Reuters: At least 21 dead as resurgent winds fan California wildfires
SONOMA, Calif. (Reuters) - Firefighters, facing resurgent winds and bone-dry conditions on Wednesday, battled to halt the advance of wildfires that have killed at least 21 people, destroyed 3,500 homes and businesses and blanketed Northern California’s famed wine country in smoke.
A rash of 22 blazes spanning nine counties have scorched nearly 170,000 acres (68,797 hectares) since the first flames erupted on Sunday night in what state fire officials say is one of the deadliest wildfire outbreaks in California history.
More than 550 people were still reported missing in Sonoma County on Wednesday morning, said Jennifer Laroque, a spokeswoman for the county’s emergency operations center. It was unclear how many might be actual fire victims rather than evacuees who merely failed to check in with authorities after fleeing their homes. Officials urged displaced residents to let their family members know they were safe.
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MIDDLE EAST
Suicide bombers attack Damascus police center: Syrian state media.
Fears over potential clashes between FSA and Idlib fighters.
Islamic State attacks rival jihadists in Hama province.
Iraqi military: No deal with Islamic State to liberate Hawija.
Iraq court orders arrest of Kurd independence vote organisers.
Iranian Kurds back Iraqi Kurdish secession.
Iran says US opposing 'whole world' on nuclear deal.
Russia ready to mediate talks between Saudi Arabia & Iran – deputy FM.
Erdoğan says Turkey to boycott US ambassador over visa row.
Turkish President Erdogan says US consulate staffer is a spy.
Mattis says U.S. will work to stay aligned with Turkey despite diplomatic tensions.
Israel to advance plans for nearly 4,000 settler homes: official.
ASIA
North Korea to US: We’re on the brink of nuclear war. Trump lit 'the fuse of war,' North Korean foreign minister says.
Brutal Myanmar army operation aimed at preventing Rohingya return: U.N.. UN: Myanmar army systematically expelling Rohingya so they won't return.
Indian troops and rebels killed in Kashmir gun battle.
China protests to US over sail-by in disputed waters.
North Korea: cargo ships tracked in Chinese waters after UN imposes all-ports ban for violating sanctions.
Japan's Abe faces challenges from new parties in snap election.
Russia to send 'Kalashnikov' guns to Philippines: Duterte.
Nepal's pro-China communists form united front amid uncertainty.
AFRICA
Zambia ends emergency powers imposed during crisis.
New rape claims against UN peacekeepers in C. Africa.
6 killed in Al-Shabaab attack on military base.
Kenya election confusion deepens as parliament passes controversial amendment.
Presidential election will go on, Kenya's Supreme Court rules.
Rwanda says torture claims 'baseless'.
No Congo election until mid-2019, says electoral commission.
'Everything is going to plan' - Liberians vote in first election run without UN.
Madagascans battle to evade growing plague outbreak.
A quarter of child marriages 'take place in Africa'.
EUROPE
Fearing Trump torpedo, Europe scrambles to save Iran deal.
Italy's government wins confidence votes on contested electoral law.
Moscow may demand U.S. cut diplomatic staff in Russia to 300 or below: RIA.
Spain gives Catalan leader eight days to drop independence.
Spanish PM asks Catalonia: have you declared independence or not?.
Spain takes step towards suspending Catalonia autonomy. Catalonia: Spain takes step towards direct rule.
Catalan independence averted for now, but regional separatism is simmering across Europe.
Portuguese ex-PM Socrates indicted on corruption charges.
With far-right in turmoil, France's Le Pen softens anti-EU stance.
Anarchists storm Spanish embassy in Athens (PHOTOS).
Extreme weather drags European wine output to its lowest level since the second world war.
AMERICAS
Trump says NAFTA talks 'tough,' failure possible.
House panel to publicly release Russia Facebook ads.
Trump expected to tap Kirstjen Nielsen to lead Department of Homeland Security. Trump expected to name Kelly's White House deputy as DHS secretary.
Genocide trial against ex-Guatemalan dictator Rios Montt to restart.
California fires: Scores missing as death toll rises to 17.
Puerto Rico: US officials privately acknowledge serious food shortage.
Sweeping powers for Jamaica police and military are 'ripe for abuse', activists say.
At least 13 dead after police use force to end Mexico prison riot. Mexico prison riot leaves 13 dead.
Mexico warns US about ending Nafta trade deal.
NAFTA talks to resume amid US-Canada aircraft dispute.
NFL owners to mull anthem rules as Trump ups protest criticism.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Hezbollah dismisses U.S. rewards for arrest of its operatives.
Europe expects more terror attacks, even as IS falters.
‘ISIS is in shambles,’ says 82nd Airborne brigade commander.
US Supreme Court won't take up Guantanamo detainee case.
Russia’s FSB thwarts activities of Hizb ut-Tahrir cell in Crimea.
Analysis: Ayman al Zawahiri argues jihadists can’t deceive America.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street ticks higher to record close; eyes on earnings, Fed.
Global economic recovery may not last, warns IMF.
China and Japan take rivalry into orbit with GPS offensives.
Banks lost over $100M in hacking scheme, report says.
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