Libya: UN-backed forces claim downed drone as Turkish support arrives

TRIPOLI, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Forces aligned with Libya’s UN-backed government said they had shot down a drone operated by their rivals, suggesting a strengthening of air defenses as they receive accelerated military support from Turkey. The drone was shot down just east of Misrata, a key source of military…

Central African Republic: Militia infighting kill around 40

BANGUI, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Militia infighting in Central African Republic (CAR) killed around 40 people over the weekend and forced several hundred from their homes, local authorities said. The bloodshed was some of the worst since armed groups agreed a peace deal last February. That was meant to bring…

Brazil: More torrential rain raises death toll to 54

BELO HORIZONTE (Brazil), Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Another torrentialdownpour left the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte paralyzed, withruined cars abandoned on streets cake with mud, as the death toll from days of violent weather reached 54. Another 47,000 people across Minas Gerais, the southeastern state where the city is located,…

Mali jihadists recapture village where earlier raid killed 20 soldiers

NOUAKCHOTT, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Jihadists on Wednesday regainedcontrol of a village in central Mali, locals said, returning to the site of arecent attack that killed 20 members of the security forces. The Malian army, which had retaken control of Soloko, had “fallen back” tothe neighbouring area of Diabaly and…

Update: Death toll in eastern DR Congo massacre rises to 36

OICHA (DR Congo), Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 36 people were killed overnight in a suspected militia attack in the eastern DR Congo, a local official said. “They were all hacked to death. The total number of bodies is 36,” local Beni governor Donat Kibwana said. Officials had earlier…

US Pres Trump signs long-awaited North American trade deal

WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the new North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico into law, pronouncing a “glorious future” for US industry. It was another opportunity for Trump to tout successes in the midst of an impeachment trial where he is fighting…

Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial

WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Pres Donald Trump and White House lawyers pushed back on Wednesday against Democratic efforts to have John Bolton testify at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, arguing that the former national security adviser could reveal government secrets. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said…

Two hundred Americans to face quarantine in California

The chartered flight carrying US citizens arrived in Alaska early Wednesday morning for refuelling and additional screenings  LOS ANGELES, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Some 200 US citizens are due to be quarantined in California after arriving from Wuhan, China amid the coronavirus oubreak. The passengers, mostly diplomats, were evacuated via a chartered…

Brexit: European Parliament overwhelmingly backs terms of UK’s exit

Some MEPs wore “half-and-half scarves” to mark the UK’s final day  BRUSSELS/LONDON, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Members of the European Parliament have overwhelmingly backed the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU. MEPs ratified the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement by 621 votes to 49 following an emotional debate in Brussels.…

British Airways suspends China flights over virus

LONDON, Jan 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Airways said it had suspended all its flights to and from China owing to the deadly coronavirus. “We have suspended all flights to and from mainland China with immediate effect following advice from the (UK) Foreign Office against all but essential travel,” BA said…