News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

IS claims responsibility for Istanbul attack

The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the New Year attack on a Turkish nightclub in Istanbul that killed 39 people. The attack was carried out by a lone gunman who remains at large. At least 600 party-goers were celebrating in the early hours of Sunday at the Reina nightclub when the gunman began firing indiscriminately. The majority of those killed were foreign nationals. After visiting some of the injured, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: "we will not be intimidated by terror. We will continue to fight against it. Our biggest insurance is for our people to stand together in solidarity and to support our resolve. As long as this solidarity continues, there is nothing we can't overcome."

Over 20 killed in Baghdad car bomb blast

Reports coming out of the Iraqi capital Baghdad say 24 people have been killed by a car bomb in the Sadr City district. The blast happened in a busy market area. Stephen Kalin is a Reuters correspondent: "it seems like this car was parked at a place that's popular with day labourers. There was a minivan - which is used for public transportation here - and I think 9 women in that minivan were killed when it passed by this parked vehicle that exploded." The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The latest violence comes during a visit by the French President Francois Hollande who is holding talks with Iraqi government officials.

Myanmar to investigate Rohingya abuse video

The authorities in Myanmar say they will investigate a video recording which appears to show police beating members of the Rohingya minority. The government said the incident happened in Rakhine state in November. There've been repeated allegations of abuses against the Muslim minority group.

Indonesia captain detained after boat fire

In Indonesia, police have detained the captain of a boat which caught fire on Sunday killing 23 passengers. Officials say they're investigating reports that he was the first to jump ship when the vessel burst into flames. The boat was carrying more than 260 people from a port near Jakarta to a resort island. Most of the passengers were Indonesians celebrating the New Year holiday.

Smog alert extended in Beijing

Flights have been delayed and highways closed in the Chinese capital Beijing and other cities across northern and central China because of thick smog. The authorities in Beijing have extended an alert for heavy air pollution for three more days.

The weather

Frequent sunshine - but cloud moving in from the northwest and some light snowfall is forcast for later. A lively wind which could be quite strong in the East. Highs are ranging between minus 3 and plus 7 degrees.

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