World News Briefs -- August 9, 2019

Reuters: Thousands protest in Indian Kashmir over new status despite clampdown

SRINAGAR (Reuters) - Indian police used tear gas and pellets to fight back at least 10,000 people protesting Delhi’s withdrawal of special rights for Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir state in its main city of Srinagar on Friday, a police official and two witnesses said.

The demonstration soon after Friday prayers was the largest since authorities locked down the revolt-torn region five days ago, cutting off telephone and internet services and detaining more than 500 political and separatist leaders.

Seeking to tighten its grip on the region also claimed by neighboring Pakistan, India this week scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s right to frame its own laws and allowed non-residents to buy property there.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia blasts 'fake' UN data on civilian sites in Syria's Idlib.

Iran warns Israel against aiding US mission in Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar's Tamim called Trump to discuss relations, Afghan peace talks: state news agency.

Aden clashes continue, risk making Yemen war 'even more complex'.

U.N. food agency strikes deal with Houthis to resume Yemen deliveries.

Hundreds attend Lebanon protest concert after band cancellation.

More than two million Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage.

ASIA

North Korea fires two projectiles into sea off eastern coast: South Korea.

Kashmir lockdown — an uneasy calm prevails.

Indian troops fire tear gas as mass protests erupt in Srinagar.

Kyrgyzstan detains Atambayev after deadly skirmish.

Hong Kong’s peace prospects recede amid teargas and smoke.

Protest crisis worsening economic slump, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says. Hong Kong leader warns of economic 'tsunami' if protests continue.

Hong Kong protests spread across Australia revealing deep divisions in Chinese community.

South Korea taps new envoy to U.S. as allies face North Korea, defense costs.

Japan downgrades South Korea as security partner in defence white paper as ties fray.

Japan: Nagasaki mayor tells PM Abe to adopt nuke-ban treaty.

AFRICA

Libya government accepts U.N. ceasefire proposal, implementation unclear.

Chad: Intercommunal conflict 'national concern' after 37 killed. Dozens dead in fresh Chad ethnic fighting.

Eritrean students forced into indefinite military, govt jobs: HRW.

Burundi malaria outbreak at epidemic levels as half of population infected.

Tunisia's PM Chahed submits bid to run for presidency.

Three injured as crowd sacks Burkina gold mine.

Africa's biggest reserve under threat from Chinese oil deal: activists.

West Africa struggles with rise in pollution.

EUROPE

Italy's Salvini says will submit no-confidence vote.

Spain's Sanchez turns left in bid to form government.

Russian pharmacies report rise in sales of iodine near military explosion.

Explosions rip through Russian ammunition depot for second time.

US threatens to withdraw troops from Germany.

Cyprus' rival leaders ready to meet UN chief to seek peace again.

British economy shrunk in 2nd quarter, figures show.

July heat wave in the Netherlands killed 400, gov't says.

Mediterranean deaths: 800 people dead in 2019.

AMERICAS

Trump says U.S. economy 'handcuffed' by Fed, wants further rate cut.

Biden in Iowa: 'Poor kids' are 'just as talented as white kids'.

Trump: Biden 'not playing with a full deck'.

Donald Trump gets 'beautiful' letter from North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Trump defends immigration raids as 'good deterrent'.

Canadians seek cancellation of major arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

Venezuela-Colombia border: Armed groups abuse migrants.

Argentine ex-army chief acquitted of military-era kidnapping, torture.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Foreign jihadists on death row out of Iraqi govt hands: PM.

Ex-French spy chief admits 1980s pact with Palestinian terrorists.

Retired Marine 4-Star warns White nationalist terrorism is a threat equal to ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends down amid more trade woes, high volatility.

Donald Trump says US ‘not ready’ to make a deal with China on trade, raising doubt about September talks.

IEA cuts growth forecast over potential economic slowdown.

Chase forgives all credit card debt for Canadian customers.

Bayer stocks soar amid disputed reports of Roundup 'settlement'.