World News Briefs -- June 15, 2020

Nearby residents and people who visited Beijing’s Xinfadi market queue to be tested for Covid-19. Photo: AFP

SCMP: Beijing battles ‘explosive coronavirus outbreak’ as food market cases mount

* Scientists struggle to track source of cluster linked to massive food wholesale centre
* Mass testing and strict lockdowns imposed in some parts of the capital while other cities order isolation for travellers from Beijing

Beijing is battling an “explosive outbreak” of the coronavirus, with health authorities reporting 36 new local infections in the city in one day – all linked to a food market.

As scientists try to track how the latest outbreak in Beijing emerged, the capital and neighbouring regions have stepped up emergency measures, including renewing lockdowns.

The capital has had 79 new local cases since last Thursday, all of which are linked to the Xinfadi wholesale market in the city’s southwestern district of Fengtai.

Covering 112 hectares, the centre is the biggest of its kind in Asia and supplies food to northern provinces.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Assad under pressure as economic crisis spirals.

Turkish jets drop bombs on Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq. Turkey attacks Kurdish targets in Iraq.

Iraqi army says 2 rockets hit base near Baghdad, no losses.

IAEA chief asks Iran for 'prompt access' to blocked nuclear sites.

Iran warns it may reimpose restrictions as Covid-19 deaths rise again.

Iran prepared to retaliate if U.S. stopped Venezuela-bound tankers: news agency.

Lebanon officials vow arrests after violent protests.

Virus impact could kill over 50,000 children in MENA: UN.

ASIA

COVID-19 cases surge in India, China as outbreaks wane elsewhere in world.

Beijing reinstates control measures as coronavirus cases rise. China locks down Beijing neighbourhoods to contain Covid-19 cluster.

Afghan government, Taliban agree on Doha as venue for talks.

North Korea could have 40 nuclear weapons, Swedish think tank says.

South Korea urges North to uphold deals amid rising animosities.

Breakthrough needed on North Korea, South's leader says.

Maria Ressa: Philippine journalist found guilty of cyber libel.

AFRICA

Dozens of Malian troops killed or missing in jihadist attack.

String of apparent jihadist attacks kills dozens in northeast Nigeria.

Turkey, Russia continue to work together for Libya ceasefire.

Police officer, two fighters killed in northern Kenya gun battle.

17 infected, 11 dead in new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.

Somalia in talks with breakaway region Somalialand.

Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari orders probe into Aso Rock shooting.

Darfur suspect rejects 'untrue' war crimes charges.

Botswana investigates death of more than 150 elephants.

EUROPE

European nations relax coronavirus-related border restrictions.

‘Disinfecting non-stop’ as Italy faces two new coronavirus outbreaks.

French President Macron claims 'first victory' against coronavirus.

Brexit: New momentum needed in trade talks, says UK and EU.

EU won’t ally with US against China, foreign policy chief says before Pompeo meeting.

Germany to contribute 42% more to EU budget: report.

Massive bribe to stop Ukraine probe of Burisma founder intercepted.

Marine veteran Paul Whelan sentenced to 16 years in Russia on spying charges.

Russian cities cancel victory parades EN MASSE as fear of Covid-19 still looms, Kremlin says it understands.

AMERICAS

Record spikes in new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations sweep parts of U.S..

Gov. Cuomo threatens to ‘reverse’ reopening in Manhattan, Hamptons amid rampant coronavirus social-distancing violations.

Trump rally called ‘dangerous move’ in age of coronavirus.

US police shooting of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta ruled a homicide.

U.S. Supreme Court endorses gay, transgender worker protections.

Colombia's ELN rebels free six more hostages amid peace talks plea.


Brazil protests: Mass rally against gov’t response to outbreak.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Nigeria: Islamic militant attacks in Borno kill dozens.

Hamas calls for united 'resistance' against WBank annexation.

UN team probing IS horrors urges Iraq to pass war crimes law.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street gripped by fears of fresh virus wave.

Oil falls on growing fears of a second wave of coronavirus.

Facebook rejects call to share revenue with Australian media.

Bezos agrees to testify before Congress on Amazon’s competitive practices.