News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Rising concern over Falluja civilians

Aid workers in Iraq say they're increasingly concerned for the safety of up to 50,000 civilians believed to be trapped in Falluja. The Iraqi army has been trying to re-capture the city from Islamic State fighters. Becky Bakr Abdulla works with the Norwegian Refugee Council and has spoken to people who've fled the city: "they're telling me of an extremely dire situation before they managed to escape where they said they survived on dried dates ....they also tell me about an extremely dangerous escape where they ran in groups of 15 to16 families - often barefoot during the night - carrying elderly and sick people with children."

More transport disruption in France

With just 10 days to go before France hosts the European football championships, the country is facing further disruption to its transport network. Some railway workers are going on strike later today. The walkout comes on top of fuel shortages resulting from continuing blockades of oil refineries. The ongoing industrial action is in protest against labour reforms which the government says are necessary to boost the economy. But unions argue they will undermine job security.

Strikes in Belgium

Industrial action is also affecting Belgium today. Police officers, teachers and some civil servants are joining train drivers and prison guards, who are already on strike over budget cuts.

17 die in fire at depot in India

At least 17 soldiers have been killed in a fire at an ammunition depot in India. The fire, in Pulgaon in the west of the country, started before dawn. 19 people were injured. It's not clear what caused the blaze.

Reports of North Korea missile failure

South Korean military officials say North Korea has tried to fire a ballistic missile off its eastern coast but that the launch appears to have failed. The North is banned by the UN from using any ballistic missile technology. Tensions have been running high in the region after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and numerous missile tests.

Lionel Messi tax fraud trial

The trial of the Barcelona and Argentina football star Lionel Messi on tax fraud charges has begun in Spain. He's accused of defrauding the state out of more than 4 million Euros in unpaid taxes between 2007 and 2009. His father, Jorge, who manages his financial affairs, is also on trial. The Spanish tax agency is demanding heavy fines and prison sentences. The two defendants deny any wrongdoing.

The Weather

The afternoon will be changeable with some showers in much of the country as well as thunder storms. There’ll be some sunshine in the east. Highs - depending on where the sun's out - are ranging between 15 and 26 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English