World News Briefs -- July 19, 2019

SCMP: We will destroy any Iranian drones that fly ‘too close’ to our ships, US says

* Iran dismissed Trump’s assertion that the US Navy destroyed one of its drones
* Washington has evidence that it shot down a drone on Thursday, a senior official said

The United States will destroy any Iranian drones that fly “too close” to its ships in the Strait of Hormuz and has evidence that it shot down a drone on Thursday, a senior Trump administration official said on Friday.

Iran dismissed President Donald Trump’s assertion that the US Navy destroyed one of its drones. Tehran said all of its unmanned planes were accounted for, amid growing international concern that both sides could blunder into a war in the Gulf.

“If they fly too close to our ships, they’ll continue to be shot down,” the Trump administration official said, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity.

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MIDDLE EAST

US vows to down any Iran drones that fly 'too close' to its ships.

Iran denies Trump claim that US destroyed drone over Gulf.

Trump says U.S. is confident it shot down Iranian drone on Thursday.

Turkish jets bomb Iraqi Kurdistan after diplomat killing.

Yemenis die as UAE and Saudi withhold aid funds: UN.

Israel, Bahrain foreign ministers hold first public meeting in US.

Lebanon's Palestinian refugees protest against labour crackdown.

ASIA

IED blows up near Kabul University, killing 8, injuring 33.

No reply from Beijing to US call for South China Sea crisis talks.

China maintains pressure on Vietnam at Vanguard Bank.

Vietnam demands China withdraws vessel from South China Sea.

‘Stain of the century’: top US diplomat Mike Pompeo lashes out at China over treatment of Uygurs.

South Korea mulls 'review' of military intelligence sharing with Japan.

Japan summons South Korean ambassador over WWII labor row.

Japanese animation studio fire suspect reportedly alleges his work had been plagiarised by firm.

Afghan clinics reopening days after Taliban forced closure.

AFRICA

Three dead as unrest rumbles in Ethiopia's southern Hawassa city.

Friday talks with Sudan army rulers postponed: protest leaders.

Lake Chad group launches $100 mn fund against jihadists.

S.Africa military deployed to quell Cape Town gang crime.

Jacob Zuma refuses to testify before major corruption inquiry.

DRC health workers optimistic after WHO's Ebola announcement.

Algerians mix protest with football as cup final looms.

EUROPE

NATO chief: Clock ticking on INF treaty as Russia shows no compliance.

Kosovo PM Haradinaj resigns after court summons on suspicion of war crimes.

Italy: Salvini and Di Maio deny government crisis.

5.3-magnitude earthquake strikes near Athens.

Dutch high court holds gov't partly liable for 1995 'Srebrenica massacre'. Srebrenica massacre: Dutch state '10% liable' for 350 deaths.

Gibraltar extends detention of Iranian oil tanker.

Merkel criticizes Trump attacks on congresswomen.

‘I feel fine’: Merkel dismisses health fears after shaking bouts .

AMERICAS

Trump complains of 'crazed' media coverage over 'send her back' chants.

Trump says he didn't tap Rand Paul to serve as envoy in talks with Iran.

Trump welcomes Apollo 11 astronauts Aldrin, Collins to White House.

US concerned by Russia's leading position in Arctic — US Coast Guard.

Puerto Rico's governor vows to remain in power amid protests.

Bolsonaro declares 'the Amazon is ours' and calls deforestation data 'lies' .

Heat wave gripping eastern, central U.S. to intensify over weekend.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US transports alleged American ISIS fighter back from Syria to face trial. American IS 'sniper' charged in New York: Justice Dept.

Former al-Qaeda claims recruitment by Bahrain gov't as assassin.

US offers $7 mn to find Hezbollah agent wanted for Argentina attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China, US said to be wrangling over text before trade talks can resume.

Trump attacks US Fed, demands rate cut.

Boeing takes $5bn hit over grounding of 737 Max.