World News Briefs -- September 28, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Fiercest clashes since 1990s rage in Azerbaijan's ethnic Armenian enclave

YEREVAN/BAKU (Reuters) - Fighting escalated sharply on Monday between Azerbaijan and its ethnic Armenian mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, and at least 55 people were killed in a second day of heavy clashes.

The two sides pounded each other with rockets and artillery in the fiercest round of the decades-old conflict in more than a quarter of a century.

“This is a life-and-death war,” Arayik Harutyunyan, the Nagorno-Karabakh leader, told a briefing.

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MIDDLE EAST

Threat to evacuate U.S. diplomats from Iraq raises fear of war.

Iraq: Five civilians killed in Baghdad rocket attack.

Yemen gov’t, Houthis agree to exchange over 1,000 prisoners.

Iran’s Zarif slams Europe and US for human rights scrutiny.

Lebanon's PM-designate Adib fails to form new government after blast.

Lebanon's fate linked to regional settlement.

Betrayed Macron says will continue Lebanon efforts, eyes Hezbollah.

Turkey indicts six more Saudis over Khashoggi murder.

Jordan's monarch dissolves parliament in preparation for November election.

Israeli politicians argue over Covid curbs on protests and prayers.

UK's Johnson raises concerns with Turkey's Erdogan over east Med tensions.

ASIA

Philippines' Duterte calls out Facebook after accounts taken down.

India hits 6 million COVID-19 cases. But experts fear that could rise ahead of two key events.

Head of Afghan peace process visits Pakistan as talks continue.

With EU help, Taiwan gets rare win in China naming dispute.

Chinese President Xi Jinping defends Xinjiang detention network, claiming 'happiness' is on the rise.

China sets date for top Communist Party meeting for first five-year plan since pandemic.

South Korea’s Moon calls for return of inter-Korean army hotlines.

Pakistan opposition leader arrested in corruption case.

AFRICA

Several hundred arrests amid protest calls in Egypt - rights group.

Illegal money flows from Africa near $90 billion, U.N. study says.

Togo president names Victoire Tomegah-Dogbe as prime minister.

Mali: Moctar Ouane named new prime minister by transitional government.

Fragile hopes in DR Congo's Ituri province, scarred by conflict.

Ethiopia regional officials sacked after violence.

New West Africa currency 'delayed for five years'.

Kenya reopens bars, eases virus measures as cases fall.

Covid-19: Chinese doctors arrive in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe teachers strike as schools reopen after virus shutdown.

EUROPE

Armenia, Azerbaijan clash in separatist region for a 2nd day.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Violence escalates in Nagorno-Karabakh.

World leaders urge halt to Azerbaijan-Armenia fighting as death toll rises.

EU and Britain far apart as key week of Brexit talks begins.

Belarus: Mass arrests and tear gas on seventh weekend of protests.

Belarus: Macron to meet opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya.

Russia reports over 8,000 coronavirus cases for the first time since mid-June.

Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny confirms Angela Merkel visited him in Berlin hospital, expresses gratitude to Chancellor.

Coronavirus: Merkel worried Germany could face significant case surge.

Spain government to do 'whatever it takes' to curb Madrid surge.

Spain's top court suspends Catalan leader from office.

Switzerland referendum: Voters reject end to free movement with EU.

Kosovo War: Salih Mustafa's case is the first for Hague court.

Documentary unveils new evidence in Estonia ferry disaster.

AMERICAS

Trump, Biden prepare to debate at a time of mounting crises.

More than 20 states report coronavirus spikes as experts warn of fall, winter surge.

Trump defends tax practices while bashing New York Times report.

Tankers carrying Iranian fuel begin entering Venezuelan waters - data.

Mexico's death toll may not be known for years, official says.

Cuba plans to scrap convertible peso.

Mexican authorities issue warrants for military, police allegedly linked to disappearance of 43 students.

Huawei exec to accuse US of misleading Canada in extradition case.

Wildfires rip through California wine country, thousands flee homes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Saudi Arabia says it busted terrorist cell trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: 'Bomb on donkey' used to ambush Borno governor.

Charlie Hebdo: Stabbings suspect 'was trying to target magazine'.

Syria minister calls Turkey main terrorism sponsor in region.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street claws back some of its losses from September.

Dems to Facebook: Get serious about misinformation, hate.

Meeting of G-20 world leaders to be held virtually this year.

Airlines face worst crisis since 9/11 as funding ends.

US judge suspends Donald Trump's TikTok ban.

China will defend TikTok’s rights to the end: Global Times editorial.