News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Three Hamas commanders killed by Israel

The Palestinian militant group Hamas says three of its senior military commanders have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Palestinian officials say that six people were killed in the airstrike near the southern town of Rafah and that dozens of others remain trapped in the rubble of a four-story building demolished in the attack. The Israeli army says one person in Israel has been severely injured in mortar fire from Gaza today.

US attempted rescue of Syria hostages

United States officials have revealed that US special forces earlier this summer tried to free American hostages in Syria, including journalist James Foley, who was killed by Islamic State militants. President Barack Obama has said the United States will continue to confront the extremists and condemned their brutality: “They abduct women and children and subject them to torture and rape and slavery. They’ve murdered Muslims, both Sunni and Shia, by the thousands. They target Christians and religious minorities.” US forces have launched 14 new airstrikes on Islamic State militants in northern Iraq in support of Kurdish and Iraqi forces. Iraqi media are reporting that US airstrikes have also targeted militant positions in al Anbar province west of Baghdad.

Austria arrests jihadi suspects

In Austria, questioning is underway of 8 people arrested on suspicion of planning to travel to Syria to join jihadist forces. Officials say procedures to cancel the suspects’ asylum status in Austria will begin if they are taken into investigative detention.

Thai general takes over as PM

Thailand’s army chief, general Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a coup in May has been named the new prime minister. He was the only candidate in the election held by the military-appointed parliament. Prayuth has promised far reaching political reforms, but critics say he aims to purge the influence of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s party.

Clashes as Ebola quarantine enforced

Liberian soldiers enforcing an Ebola quarantine zone in a slum district of the capital Monrovia have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protestors. At least four people were injured in the clashes. Government officials said deliveries of essential foodstuffs have begun to the West Point slum in an effort to calm tensions. Meanwhile an American doctor who contracted Ebola in Liberia has been released from a U.S. hospital after receiving treatment with an experimental drug.

Russian aid convoy “to proceed”

The Red Cross says Ukrainian authorities have delayed the delivery of Russian aid to eastern Ukraine, but efforts are under way to allow the convoy to proceed. Ukraine has said it is concerned the mission is a cover to deliver military supplies to pro-Russian separatists in the east but Russia says it is intended solely to help civilians trapped by the conflict.

Pakistan talks over protests

Reports from Pakistan say initial talks between the government and two protest groups are taking place, after demonstrators occupied a high-security zone in front of the parliament. Protestors are demanding the resignation of prime minister Nawaz Sharif whom they accuse of rigging last year's elections.

The weather

Changeable with sunny spells and scattered showers. Top temperatures 15 to 23 degrees.

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