News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Islamic State claims Yemen bombing

The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the city of Aden in southern Yemen which has killed at least 60 soldiers. The bombing targeted the compound of a local pro-government militia. The troops were preparing for deployment to the Saudi Arabian border, from where they would fight Houthi rebels in Yemen’s north.

US warns Syria allies

The United States has condemned clashes between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish fighters in northern Syria as unacceptable, and called on its two allies in the region to focus on the fight against the Islamic State terror group. The US defence department says it is actively engaged in trying to end the clashes.

Colombia ceasefire comes into effect

A permanent ceasefire has come into effect in Colombia between the government and the country's biggest rebel group, FARC, bringing an end to one of the world’s longest and bloodiest conflicts. Around 260,000 people were killed in 52 years of fighting, and millions of people driven from their homes. FARC leader Timochenko, speaking through an interpreter: “Today more than ever we regret so much death and pain caused by the war. Today more than ever we want to embrace as compatriots and begin to work together for a new Colombia.”Colombia is expected to hold a national referendum on October 2nd on the peace deal.

Rousseff testifies before Senate

Brazil’s elected president Dilma Rousseff, who has been suspended from office while she faces an impeachment trial, is expected to give testimony before the Senate today, in a final attempt to reclaim her position. Rousseff was forced to step aside in May in what she says was a political coup.

Uzbek’s Karimov ailing

The daughter of Uzbek president Islam Karimov has said he has suffered a brain haemorrhage and is in intensive care. Karimov is 78 and has ruled the former Soviet republic since 1989.

Arson attack in Belgium

Prosecutors in Belgium say five people have been arrested in connection with an arson attack on the national criminology institute in Brussels. The blaze caused an explosion but no casualties. Officials say the attack may be linked to organised crime.

EU downplays TTIP doubts

The European Union's lead negotiator in trade talks with the United States, Ignacio Garcia Bercero, is downplaying an assertion from German economy minister and vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel that negotiations on the TTIP pact have failed. Gabriel said the EU should not submit to US demands at the talks.

The weather

Changeable with rain and thundershowers. Some sunny spells. Top temperatures 18 to 30 degrees.

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