News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Islamic State threatens the US

Islamic State militants have threatened to attack Americans, if the US continues to carry out airstrikes against its fighters in Iraq. In a video message, the group, which has seized control of large areas of northern and western Iraq, promised to drown all Americans in blood. US president Barak Obama told a news conference the US would continue to provide military support to the Iraqi government. “ISIL poses a threat to all Iraqis and to the entire region. There should be no doubt that the United States military will continue to carry out the limited missions that I’ve authorised.” Iraqi forces are now reported to be advancing on the city of Tikrit, after recapturing the strategic Mosul dam complex.

Bodies recovered from Ukraine convoy attack

The Ukrainian military says 15 bodies have been recovered from a site near the city of Luhansk, where a convoy carrying refugees came under attack yesterday. The convoy was reportedly hit by mortar and rocket fire. Separatist rebels have denied claims that they carried out the attack. Fighting is now being reported in the centre of Luhansk, as the Ukrainian military continues its advance.

Arrests in Ferguson as violent protests continue

Police in the US state of Missouri have arrested 31 people, following more violent clashes overnight in the town of Ferguson. The unrest began on August 9 after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown. The police chief in charge of the operation, Ron Johnson, told reporters that the violence was being instigated by a small number of protestors. “These criminal acts came from a tiny minority of lawbreakers. But anyone who has been at these protests understands that there is a dangerous dynamic in the night. It allows a small number of violent agitators to hide in the crowd and then attempt to create chaos.”

Gaza ceasefire extended

A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza has been extended for a further 24 hours to allow the two sides to negotiate a long term truce. The talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo are reported to be deadlocked, with the Palestinians insisting that the blockade of Gaza be lifted. Over 2000 Palestinians and 66 Israelis died in Gaza during the month long conflict.

Missing Ebola patients found in Liberia

Liberia's Information Minister Lewis Brown says 17 suspected Ebola patients, who went missing when a quarantine centre in the capital Monrovia was attacked at the weekend, have now been found and transferred to other facilities. The World Health Organisation says 1229 people have now died from the deadly virus since the beginning of the year.

Deadliest year on record for aid workers

The United Nations says a record number of aid workers were killed last year, with 155 deaths reported worldwide. More than half the deaths occurred in Afghanistan, with Syria, South Sudan and Pakistan also among the deadliest locations.

The weather

Rain showers are expected to continue this afternoon, especially in mountainous areas and in the south. Top temperatures will range from 17 to 25 degrees.

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