Philippines says danger high despite volcano ‘lull’

MANILA, Jan 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The threat of the Philippines’ Taal volcano unleashing a potentially catastrophic eruption remains high, authorities warned, saying it was showing dangerous signs despite a “lull” in spewing ash. Scores of earthquakes rattle the region daily and large fissures are opening up in the ground, which…

Syria: Intense fighting in Idlib kills 39 – monitor

BEIRUT, Jan 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Intense fighting between pro-government forces and jihadist-led fighters in Syria’s Idlib province killed at least 39 fighters overnight, a war monitor said. Government and allied forces took two villages in their advance towardsthe key town of Maaret al-Numan, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.…

Mali: Inter-ethnic attack kills 15 in Fulani village

BAMAKO, Jan 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a Fulani village in central Mali, security and local officials said, in a fresh bout of apparent ethnic violence in the war-torn country. Armed men attacked Sinda village between Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday…

As arrivals rise, Cyprus intercepts boat with 101 Syrians on board

Syrian refugees arrive on a Cyprus coast guard boat to the south-east of the island in the region of Protaras NICOSIA, Jan 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Cyprus intercepted a vessel carrying 101 Syrians off its coast on Tuesday, police said, one of the largest arrivals of refugees from the neighbouring country…

Guinea protesters ‘burn down police stations’

Police have been accused of killing 20 people since the protests started BISSAU, Jan 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Protesters in Guinea burned down two police stations in the central region on Tuesday, quoting witnesses and government sources.The West African country is engulfed in unrest over suspicions that President Alpha Condé wants…

Anger in Scotland after British PM rules out new independence vote

 Nicola Sturgeon had written to Boris Johnson to request powers to legally stage a second referendum LONDON, Jan 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hit back at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he rejected paving the way for a new independence referendum for Scotland. Prime Minister Johnson…

Nearly 1,000 illegal immigrants rescued off Libyan coast in 2020

TRIPOLI, Jan 15 (NNN-Xinhua) — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that nearly 1,000 illegal immigrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far in 2020. “Close to 1,000 migrants were returned to Libyan shores and detained so far in 2020,” IOM tweeted. “IOM staff are at disembarkation…

Pres Trump impeachment trial likely to begin next Tuesday: Senate chief

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Senate impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump is likely to begin in seven days with key playerssworn in later this week, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. McConnell said he expected the House of Representatives to deliver thearticles of impeachment against Trump to the…

US slaps sanctions over North Korea overseas workers

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two companies for exploiting North Korean overseas labour but joined allies Japan and South Korea in appealing for diplomacy to ease tensions with Pyongyang. Showing a united front, Japan’s defence and foreign ministers and South Korea’s foreign minister…

Guatemalan president takes office amid political jostling and delays

 Alejandro Giammattei has assumed the office of president of Guatemala on his fourth attempt. GUATEMALA CITY, Jan 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Guatemala swore in President Alejandro Giammattei on Tuesday in a ceremony tainted by long delays blamed on political jostling and maneuvers by outgoing officials to avoid arrest, a reminder of…