack site.

So much for peace and goodwill to all men: Machine gun police guard Canterbury cathedral and its nativity scene as security is stepped up across the UK in the wake of attack on Berlin.

Return to mother Russia: Murdered ambassador's widow and mother weep over his coffin as he arrives in Moscow to a full military guard of honour after being gunned down before his wife's eyes in Turkey.

Putin says ambassador's murder painful for Russia.

President Putin approves Russian budget for 2017-2019.

US extends sanctions against Russia over Ukraine – Treasury statement. Treasury sanctions Russian businesses, execs tied to Crimea occupation.

Belgian police detain terror suspect, seize weapons.

Greek anarchists force food recall before Christmas.

EU agrees new gun rules in face of terrorist.

Italy seeks 20bn euros for banks as Monte dei Paschi flounders.

AMERICAS

Trump condemns assassination of Russia's ambassador.

Trump fires back at Bill Clinton over election comments.

President Obama bans oil drilling in large areas of Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader McConnell rejects calls for select panel on Russian meddling.

U.S. government loses to Russia's disinformation campaign: advisers.

Mexico fireworks market explosion leaves at least 27 dead.

Venezuela reopens border with Colombia after eight days.

Bolivia Socialists back Evo Morales for a fourth term.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Isis claims Berlin truck rampage, as attacker remains at large. 'Islamic State' claims responsibility for Berlin attack.

UK, US have vaslty different estimates of total ISIS fighters killed.

Pentagon: October airstrike killed two other al Qaeda leaders.

A year after San Bernardino, the number of Women Jihadis is growing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

VW strikes another US emissions scandal deal.

Facebook accused over WhatsApp takeover.

Social media sites sued by families of Pulse nightclub victims alleging aid for ISIS.

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