Monday, December 4, 2017

World News Briefs -- December 4, 2017 (Evening Edition)



NBC: U.S. drills in South Korea trigger ‘nuclear war’ warning from North

Two dozen U.S. stealth jets were among hundreds of aircraft involved in war games in South Korea on Monday intended as a show of strength to neighboring North Korea.

Dubbed Vigilant Ace, the annual military drills come amid heightened tensions in the region triggered by Kim Jong Un's missile and nuclear tests and the ratcheting up of rhetoric from both sides.

A total of 230 planes will fly from eight locations in South Korea, the Air Force said in a statement.

The Navy and Marine Corps were also participating in what was described as "a realistic air combat exercise" designed to improve the technical cooperation between the American and South Korean militaries. About 12,000 U.S. military personnel are involved.

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MIDDLE EAST

Rebels kill Yemen’s strongman Saleh as alliance collapses.

Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen's former leader, killed - reports. Rebels kill Yemen’s strongman Saleh as alliance collapses.

Houthis reportedly gain control of majority of Sanaa.

Yemen rattled by air raids as clashes spread.

Iraq death toll at lowest level in five years.

'Reasonable basis' for British war crimes in Iraq: ICC.

Syria govt still unsure on return to Geneva talks.

Abbas warns world leaders over Trump's recognition of Jerusalem. Palestinians and Arab League warn US not to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli capital. Jerusalem: Opposition to mooted Trump Israel announcement grows.

Turkey says recognizing Jerusalem as capital would cause catastrophe.

Middle East braces for Trump verdict on Jerusalem.

Qatari, Saudi ministers at summit talks despite Gulf spat.

ASIA

UN envoy bound for NKorea as tensions soar.

U.S. drills in South Korea trigger ‘nuclear war’ warning from North.

North Korea: Radiation 'ghost disease' poisoning people near Punggye-ri nuclear test site, defectors claim.

North Korea's missiles are an 'imminent threat' and talking to Kim Jong-un is 'meaningless' warns Japan.

North Korea missile 'seen by Cathay Pacific airline crew'.

Oil prices in North Korea dip due to imports from Russia. North Korean coal piles up as Russian product sails away.

Afghan cabinet nominees approved after months of stalemate.

Wealth inequality a threat to East Asia, Pacific: World Bank.

AFRICA

Saudis pledge $100 million to African anti-jihadist force: Mali.

Somalia's peacekeeping mission could be hurt by cut in force size: mission chief.

HRW: DRC recruited M23 to crush anti-Kabila protests.

Egypt's Ahmed Shafik still considering presidential bid.

Zimbabwean cabinet sworn in amid criticism. Zimbabwe's new president urges public unity as cabinet sworn in.

Zuma says South Africa and Morocco will resume diplomatic ties: media.

Broke South Sudan spends millions on surveillance drones.

Odinga advisor arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, Kenya police say.

EUROPE

Russia faces decision on Winter Olympics ban for doping.

Future of Irish border remains an obstacle in Brexit talks.

Reports: UK, Ireland, EU strike border deal. UK and EU 'appear close to Brexit breakthrough'.

Corsica's nationalists press for autonomy talks after local vote.

Kremlin says Flynn didn’t sway Putin decision on sanctions.

Catalonia's pro-independence parties seen losing majority in election: poll.

Spain Catalonia: Four top separatists to stay in jail. Spanish judge denies deposed Catalan vice-president bail. Catalonia's ex-vice president Oriol Junqueras refused bail by Spanish Supreme Court.

Germany's SPD lay out position for talks with Merkel.

Malta arrests 10 over Caruana Galizia car bomb murder. Ten arrested over murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

German pilots refuse to carry out deportations.

AMERICAS

After violent night, Honduran tally favors president in disputed vote.

Supreme Court allows President Trump's travel ban to go fully into effect.

Lawmakers work to reconcile dueling House, Senate tax bills.

Trump lawyer says president knew Flynn had given FBI the same account he gave to vice president.

Russia-Trump: President criticised for attacking FBI.

US Congress faces frantic week with possible shutdown, taxes, Russia.

Honduras ballot recount begins amid election fraud protests.

Venezuela to launch cryptocurrency to combat US 'blockade', Maduro says. Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro announces 'petro' cryptocurrency pegged to oil and gold.

Distressed families of crew lost aboard missing Argentina submarine join protest march. Families of lost Argentina submarine crew decry government response.

China and Canada sign trade agreements during Trudeau visit.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Battle may be brewing in Sinai between al-Qaeda, IS groups.

U.S. defense chief urges Pakistan to redouble efforts against militants.

Mattis seeks more cooperation with Pakistan on terror fight.

Analysis: Ayman al Zawahiri calls for ‘unity’ in Syria amid leadership crisis.

Accused 9/11 conspirators start 26th round of hearings at Guantanamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Slump for tech stocks overshadows gains by telecoms, banks.

Facebook, Google leading to internet domination of advertising.

Financial markets could be over-heating, warns central bank body.

US pharmacy firm CVS to buy health insurer Aetna for $69bn.

Fox 'resumes sale talks' with Walt Disney.

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