Afghanistan: US says Kabul drone strike killed 10 civilians, including children, in ‘tragic mistake’

“The strike was a tragic mistake,” a US top general said after an investigation WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A drone strike in Kabul last month killed as many as 10 civilians, including seven children, the US military said on Friday, apologising for what it said was a tragic mistake. The…

Covid-19: Shorter stay-home notice period for travellers from Poland, Saudi Arabia arriving in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Sept 18 (NNN-CNA) — Those with a 21-day travel history to Poland and Saudi Arabia who wish to enter Singapore from Sep 23 will be allowed to serve a 7-day stay-home notice at a place of accommodation. This comes after the Ministry of Health (MOH) reviewed the COVID-19 situation…

Algeria’s ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika dies aged 84

Former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ALGIERS, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Former Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who fought for independence from France, reconciled his conflict-ravaged nation and was then ousted amid pro-democracy protests in 2019 after two decades in power, has died at age 84, state television announced. The report on…

Covid-19: US panel recommends boosters for people 65 and older

  WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A panel of leading US medical experts advising the government voted in favor of authorizing boosters of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for everyone aged 65 and up, as well as people at highrisk of developing severe Covid.    The same committee however rejected an initial…

UNGA: World leaders descend on New York despite pandemic

  UNITED NATIONS, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Some 100 world leaders descend on New York next week in a partial return of the annual UN extravaganza despite Covid concerns, with progress sought on pressing global problems — starting with the pandemic.    The UN General Assembly will also look to…

UN meet to test whether Iran nuclear deal can be saved

  WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — After months of difficult negotiations, can the United States and Iran find a way to salvage the 2015 nuclear accord?    Next week’s annual summit at the United Nations could offer clues as Iran’s new hardline government makes its international debut.    After President…

Argentina’s president reshuffles cabinet after political crisis: official

  BUENOS AIRES, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez announced a new cabinet on Friday in a bid to smother a political crisis that pitted him bitterly against his vice president this week after anelectoral defeat in legislative primaries.    The reshuffle came one day after Vice President…

Myanmar junta to put Suu Kyi on trial for corruption

  YANGON, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Myanmar’s junta will put ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on trial for corruption, her lawyer said Friday, adding to a raft of ongoing cases that could see her jailed for decades.    Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since her National League…

North Korea rebukes ‘double-dealing’ US after missile launch

  PYONGYANG/SEOUL, Sept 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Pyongyang accused the United States of “double-dealing” on Friday and held Washington’s duplicity responsible for stalled nuclear talks, days after both North and South Korea carried out missile launches.   Seoul successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday, becoming only the seventh country…

Covid-19: 934 new local infections in Singapore; rise in cases of serious illness

People wearing protective face masks crossing a road in Simei in Singapore SINGAPORE, Sept 18 (NNN-CNA) — Singapore reported 934 new local COVID-19 infections on Friday, comprising 838 community cases and 96 dormitory residents. Among the new local cases, 241 were seniors above the age of 60, said the Ministry of…