Thursday, June 20, 2019

World News Briefs -- June 20, 2019



BBC: Strait of Hormuz: US confirms drone shot down by Iran

A US military surveillance drone has been shot down by Iranian forces while flying over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the aircraft had violated Iranian airspace, and that the incident sent a "clear message to America".

But the US military insisted the drone had been over international waters at the time, and condemned what it called an "unprovoked attack" by the IRGC.

It comes at a time of escalating tension between the US and Iran.

Read more
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MIDDLE EAST

Dozens killed in heavy fighting in northwest Syria. 130 fighters killed in 48 hours in northwest Syria: monitor.

Rouhani: Breaking nuclear deal the least Iran can do to counter U.S..

Pompeo at Centcom: 'Trump does not want war' with Iran.

Germany says there is 'strong evidence' Iran behind tanker attacks.

'Risk of war' persists in Strait of Hormuz crisis, Germany's Maas says.

Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Saudi facility with 'cruise missile'.

Main officers in Turkey's failed coup handed life sentences.

Netanyahu warns Israeli enemies as war games conclude.

ASIA

China's President Xi Jinping touches down in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong-un.

South Korea calls for 3rd U.S.-North Korea summit.

Trump envoy to North Korea: 'Door is wide open' for talks.

Report: U.S. open to negotiation over Wise Honest with North Korea.

U.S. targets Russian firm for allegedly helping North Korea evade sanctions.

China hosts Taliban delegation to discuss Afghan peace process, counterterrorism issues.

Ex-Interpol chief pleads guilty to corruption: China state media.

New Zealand reveals $198 million gun buyback scheme after deadly Christchurch attacks.

AFRICA

Libya strongman Haftar determined to push Tripoli offensive.

Mali attack: Forces deployed as survivors recall killings.

Egypt says Erdogan claims over Morsi death 'irresponsible'.

Sudan protests: Military council wants talks to resume.

Sudan’s Bashir should be handed over or stand trial, says ICC prosecutor.

In Sudan, internet users find ways to beat blackout.

S.Africa president to deliver state-of-nation address.

EUROPE

Dutch investigators seek murder charges in downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Malaysia leader: No proof Russia behind shootdown of MH17.

Johnson extends lead in UK PM contest as Stewart loses third voting round.

Turkey sends new ship to search for gas off Cyprus as tensions mount.

Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy to face corruption trial.

German politicians' support for refugees prompts death threats.

Accused U.S. spy held in Russia asks Trump for help.

Polish foreign minister accuses EU of double standard.

AMERICAS

Democrats take aim at Trump policies by passing $1T spending package. House passes $983 billion spending package 226-203, bucking White House.

Biden refuses to apologise for working with racist senators.

FBI assisting with probe into U.S. tourists who died in Dominican Republic.

Mexico ratifies new trade deal with US, Canada.

Colombian president orders meeting to protect FARC members.

Hondurans demand president resigns in protests amid strikes.

Antigua: sprawling 'Chinese colony' plan across marine reserve ignites opposition.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Syrian refugee planned to blow up church in Pittsburgh on pledging allegiance to ISIS but is arrested with bomb making equipment after telling FBI agent the attack would 'shock the enemies of Allah all over America'.

Navy SEAL tried to justify 'murdering young ISIS fighter by calling him a "dirtbag" after stabbing him twice in the neck until blood spurted out'.

US official pressed to say Iran not behind 9/11 as Congress warns against war.

Kenya convicts 3 in Garissa terrorist massacre case.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices jump nearly 3% after official says US drone was shot down.

Business as usual: Iraq attack no bearing on oil firms - analysts.

Paris Air Show: IAG orders 200 Boeing 737 Max jets.

Facebook currency meets opposition in Europe.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That’s a costly drone. No US lves were lost so no need for a robust reaction. In fact perhaps turning the other cheek, in this one case, is the wise way to go. Iran is in a mortal situation with little revenue, an angry population, hostile neighbors Iran is waging war against and its draining Syrian adventure. Every day passes Iran gets weaker. No need to overreact, be cool.

Anonymous said...

This is an interesting way to prove that you had nothing to do with the tanker bombings...

Bob Huntley said...

Explains the weakness in the "no provocation" claim quite well.