News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Turkish jets hit PKK targets in Iraq

Turkish officials say fighter jets have launched their heaviest assault on PKK positions in northern Iraq since air strikes began last week. Turkey began bombing the group's camps in the region last Friday, saying it was in response to the killing of police officers and soldiers blamed on the group. Meanwhile, the leader of Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party, the HDP, has called for an end to hostilities on both sides. Selahattin Demirtas also said government operations against Islamic State militants in northern Syria were a cover to allow Ankara to target the PKK and that a proposed "safe zone" inside Syria would be used to stop Kurds from controlling territory there: "Turkey doesn't intend to target IS with the safe zone. The safe zone is intended to stop the Kurds, not IS. In fact Turkey should work with Kurdish forces to create this area. They should collaborate."

2,000 try to enter Channel Tunnel

The French authorities say more than 2,000 people tried to enter the Channel Tunnel near Calais overnight in another bid to reach the UK. It's been reported that one man was killed when he was crushed by a truck. In recent months, thousands of people - including many from Eritrea and Sudan - have camped out around the site. The British government - which has been holding talks with French officials - says it's contributing 10 million Euros for new fencing to make the terminal more secure. British Interior Minister Theresa May: "the French government have already been putting in extra resources - extra police resources - and the UK government will be putting in up to 7 million pounds more to ensure the security of the Eurotunnel rail head at Coquelles."

Sunni militant chief killed in Pakistan

Police in Pakistan say they've shot dead the leader of a banned Sunni militant group. Malik Ishaq was the head of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi which has been behind some of the most violent attacks on Shia Muslims in recent years. Officials say Ishaq - who had been detained last week - was in a prison convoy when supporters opened fire in an attempt to free him. He was killed in the ensuing gun battle.

Rumours continue over Taliban leader's death

The BBC is reporting that Afghan government sources have told them that the leader of the Taliban Mullah Mohammed Omar is dead. The Taliban has not yet commented. There've been several reports of Mullah Omar's death in the past.

Hollande invites Rouhani to France

The French President Francois Hollande has invited his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani to visit France in November. The move follows an agreement reached earlier this month between Tehran and international negotiators over the country's nuclear programme.

The Weather

Frequent cloud with occasional rain, especially in the West and South. Staying largely dry in the Danube region and north of it. Highs ranging between 15 and 22 degrees, in the Inntal up to 25.

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