World News Briefs -- March 3, 2021 (Night Edition)

DW: Coronavirus mutations in New York, California spark concern 

Mutations that have arisen in the US are spreading rapidly. Are they more contagious? And will the vaccines still be effective against them? 

Since health authorities have begun sequencing positive COVID-19 cases more carefully — i.e., genetically examining test results — they have also found more and more mutations. Most of those mutations are insignificant. 

But there are a few variants that researchers and officials are concerned about, in part because they are more contagious and because existing vaccines could be less effective at protecting against them. 

Read more .... 

 MIDDLE EAST 

Multiple rockets target airbase hosting US troops in Iraq during broad daylight. 

US mulls possible military response to rocket attack on Iraq base 

White House won't make 'hasty' decision in responding to new rocket attack in Iraq. 

U.S officials have met Yemen's Houthis as Washington seeks end to war - sources. 

ICC to investigate reported war crimes in Palestinian territories. 

Israel suspects Iran connection to Mediterranean oil spill. 

Palestinian Authority faces criticism over vaccine rollout. 

Protesters shut down roads as Lebanon pound hits all-time low.

Kuwait forms new govt after disputes with parliament. 

 ASIA 

Nearly 40 killed in violent day of protests against Myanmar coup, U.N. envoy says. 

Reports: Myanmar security forces kill at least 34 protesters. 

Marathon bail hearing for 47 Hong Kong democracy activists enters fourth day. 

China: Calls for 2022 Winter Olympics boycott doomed to fail. 

Taiwan opposition chief in no rush for China meeting. 

North Korea expected to resume trade at China border, research says. 

North Korea's Kim stresses roles of city, county leaders: KCNA. 

Japan PM says two-week extension may be 'necessary' for COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo region. 

Tokyo Olympics will be closed to fans from abroad, hints Games organiser. 

 AFRICA

COVID-19 vaccine deliveries to African nations pick up speed. 

African countries ramp up Covid vaccine rollouts under Covax scheme. 

Ethiopia now calls Axum massacre allegations ‘credible’. 

Sudan official: Tribal clashes kill at least 10 in Darfur. 

Senegal’s opposition leader arrested amid violent protests. 

UN advance team arrives in Libya to monitor ceasefire.

Ivory Coast gears for crucial parliamentary elections. 

Freed Nigerian schoolgirls to reunite with parents. 

 EUROPE

EU, Britain clash again in latest post-Brexit spat. 

Biden extends by a year sanctions against Russia imposed in light of Ukraine situation. 

Kremlin blasts new EU, US sanctions as meddling in Russia’s affairs. 

Coronavirus: Germany extends lockdown with plan to relax restrictions. 

Coronavirus digest: EU sends Austria extra vaccine doses. 

Czechs seek help abroad to treat their COVID-19 patients. 

Under fire, Scottish leader defends handling of sex claims. 

Sarkozy conviction triggers right-wing backlash against ‘judges’ republic’. 

6.3 magnitude earthquake hits central Greece. 

 AMERICAS 

Biden says it's a 'big mistake' for states to lift mask mandates. 

US States rapidly expanding vaccine access as supplies surge. 

US police uncover 'possible plot' to breach Capitol. 

U.S. House cancels Thursday session after police warn of possible plot on Capitol. 

Ten rebels killed, three captured in Colombia military bombing. 

Virus surge forces Sao Paulo to shut as Buenos Aires reopens. 

Brazil GDP drops 4.1% in 2020, COVID-19 surge erodes rebound. 

Paraguay cancels nonemergency surgery due to virus wave. 

Venezuela's Guaido calls for opposition input into new electoral body. 

Venezuela opposition accuses government of illegal gold sales. 

 TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Eight people are injured in 'terror attack' stabbings in southern Sweden with police shooting suspect in his 20s who is now in hospital. 

Syria camp for IS relatives records 31 murders this year. 

ISIS claims responsibility for slaying of three women media members in Afghanistan. 

‘Constant fear’: Iraq and Syria face ISIL resurgence. 

 ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Wall Street drops as high-flying tech stocks retreat. 

Oil prices climb as OPEC puts further supply cuts on the table. 

Facebook lifts ban on US political, social issue ads. 

SpaceX Starship lands upright, then explodes in latest test.