World News Briefs -- February 12, 2020

Reuters: China's new coronavirus cases drop, world still scared

BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China reported on Wednesday its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in two weeks, bolstering a forecast by Beijing’s senior medical adviser for the outbreak in the country to end by April - but fears of further international spread remained.

The 2,015 new confirmed cases took China’s total to 44,653. That was the lowest daily rise since Jan. 30 and came a day after epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan said the epidemic should peak in China this month before subsiding.

His comments gave some balm to public fears and to markets, where global stocks surged to record highs on hopes of an end to disruption in the world’s second largest economy.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's army pushes into Idlib province.

Syrian News Agency: US hits Syria regime military bases in Hasakah.

US Air Force did not bomb Syrian military near Qamishli: source.

Syrian killed in rare clash between US troops, government forces.

Erdogan threatens military escalation in Syria. Erdogan: Turkey will hit Syrian government forces 'anywhere'.

Turkey's options dry up in Syria as Russia backs Assad push.

Newly displaced Syrians face crowded camps and harsh weather.

NATO Iraq training mission could grow under new plan.

Lawyers ask U.S., Britain to arrest UAE officials for war crimes in Yemen.

ASIA

US, Taliban close to 'reduction in violence' agreement.

Watchdog: More than 2,000 people have been killed rebuilding Afghanistan.

US warns China after military aircraft encroach on Taiwanese airspace.

China says faces 'war' against virus as death toll tops 1,100.

Coronavirus: Xi Jinping sends message on economy and getting back to business.

Indonesia criticises US study concerns over no coronavirus cases.

U.N.: 40 percent of North Koreans need humanitarian aid.

AFRICA

UN to vote on resolution supporting Libya ceasefire.

Libya's eastern-based army denies UN planes to land in Libya. UN barred from flying in and out of Libya.

Nigerian military under scrutiny after latest attacks.

Silencing dissent in Cameroon: Tension between youth and gov't.

S.Sudan's Kiir returns home as diplomats call for urgent compromise.

Burial of Daniel arap Moi recalls complicated legacy of Kenyan leader.

World in Progress: Zimbabwe's drought cripples rural communities.

EUROPE

Coronavirus: German health minister calls on EU to allocate funds.

Brexit: EU Parliament makes tough demands for talks.

Italy strips immunity from far-right Salvini. Italy Salvini: Senate votes for far-right leader to face trial.

EU accused of climate crisis hypocrisy after backing 32 gas projects.

Facebook purges more accounts linked to Russia in new crackdown.

France opens investigation into Maltese journalist's murder.

Pope Francis rejects proposal for married priests in Amazon region.

AMERICAS

Bernie Sanders wins New Hampshire primary ahead of Pete Buttigieg.

House Republicans boycott public Intelligence panel hearing.

Dems pick up new GOP support to rein in Trump's Iran war powers.

Trump congratulates Barr for 'taking charge' of Stone case.

A refugee camp grows on the US-Mexico border.

Venezuela crisis: Juan Guaidó greeted with abuse after return from world tour.

Heavy rain and mudslides kill eight in Bolivia.

Canada: thousands of travelers affected as Indigenous-led rail blockade continues.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US to seek more help from NATO to counter Islamic State.

Pentagon slashes funding for Islamic State fight.

Indonesia says will not repatriate citizens who fought with ISIL.

Pakistan court sentences accused terrorist Hafiz Saaed.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nissan sues Ghosn for damages, risks plunging to loss.

Alphabet's Google puts up fight against EU fine.

Boeing eyes Vietnam plane orders as coronavirus threatens to worsen dry spell.