Sunday, August 6, 2017

World News Briefs -- August 6, 2017



NYT: Military Base Attacked in Venezuela as Video Calls for Rebellion

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Armed men in military uniforms and camouflage released a video early Sunday morning calling for Venezuelans to rebel against President Nicolás Maduro after his party established an all-powerful assembly meant to secure its grip over the country.

Around the same time, a military base was attacked in the state of Carabobo, near the capital, Caracas, an assault which the government said it had repelled.

“We declare ourselves in legitimate rebellion, united more than ever with the valiant state of Venezuela, to disavow the murderous tyranny of Nicolás Maduro,” said a military man in the video, standing in front of about 20 men.

Local media reported the spokesman was Captain Juan Caguaripano, a dissident National Guard officer wanted by the government since 2014.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: 2,000 IS fighters still in Raqqa - US envoy.

Syrian army takes ISIL-held town of al-Sukhna in Homs. Syrian army pushes IS out of last stronghold in Homs.

Syrian army advances against Islamic State near Deir Ezzor.

Turkey warns new military moves in Syria imminent.

UN slams 'disregard' for civilians after Yemen strike. Yemen humanitarian crisis prompts calls for Saudi Arabia to allow more aid.

No coordination between Lebanon and Syrian armies against IS: Lebanese military source.

Iranian soldier opens fire on fellow soldiers, killing four: army.

Iran MPs under fire for 'embarrassing' selfies with Mogherini.

Israel plans to close broadcaster Al-Jazeera's offices. Al Jazeera: Israel seeks to shut offices and take network off air.

ASIA

China says N. Korea sanctions 'necessary' but urges dialogue. North Korea must not provoke international community, China says.

Donald Trump praises UN sanctions on North Korea over intercontinental missile tests.

Afghan conflict: Dozens killed in 'brutal' Sar-e Pul attack.

Afghan police seize truck with 18 tons of explosives.

NATO soldiers suppress attempted insider attack in Afghanistan.

Government dismisses claims of abuse against Rohingya.

China scores diplomatic coup in sea row. ASEAN overcomes communique impasse, urges non-militarisation in South China Sea.

China's web users fear losing tools to bypass 'Great Firewall'.

Philippine military needs 20,000 more troops due to greater threats: Duterte.

AFRICA

Twelve killed in 'barbaric' Nigeria church shooting. Eight dead in Nigeria church gun attack.

Suicide attack in Cameroon kills eight: officials.

Egyptian army kills two militants in North Sinai.

UN finds mass graves in northern Mali town.

Democratic Republic of Congo: 250 killed in 'ethnic' massacres, says UN.

Rwanda election: President Paul Kagame wins by landslide.

Sudan plans to split S.Sudanese refugee camp after unrest.

Nigerian militants call for partition of country into five parts.

Mauritania referendum: Counting under way in controversial vote.

Zimbabwe opposition unites to challenge Mugabe.

EUROPE

US and Russia chief diplomats show 'readiness' to talk despite escalating tensions. Rex Tillerson meets Sergei Lavrov to discuss strained US-Russian relations, seek continued dialogue. Lavrov details Russia’s response to US sanctions in meeting with Tillerson.

Russia ready for more engagement with US, despite sanctions.

Report: UK to cap Brexit fee at 40 billion euros.

France rethinks romance with Macron as his popularity sinks.

Open conflict triggers concern Poland might leave EU next.

More long lines at Barcelona airport as staff strikes again.

Chinese tourists arrested for Hitler salute in Germany.

Europe egg scare: Belgium discovered contamination in June.

AMERICAS

Venezuela says ‘attack’ at military base has been controlled.

Venezuela opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez returns to house arrest.

Mercosur trade bloc suspends Venezuela on democracy concerns.

Mueller would need go-ahead to expand Russia probe: Justice official.

Pence slams report on possible 2020 presidential groundwork.

Canada sees rising tide of migrants from the US.

FBI investigating explosion described as 'fire-bombing' at Minnesota mosque.

Brazil crime: Military launch operations in Rio favelas. Post-Olympic crackdown on disillusioned Rio slums dwellers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US killed Shabaab commander in recent strike.

Should springing of US terrorism convicts alarm Americans?.

France launches terrorism investigation into attempted knife attack at Eiffel Tower – source.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon shadow looms large ahead of retail earnings.

Apple 'working on non-iPhone Apple Watch'.

'Pharma bro' Martin Shkreli convicted of fraud.

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