World News Briefs -- December 30, 2019 (Evening Edition)

CNN: Iran warns of 'consequences' after US strikes in Iraq and Syria

Iran has warned the US of "consequences" after Washington carried out airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group in Iraq.

The US has "openly shown its support to terrorism and shown its negligence to the independence and national sovereignty of countries," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mosavi , according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

"It must accept responsibility of the consequences of the illegal attacks," added Mosavi.

At least 25 people were killed and 51 wounded in the airstrikes that targeted five facilities controlled by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq and Syria on Sunday.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Trump sets 'red line' for Tehran amid mounting risks.

Russia warns Iran nuclear deal in danger of 'falling apart'.

US attacks Iran-backed militia bases in Iraq and Syria.

Iran, Iraq governments condemn U.S. airstrikes targeting Iraqi militia.

Top Iraqi militia chief warns of tough response to US air strikes on Iraq, Syria-based groups.

Yemen: Houthis blamed for attack on military parade.

Iraq protesters blockade oilfield, rally in southern cities.

Iraq: Operations resume at Nasiriya oilfield closed over protests.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe to go on hunger strike for fellow detainee in Iran.

More nuclear energy for Turkey as Russia starts work on 2nd power unit for Akkuyu plant.

ASIA

Hong Kong to end year with multiple protests, kick off 2020 with big march.

Australia: Fires worsen and reach Melbourne suburbs. Thousands flee as heatwave-fuelled bushfires reach Melbourne. Australia fires worsen as every state hits 40C.

Taliban attack Afghan forces in country’s north, killing 14.

Taliban slams ‘baseless reports' of ceasefire plans.

U.S. promises action on any North Korea missile test: White House.

PLA’s Hong Kong garrison holds joint drill in city’s harbour in ‘message to radical protesters’.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says talks with Beijing could resume. Ahead of election, Taiwan president calls China 'biggest threat'.

Samoa lifts state of emergency after bringing measles outbreak under control.

China to stop sending sex workers to forced labour 'education' centres.

China’s gene-editing ‘Frankenstein’ jailed for three years in modified baby case.

AFRICA

Sudan to deploy troops to West Darfur after deadly unrest.

Militia attack kills 20 in eastern DR Congo.

Mogadishu truck bomb death toll rises to 90 as Turkey evacuates wounded.

US air strikes target al-Shabaab after Mogadishu bombing.

Mozambique opposition rejects accusation of role in attacks.

Head of UN-recognised gov't in Libya asks world leaders for help.

Libya conflict: Turkey troop deployment bill sent to MPs.

France, Egypt urge ‘restraint’ in Libya as Turkey weighs sending troops.

Ivory Coast ex-rebel Soro vows to lead resistance from abroad, 'like de Gaulle'.

Sudanese court sentences 27 security officials to death. Sudan jails 27 soldiers over protest killing.

Liberia: Anti-government protest postponed for security reasons.

EUROPE

Spain: Socialists pin future government on Catalan’s release.

Strike deadlock continues as French government, unions trade barbs.

Italian PM calls for unity as three senators move to far-right party.

Ukraine swaps 200 prisoners with pro-Russian separatists.

Pompeo to visit Ukraine amid impeachment drama. US Secretary of State plans to visit Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Cyprus.

Polish PM furious at Putin rewriting history of second world war.

Croatia finds former prime minister guilty of corruption.

Shots fired near Berlin's Checkpoint Charlie.

Russia has hottest year since records began in 1891.

AMERICAS

Giuliani reportedly made a back-channel call with Venezuelan President Maduro.

Joe Biden says he would consider a Republican for his running mate.

Trump, Putin discussed Russia attack, arms control, relations: White House.

Democrats worry impeachment acquittal will embolden Trump.

Monsey stabbing: NYC mayor vows action on anti-Semitism 'crisis'.

45 mass killings leave 211 dead as United States hits horror high mark in 2019.

Bolivia: interim leader expels Mexican ambassador and two Spanish diplomats.

Nicaragua releases dozens of political prisoners.

Uruguayan officials seize 4 tons of cocaine valued at $1.3 billion.

Venezuela crisis: The refugees who fled a collapsed economy.

With births down, U.S. had slowest growth rate in a century.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Shabaab militants claim huge Mogadishu bomb attack.

New Year holidays TERRORIST ATTACK in St. Petersburg averted after US tip-off: FSB releases VIDEO of suspects’ arrest.

Turkey arrests scores of suspected 'Islamic State' members.

US targets al-Shabab militants after deadly Mogadishu bombing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow drops nearly 200 points on second-to-last day of trading, trimming big gain for the year.

China’s top negotiator Liu He to visit Washington for phase one trade war deal signing this week, source says.

Tesla delivers first Chinese-made Model 3 vehicles.

US, China and Germany profit most from global free trade, says WTO.