Tuesday, December 19, 2017

World News Briefs -- December 19, 2017



BBC: Yemen rebel ballistic missile 'intercepted over Riyadh'

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi rebels says it has intercepted a ballistic missile near Riyadh, Saudi state media report.

Witnesses in the Saudi capital posted pictures on social media showing a cloud of smoke in the air, and there were no reports of any casualties.

The Houthis' al-Masirah TV said the missile targeted a meeting of Saudi leaders at the al-Yamama Palace.

Last month, a similar missile came close to hitting Riyadh's airport.

Saudi Arabia and the US have accused Iran of giving the Houthis that missile.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia shoots down Houthi missile close to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's defence forces intercept a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

UN: Coalition airstrikes kill 136 in Yemen in 11 days.

Syria war: Situation in Eastern Ghouta at 'critical point'.

Palestinians ask China, Russia to push the peace process.

Palestinians slam US veto on Jerusalem resolution.

Saudi Arabia heralds biggest spending plans yet amid deficit.

Lebanon: Uber driver confesses to murder of Rebecca Dykes.

Pence delays Egypt, Israel trip 'over tax reform vote'.

ASIA

S Korea security drills help prepare for Winter Olympics.

'Cold War mentality': China blasts Trump's new National Security Strategy. China condemns US 'Cold War mentality' on national security.

U.S. blames North Korea for 'WannaCry' cyber attack. US blames N Korea for cyber attack that wreaked havoc worldwide.

Japan expands missile defenses to curb North Korea threat.

Myanmar, Bangladesh set up working group for Rohingya return.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi may face genocide charges over Rohingya crisis, UN official says.

Tropical storm Kai-Tak batters Philippines.

AFRICA

Egypt air base attack kills officer in North Sinai: military statement.

Cyril Ramaphosa chosen to lead South Africa's ruling ANC party.

Ramaphosa faces new battles as head of S.Africa's ANC.

Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam to run for Libya president in 2018.

IGAD holds fresh South Sudan peace talks in Ethiopia.

Zambia's new Chinese police officers removed after outcry.

South African court grants bail to Dutch arms dealer linked to warlord.

EUROPE

Catalans in tight race as election looms. Catalonia election: Campaigning ending in tight race.

Kremlin calls Trump’s national security strategy ‘imperial’.

Ukraine crisis: Russian truce monitors to leave.

Austrian leader to defend EU credentials in Brussels.

Mayors from seven major French cities write open letter saying they are overwhelmed by the flow of migrants.

Russia arrests Norwegian national on allegations of espionage.

Russian victims of domestic abuse forced to pay perpetrator’s fine.

Berlin Christmas market attack: 'We weren't prepared'. Christmas attack: German government admits mistakes in aftermath.

AMERICAS

Trump eyes major tax reform victory in Congress.

Train was speeding 50 mph over limit before deadly wreck.

FBI warned Trump in 2016 Russians would try to infiltrate his campaign.

House Republicans demand probe of Russia investigation leaks.

Honduras: Clashes as official rejects calls for new election.

Argentina: Scores injured as violent protests breakout against pension reform plans.

Thousands displaced as territorial disputes continue in Mexico's Chiapas.

Chile: Preparations for presidential transition under way.

White House to 'temporarily' shut petition website.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS claims it has hacked the US Army and State Department and is sending assassins to employees' homes in gruesome new propaganda video which declares: 'Muslims will return to being masters of the world'.

Police investigating possible Islamist plot to attack UK after four men arrested.

Al-Qaida divisions may aid Assad as he eyes Syria’s Idlib.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing and Bombardier set out defence in trade row.

Why the bitcoin craze is using up so much energy.

Bitcoin not a threat to financial stability, say European economists.

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