What You Need To Know: 

1. Syrian Government airstrikes continued in the Eastern Ghouta region as over 500 civilians were killed this week. In response, the U.N. Security Council adopted a 30-day ceasefire.

2. In Nigeria, 110 girls have gone missing after a Boko Haram attack on a school.

3. Two car bombs in Somalia‘s capital Mogadishu killed at least 45 people. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility.

4. Australia‘s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce resigned after weeks of pressure over an affair with a staffer and a new allegation of sexual harassment.

5. China‘s communist party considers scrapping term limits for President Xi Jinping.

6. Thousands protest in DR Congo against President Kabila. At least 2 protesters were killed by security forces.

7. The Russian Government admits that “several dozen” Russian citizens were killed in a recent battle in Syria. Some reports claim that over 100 Russian mercenaries were killed by U.S. airstrikes.

8. One of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu‘s closest confidant agrees to testify against him in a corruption and bribery investigation.

9. Members of the North Korean delegation visiting South Korea for the Winter Olympics said North Korea was open to talks with the United States.

10. A wave of attacks across Afghanistan has left more than 25 people dead, most of them soldiers.

Afghanistan

• 22 soldiers killed in Taliban attack in Farah province
• Suicide bomber kills 2 in Kabul
• 3 tribal elders killed in explosion in Jalalabad

Argentina

• Two Argentines arrested in Russian embassy cocaine probe

Australia

• Deputy Prime Minister Joyce resigns after harassment claim
• Michael McCormack elected new Deputy Prime Minister
• Israeli intelligence help Australia stop airliner attack

Bahrain

• Authorities sentence prominent activist to 5 years in prison
• 3 suspected Bahraini militants die at sea en route to Iran

Belgium

• Police seal off Brussels streets amid reports of gunman

Brazil

• President Temer says he will not run for re-election

Burkina Faso

• U.S. sanctions Burkina Faso-based group over terrorism threat

Cambodia

• Ruling party of Prime Minister Hun Sen wins big in Senate elections

China

• Communist party considers scrapping term limits for President Xi Jinping
• Authorities investigate possible violation of U.N. sanctions on North Korea
• Warships enter the East Indian Ocean amid Maldives tensions

The Czech Republic

• Center-left party joins government coalition talks

DR Congo

• Police kill 2 in church-led protest against President Kabila
• U.N. warns of extraordinary humanitarian disaster in Southeast Congo
• President Kabila replaces Interior Minister amid declining security

Ecuador

• Ecuador says mediation with Britain over Wikileaks founder Assange has failed

Egypt

• Court sentences 21 to death for planning attacks

Ethiopia

• State of Emergency will last 6 months
• Authorities release 1,500 prisoners in Eastern Somali region

France

• 2 French soldiers killed in bomb attack in Mali
• 13-year-old dies after falling from cliff in the French Alps
• Security forces have prevented two ISIS attacks so far this year

Greece

• Parliament votes to investigate 10 prominent politicians including two former PM’s

India

• Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau meets with PM Modi
• India gives Trudeau list of suspected Sikh separatists in Canada
• 2 killed as wedding gift explodes

Indonesia

• Biggest political party backs President Widodo for new term

Iran

• Former President Ahmadinejad calls for ‘free’ elections in letter to Supreme Leader

Iraq

• Court sentences 16 Turkish women to death for joining ISIS

Israel

• Prime Minister Netanyahu’s confidant to testify against him
• Police claims Netanyahu’s former spokesman tried to bribe a judge
• U.S. expected to open embassy in Jerusalem in May 

Italy

• Government warns of Russian election interference threat
• Far-left protesters scuffle with police in Turin
• Thousands protest against racism, fascism, and labor reforms ahead of election

Japan

• Japan to buy at least 20 more stealth fighter jets from U.S. corporation

Jordan

• Prime Minister Mulki reshuffles cabinet to soothe anger over poor economy

Latvia

• Authorities call for emergency meeting after third-largest bank fails

Malaysia

• Police arrests 10 over links with South Philippines militants

The Maldives

• Parliament approves extension of state of emergency by 30 days

Mexico

• Over 100 Central American migrants rescued from truck in Northern Mexico
• President Pena Nieto postpones visit to the U.S. after unpleasant call with President Trump
• Presidential candidate Ricardo Anaya denies corruption accusations

Montenegro

• Man throws grenade at U.S. Embassy before committing suicide 

Mozambique

• Death toll from summer rains reaches 50 

Myanmar

• 2 dead, 22 injured from bomb blast in Lashio
• Government bulldozes Rohingya Muslim villages
• 3 bombs hit different locations around Rakkhine’s state capital
• Witness contradicts police in journalists trial

Nigeria

• 110 schoolgirls missing after Boko Haram attack

North Korea

• North Korean officials open to talks with the United States
• Kim Jong-un sends general to closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics
• Shots fired at North Korean linked group’s HQ in Japan
• N.K. delegation cancels planned meeting with U.S. Vice President

Pakistan

• Supreme Court rules ousted PM Sharif cannot lead his party

Palestine

• Palestinian man killed after a confrontation with Israeli troops in the West Bank
• President Abbas calls for international peace summit 
• Israeli navy kills Palestinian after boat breaches sailing limit

Papua New Guinea

• Powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes central Papua New Guinea

Peru

• At least 44 killed after bus plunges into ravine

The Philippines

• Police kill 10 suspected of drug trafficking 
• President Duterte bans news organization from covering his events

Russia

• Government admits dozens of Russian casualties in Syria battle 
• Opposition leader Navalny briefly detained by police
• Authorities ban Kremlin critic’s website before election

Rwanda

• 5 Congolese refugees killed, 20 injured by Rwandan police in camp food protest

Saudi Arabia

• Authorities free 9 Iranian fishermen detained for 2 years

Serbia

• Authorities detain 8 foreigners for attempting to photograph military installations

Somalia

• Two car bombs explode in Mogadishu killing 45 people
• U.S. led air strike kills 3 al-Shabaab militants
• Car bomb and gunfire strike near President’s residence

South Africa

• Gunmen kill 5 police officers in attack on police station
• Parliament to launch inquiry into mines minister Zwane
• 7 suspects accused of murder killed in church gunfight

South Korea

• Government signs free trade deals with 5 Central American countries

Sri Lanka

• Grenade on bus injures 19, military rules out terrorist attack
• President reshuffles cabinet after local election defeat

Sweden

• Government braces for possible Russian election meddling

Switzerland

• 2 shot dead in Zurich, no terror link
• 1 dead, 3 injured after being hit by an avalanche in the Alps

Syria

• Pro-Government forces enter Afrin to aid Kurds against Turkey
• Over 500 civilians killed by Syrian Government forces this week
• U.N. Security Council adopts 30-day ceasefire in Syria, bombs continue
• 18 people suffer symptoms consistent with exposure to chlorine gas
• Turkey strikes Syrian convoy headed to Afrin

Uganda

• Diarrhea kills 26 Congolese refugees, infects hundreds

Ukraine

• President Poroshenko signs bill reintegrating Russian-backed regions

The United Kingdom

• Explosion destroys convenience store in Leicester injuring at least 5 people
• E.U. leader calls U.K.’s Brexit approach a “pure illusion”

The United States of America

• U.S. Treasury announces largest sanctions against North Korean firms and vessels
• Grand Canyon helicopter crash victim dies, 3 still critical

The Vatican

• Pope Francis’ investigator meets with Chilean victims

Yemen

• At least 15 dead in Saudi-led airstrike in Northern Yemen
• ISIS car bomb in Aden kills 6, wounds dozens
• At least 14 dead in attack on counter-terrorism base in Aden

Zimbabwe

• 2 killed, 7 injured in protests between police and illegal vendors in Harare

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to the newsletter to receive it directly by email. 

 

 

What You Need To Know:

1. Syrian Government forces killed at least 94 people in bombing of Eastern Ghouta in ‘extreme escalation of hostilities.

2. Civilian plane crashes into Mount Dena in Southern Iran killing all 65 on board.

3. Israeli police recommend that Prime Minister Netanyahu be indicted on bribery and breach of trust charges in two separate corruption cases.

4. 17 people killed high-school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The gunman was a former student at the school who had been expelled.

5. Egyptian military continues offensive in Sinai, at least 53 militants killed.

6. In Nigeria, three suicide bombers kill 18 at Maiduguri fish market. In a separate incident, armed bandits killed 35 villagers.

7. ISIS militants ambush a group of Iraq‘s Shiite paramilitary fighters killing at least 27 people.

8. In South Africa, President Zuma resigned after 9 years in office. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa replaces him.

9. A truck packed with Eritrean and Somali migrants crashed in Libya leaving at least 19 dead and nearly 80 injured.

10. Ethiopian Prime Minister resigns after massive anti-government protests. Authorities immediately call 6-month state of emergency.

Israel

• Israeli police recommend corruption charges for PM Netanyahu
• Netanyahu says he will continue to lead Israel
• Centrist leader says Netanyahu should resign
• Group of Palestinians attack two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank
• Israel strikes Gaza after soldiers hurt, 2 Palestinians killed
• Police arrest telecom officials in corruption case

Nigeria

• At least 35 villagers killed by armed bandits in northwestern Nigeria
• Court releases 475 Boko Haram suspects for rehabilitation
• Three suicide bombers kill 18 in Maiduguri
• Court convicts 205 Boko Haram suspects in mass trials

Egypt

• 12 ISIS militants killed, 92 arrested in Sinai
• Police arrests formed anti-corruption chief in latest pre-election turmoil
• Army kills 10, arrests 400 in Sinai operation
• Authorities detain former Islamist Presidential candidate 
• Military says 53 militants killed in Sinai offensive
• 3 soldiers killed in campaign against militants

Serbia

• German foreign minister says Serbia must accept Kosovo independence to join E.U.
• President visits Croatia amid tensions

Austria

• 1 dead, 22 injured as trains collide near the station of Niklasdorf

Ukraine

• Opposition leader Saakashvili detained in Kiev, facing deportation
• Ukraine deports opposition leader to Poland 

South Sudan

• Authorities sentence rebel leader’s spokesman to death

Belgium

• 2 dead in crash of private plane in eastern Hasselt 

Iraq

• ISIS ambush strikes Iraqi forces, kills 27 fighters
• Allies promise $30 billion in aid, falls short of $80 billion requested

Indonesia

• Soldier killed by Papua separatists
• Mount Sinabung erupts

Afghanistan

• Taliban infiltrator kills 16 Afghan government militiamen
• Governor defies President Ghani’s attempt to remove him
• Court receives 1.7 million war crimes claims

Pakistan

• Taliban deputy chief killed in drone strike 
• Authorities begin to seize charities linked to U.S.-wanted cleric 
• Taliban kill 4 government paramilitary troopers in gun attack
• Government to send troops to Saudi Arabia on training mission

Lebanon

• U.S. Secretary of State meets with PM Hariri, criticizes Hezbollah

Bolivia

• At least 8 killed in gas canister explosion during Oruro’s carnival

North Korea

• Kim Jong-un impressed with South Korea’s delegation welcome

Palestine

• Vladimir Putin meets President Abbas, conveys greetings from Trump
• Palestinian teen goes on trial, Israeli judge bars public

South Korea

• Computer virus dubbed “Olympic Destroyer” used to attack opening ceremony of Winter Olympics
• Lotte chief and former president’s friend jailed for receiving bribes 
• South Korea to pay for North Korea’s expenses at Olympics
• Athletes hit by norovirus outbreak

China

• Former senior politician Zhengcai charged with bribery
• China angered as Indian PM visits disputed border region
• 9 dead in fire at waste facility in Southern China 

New Zealand

• Former PM English to leave parliament

Syria

• Government bombing in Eastern Ghouta kills 94
• Pro-government forces to enter Kurdish enclave of Afrin
• Kurdish doctors report suspected Turkish gas attack in Syria
• Car bomb in Qamishli kills 5 people
• Kurdish fighters reportedly strike deal with Syrian army

Australia

• Deputy PM denies breaking parliamentary rules over extramarital affair 
• Prime Minister bans government ministers from having sex with staff
• Government fractures as Deputy PM calls PM Turnbull ‘inept’

Tongo

• Category storm wreaks havoc in Tongo, flattening in parliament

Thailand

• Biggest U.S. military force in years joins Thai military exercise 

South Africa

• President Zuma resigns after 9 years in office 
• Cyril Ramaphosa sworn-in as South Africa’s new president

The United Kingdom

• Judge upholds arrest warrant for Wikileaks fonder
• Package with white powder delivered to British Parliament
• Commonwealth in secret succession plans
• Vehicle collision at London Heathrow kills 1
• Authorities blame Russian military for ‘malicious’ cyber attack

Guatemala

• Former President Colom detained in corruption case

Netherlands

• Dutch foreign minister quits for lying about Putin
• Longest serving PM, Ruud Lubbers, dies aged 78

Brazil

• Military to increase army presence on border with Venezuela
• Army ordered to take security in Rio de Janeiro

Czech Republic

• Prime Minister found guilty of collaborating with secret police
• Social Democrats pick former parliament speaker as chairman

Turkey

• Erdogan warns Greece, Cyprus over gas search
• 6 journalists sentenced to life over failed coup

Ethiopia

• Prime Minister submits resignation after protests 
• Government announces a 6-month state of emergency

France

• Court acquits man who rented apartment to Paris attackers 
• 3 skiers die in avalanche in the Pyrenees 
• Avalanche in the Alps kills 2 skiers

Greece

• 3 dead after refugee boat capsizes near Turkish border

Kenya

• Attorney General Muigai resigns 
• Court revokes deportation of opposition-linked lawyer

Russia

• 5 dead in church shooting, police kills suspect
• Opposition leader Navalny’s website blocked before election
• Instagram agrees to Russian censor demands
• Kremlin says it has evidence of Western meddling in election
• Russia accuses U.S. of undermining Syria’s integrity 

Myanmar

• Authorities sign ceasefire with two rebel groups amid decades of conflict

India

• Fire on ship kills 5, injures 11
• Landmine kills politician in Meghalaya

Colombia

• Military calls Venezuela’s invasion fears ‘ridiculous’

The United States of America

• At least 17 dead in Florida high-school shooting
• U.S. charges Russians with 2016 election tampering to boost Trump
• Defense Secretary to pressure European allies on military spending
• U.S. drone destroys Russian-made tank in Syria
• U.S. boosts aid to Jordan despite Trump’s threat of cuts
• Senior White House official resigns over security clearance

Mexico

• Helicopter crash kills 13 in Oaxaca
• Magnitude 7.2 earthquakes strike central and southern Mexico
• Presidential candidate Anaya claims to be the target of government spying 
• Indigenous Presidential candidate injured in highway accident
• Foreign minister heads to Caribbean to win over Venezuelan allies

Haiti

• Fire destroys historic Port-au-Prince market 

Sri Lanka

• Tea warehouse collapse kills at least 7
• Two ruling parties set committee to examine potential coalition after local poll defeat 

Germany

• SPD leader Schulz resigns, party congress to vote on successor in April

Congo

• Congo violence forces 22,000 to flee to Uganda
• Presidential motorcade crash kills 5
• 6 soldiers killed in clash with Rwandan army

Iran

• Plane crash in Southern Iran kills 65 people
• 3 police officers killed in clashes with Sufi protesters 
• Canada presses Iran for details on death of Iranian-Canadian in Tehran jail

Japan

• Japan posts longest growth streak since the 1980’s

Denmark

• Queen’s husband Prince Henrik dies 

Libya

• Truck packed with African migrants crashes killing at least 19 people
• Supreme Court blocks legal challenges to draft constitution
• 324 migrants intercepted off coast

Cambodia

• Parliament adopts law forbidding insults to the monarchy

Venezuela

• President Maduro ‘not welcome’ in Peru

Zimbabwe

• Opposition leader Tsvangirai dies after long battle with cancer

Tanzania

• Police investigates death of opposition campaigner

Zambia

• President Lungu appoints new finance, mining ministers

Saudi Arabia

• U.N. Security Council considers praising Saudi Arabia for Yemen aid

Latvia

• Member of European Central Bank detained in corruption investigation

Vatican

• Pope revives lapsed sex abuse commission amid skepticism

The Maldives

• President seeks approval to extend state of emergency by 15 days
• Police arrests 25 after protest demanding President’s arrest 

Sudan

• Authorities release more than 80 political prisoners from Khartoum jails

Bulgaria

• Far-right extremists march in Sofia to honor pro-Nazi general

Sweden

• Government grants citizenship to scientist sentenced to death in Iran

Mozambique

• 17 killed in garbage dump collapse 

Peru

• Former President Fujimori ordered to stand trial again

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to the newsletter to receive it directly by email. 

What You Need To Know:

1. In Syria, at least 230 civilians were killed by Syrian Government and Russian airstrikes in past week.
2. Turkish offensive in Syria stalls as dozens of Turkish soldiers are killed by Kurdish fighters.
3. Russian plane crashes near Moscow shortly after takeoff killing all 71 passengers.
4. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un invites South Korean President Moon to Pyongyang in signs of de-escalation.
5. State of Emergency declared in the Maldives as President Yameen calls Supreme Court actions a ‘coup attempt.’ Authorities detain Chief Justice and Supreme Court Judge in retaliation.
6. Israel shot down an Iranian drone encroaching on its territory. The Israeli military responded by striking Iranian facilities in Syria but lost an F-16 jet in the process.
7. Pressure mounts on South African President Zuma to resign. The Deputy President is set to replace him.
8. In Yemen, Government forces retook the southwestern province of Hodeidah killing at least 85 people.
9. Egyptian forces launched a massive attack on the Sinai region. At least 16 militants were killed in the process.
10. Germany center-left Social Democrats agree to a coalition with Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union. Martin Schulz, the leader of the Social Democrats, abandoned plans to become foreign minister.

Syria

• 230 civilians killed in Syrian and Russian airstrikes in past week
• Syrian Government calls U.S. strike an effort to “support terrorism”
• Kurds capture two British ISIS militants

Turkey

• Authorities detain nearly 600 people for opposing Syrian offensive
• Turkey sets up military post southwest of Syria’s Aleppo
• 31 soldiers killed since start of operation in Afrin
• Police detains 48 suspected ISIS members preparing to launch attack
• Turkey orders arrest of pro-Kurdish party leader

Russia

• Passenger plane crashes near Moscow after takeoff, 71 presumed dead
• Investigators summon opposition leader Navalny for questioning 
• Russian nuclear scientists arrested for “bitcoin mining plot”

Iraq

• U.S. troops start Iraq drawdown after declaration of victory over ISIS
• U.S. not planning to contribute money at Iraq reconstruction conference

Uganda

• Uganda suspends 5 officials suspected of fraud in relief aid scandal

Italy

• Kurds protest in Rome as Turkey’s Erdogan meets Pope Francis
• Thousands protest against racism in Macerta

South Korea

• Samsung heir freed after appeal wins suspended jail term
• Korean spy agency tells lawmakers North Korean hackers possibly behind coincheck heist
• Norovirus at Olympics has officials scrambling
• U.S. VP Pence avoids encounter with North Korean officials as Korean athletes march together
• North Korean President and sister of Supreme leader attend Olympics, shake hands with South Korean President

Indonesia

• Knife-wielding attacker wounds 4 churchgoers, shot by police 

Kenya

• Two TV stations resume broadcasting after days shut by government
• Top ivory investigator murdered in Nairobi
• Opposition lawyer charged with treason over Odinga’s swearing in

Guinea

• 5 infants die in fire linked to post-election riots

Maldives

• Government defies court order to free opposition leaders
• State of Emergency declared 
• Police arrest chief justice and another Supreme Court judge
• Police arrest former President Gayoom
• Opposition calls for Indian intervention

Japan

• Army helicopter crashes, killing at least one person

Pakistan

• Chinese shipping employee shot dead in Karachi
• Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill Pakistani Taliban commander

Israel

• Israeli man killed in Palestinian stabbing attack in the occupied West Bank
• Thousands of African migrants protest Israel deportations
• Israel strikes Syrian military complex near Damascus 
• Trump questions Israel’s interest in making peace
• Israel strikes Syria, downs Iranian drone
• Israeli jet shot down after bombing site in Syria

Ethiopia

• Authorities sentences opposition leader to 6 months in jail for contempt of court
• Ethiopia pardons 746 prisoners, including journalists 
• 25 Ethiopian migrants missing off Yemen, forced into sea

Iran

• Man shot and arrested in Iran after trying to break into presidential office
• Iranian-Canadian professor dies in custody in Tehran

Venezuela

• Maduro says U.S. sanctions will not stymie Venezuela’s oil industry
• Power outage hits part of Caracas 
• Authorities set presidential vote for April 22 after talks crumble 
• Colombia and Brazil tighten borders as Venezuelan crisis deepens 
• Army clashes with illegal miners, 18 reported dead

Colombia

• FARC suspends election campaign over ‘threats’ to candidates

Nigeria

• President signs order to boost local production, employment
• Boko Haram releases 13 hostages after talks with government

Lebanon

• Lebanon tells Israel its border wall violates sovereignty

South Africa

• ANC calls top-level meeting on Zuma’s future
• President Zuma will not give state of the nation address in parliament 
• Deputy President poised to replace Zuma as President

India

• Pirates free oil tanker with 22 India crew in Gulf of Guinea
• 9 killed in militant attack on Indian army base in Kashmir

Yemen

• Government forces retake Southwestern province of Hodeidah, at least 85 killed

The United Kingdom

• Judge upholds arrest for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange

Poland

• President signs law barring some Holocaust speech

Palestine

• President Abbas’ government sued over alleged CIA-backed wiretapping
• Gaza health facilities face closure due to fuel shortage
• Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank raid
• Thousands of Palestinians gather at Gaza border with Egypt in hope’s of leaving 
• Leader of Hamas leaves Gaza for talks in Egypt
• India’s PM heads to Palestine to balance warming ties with Israel
• UAE and Qatar donate millions to stave off Gaza health crisis 

Egypt

• Egypt launches massive security operation against militant
• 16 militants killed in Sinai operation

The United States of America

• U.S. soldier found dead in Germany near train station
• Space X successfully launches largest rocket into space
• Russian hacker attacks U.S. defense contractors
• White House senior aide resigns following domestic abuse charges
• U.S. led coalition strikes kills over 100 pro-regime Syrian forces
• VP Pence skips dinner with North Koreans at Olympics
• Trump taps U.S. Pacific commander Harris as ambassador to Australia 
• Erdogan aide meets U.S. National security advisor in Turkey amid tension
• U.S. lays off local staff 3 years after closing Yemen embassy
• Helicopter crash at the Grand Canyon kills 3

Bermuda

• Governor approves bill reversing same-sex marriage rights

France

• President Macron visits Corsica amid growing influence of nationalists 
• Macron backs Corsica mention in constitution, rejects language demand
• French Minister Hulot denies sexual harassment claims 

Mali

• Mine explosion kills 5 civilians, wounds 18

Somalia

• Court sentences man to death for October bombing 

South Sudan

• Hundreds protest against U.S. arms embargo in Juba, journalists attacked

Congo

• Congo tells Belgium to close consulate, cut flights

The Philippines

• International Criminal Court initiates inquiry into extra-judicial killings
• Duterte cancels $233 million helicopter deal with Canada
• Soldiers kill 3 suspected militants near city once held by rebels

Taiwan

• At least 6 killed, 76 missing as buildings collapse in magnitude 6.4 earthquake

Vietnam

• Court sentences environmental blogger to 14 years in jail

Macedonia

• Macedonia willing to change name to end dispute with Greece

Afghanistan

• Former Afghan leader urges sanctions on Pakistan officials
• 2 Afghan generals fired, to stand trial over academy assault
• U.S. forces attack anti-China militants in northern Afghanistan

Germany

• German parties reach coalition government deal after long talks
• Germany’s Schulz abandons plan to become foreign minister

North Korea

• North Korean leader invites South Korean president to summit 

Latvia

• Authorities detain Latvian citizen on suspicion of being Russian spy

Australia

• Government amends proposed foreign interference law to offer protections for journalists 
• Great Barrier Reef swimming deaths cause new safety rule

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi writer sentenced to prison for criticizing royal court

Myanmar

• Rohingya Muslims claim military cut off food supplies
• U.K. foreign minister presses Aung San Suu Kyi on Rohingya refugee crisis

China

• 8 killed in cave-in at subway construction site in southern China
• Woman killed, 12 injured in knife attack at Beijing mall
• At least 18 dead in Hong Kong bus accident

Bangladesh

• Former PM Zia jailed amid clashes 

Libya

• Bombings at mosque in Benghazi kills 2, injures 75

Brazil

• Federal police to recommend stopping investigation into President Temer 

Sudan

• President replaces security and intelligence chief

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to the newsletter to receive it directly by email. 

 

 

 

What You Need To Know:

1. Battle intensifies in Syria’s Afrin province between Turkish and Kurdish forces. Many casualties reported on both sides.

2. About 90 migrants feared dead as boat capsizes off Libya‘s coast. Over 300 migrants rescued in a separate incident.

3. In Kenya, opposition leader Odinga held an unofficial swearing-in ceremony; President Kenyatta calls the event treasonous. Authorities shut down TV stations in response despite court order.

4.  Yemeni separatists capture the port city of Aden after two days of fighting, confining President Mansour Hadi to the presidential palace.

5. Authorities in Saudi Arabia net $106 billion in settlements from anti-corruption campaign; 56 people remain in custody.

6. In Italy, a far-right gunman shot 6 African immigrants in a two-hour drive-by shooting spree.

7. Suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan kills 11 soldiers in what authorities say was the first attack in over three years in the region once ruled by militants.

8. Conservative Evangelical Christian leads presidential vote in Costa Rica, will face run-off against TV anchor.

9. Well over 100,000 people from across Greece converged on Athens’ main square to protest against use of the name Macedonia.

10. 71-year-old Cyprus President Anastasiades wins run-off presidential election with 56% of the vote. This will be his second five-year term.

Syria

• Government airstrikes kill at least 33 in Idlib province
• Aircraft attack civilian convoy on highway, at least 7 killed
• Suspected Russian warplanes hit busy market in Idlib, kill 15
• Army air attack kills 28 in Northwest Syria
• Syrian army air strike in Hama province cripples hospital
• Russian air strikes kill more than 30 militants in Syria

Turkey

• 8 Turkish troops die in Syria operation
• Authorities detain at least 300 people for social media posts criticizing its military offensive in Syria
• 1 killed, 2 injured in roadside bomb attack on Turkish military convoy in Idlib
• Rocket fire from Syria into Turkish border town kills 1
• Prosecutor orders detention of 120 army personnel over Gulen links
• Court reverses release of Amnesty head
• Boiler room explosion injures 3 in Ankara

Russia

• Russia says hundreds killed in Turkish operation in Syria’s Afrin
• Kremlin accuses U.S. of meddling in Presidential election
• Putin says U.S. took ‘hostile step’ in publishing Russian sanctions list
• Police detain opposition leader Navalny’s allies 
• PM approves warplane deployment on disputed island near Japan
• Russian fighter jet shot down in Syria’s Idlib province, pilot killed

The United States of America

• U.S. to resume refugee admissions from 11 ‘high-risk countries’
• Russian fighter jet intercepts U.S. spy plane over Black Sea
• FBI deputy director quits ahead of agency review
• Trump administration holds off on new Russia sanctions
• Trump signs order to keep Guantanamo detention center open 
• Train carrying Republican lawmakers hits truck in Virginia, 1 dead

Afghanistan

• 11 Afghan troops killed in ISIS attack on Kabul military academy
• President leaves open possibility of talks with some Taliban

Australia

• Government to create a $3 billion fund to lend to exporters 
• Member of Parliament unseated for being dual citizen

Libya

• 329 migrants rescued off Libya’s coast
• 90 migrants feared drowned after boat capsizes off Libya 
• At least 5 killed in clashes near Libyan oilfield

Argentina

• Government freezes some salaries, cuts jobs in austerity push
• President bans nepotism, prevents ministers from employing close family
• 2 die in gold mine accident 

North Korea

• North Korea plans military parade on the eve of Winter Olympics
• Government earned $200 million from banned exports by sending arms to Syria, Myanmar 
• North Korea cancels joint performance with South Korea

Portugal

• Man dies in shooting at school in Nazare 

Cuba

• Fidel Castro’s son commits suicide 

Palestine

• Israeli soldier kills Palestinian teenager during arrest raid in the West Bank
• Israel vows to retain West Bank control in any peace deal
• 13,000 U.N. employees in Gaza hold protest strike over U.S. aid cut
• U.S. state department designates Hamas leader as terrorist

The Czech Republic

• Prime Minister Babis says would prefer to ally with Social Democrats and Communists 

South Sudan

• Rebel group release 15 army soldiers held as prisoners
• U.S. slaps arms embargo on South Sudan, urges U.N. to do the same

Austria

• Far-right candidate rejects president’s call to resign

Kenya

• Opposition leader ‘sworn-in’ as event called treason 
• Former Vice President’s home attacked in assassination attempt
• Government shuts down TV stations despite court order to remain open
• At least 4 dead in fire at slum near Nairobi

India

• India issues 7.5% growth forecast
• Bus plunges into river, at least 36 dead 
• India unveils ‘world’s largest’ public health insurance scheme 
• Merchant ship with 22 crew goes missing in Gulf of Guinea 

Nigeria

• Air force killed at least 35 people in attacks on villages in December

Tunisia

• French President Macron pledges investment for Tunisia’s struggling economy

Vietnam

• Vietnam lists U.S. based Vietnamese group as ‘terrorist’ organization

Brazil

• 10 Brazilian inmates killed in drug gang violence

Germany

• U.S. Army leader tells Germany to meet NATO spending goal or weaken NATO
• Military to end role in E.U. training mission in Somalia 
• Talks on creating German coalition government enters final round 

China

• China denies report it attacked African Union headquarters
• UK Prime Minister says she wants free trade with China
• Vehicle plows into pedestrians in Shanghai, injuring 18
• China accuses U.S. of disrespect after Latin America comments
• China accuses U.S. of ‘Cold War mentality’ over nuclear policy
• Hong Kong lawmakers vote to ban ivory trade in ‘historic’ vote

Colombia

• President suspends peace talks with ELN rebels after bomb attacks 

Ireland

• Government agrees to hold referendum on abortion

Yemen

• Prime Minister prepares to flee Aden as separatists advance 
• Islamic militants kill 12 troops in South Yemen
• Separatists capture Aden government confined to palace
• Saudi airstrike on police building in Sanaa kills 8 

Egypt

• Opposition coalition calls for boycott of March Presidential vote
• Egypt bulldozes zone by Sinai airport displacing thousands

Saudi Arabia

• Authorities net $106 billion in corruption settlements

Spain

• Catalan parliament postpones re-election of fugitive leader

Italy

• Syrian migrant picked up from Italian vessel, taken to Montenegro
• 6 Africans shot in drive-by shooting, anti-migrant ex-candidate arrested

Iran

• Opposition cleric accuses Khamenei of abuse of power 
• Defying U.S., Russia says no case for U.N. action against Iran
• Prosecutor sentences suspect to 6 years in prison for nuclear espionage

Brunei

• Ruler replaces top ministers in surprise cabinet reshuffle

Pakistan

• Explosion kills 6 family members in Northwestern Pakistan
• Earthquake kills child, injures dozens 
• Suicide bombing in Northwestern Pakistan kills 11 soldiers

Liberia

• President Weah vows to change citizenship laws

Kiribati

• More than 80 people missing on ferry, search for survivors continue 

South Korea

• South Korea bans 36,000 foreigners from entering for Winter Olympics
• North Korea’s ceremonial head of state to visit South Korea
• South Korea uncovers $600 million in cryptocurrency crimes

Israel

• U.N. reviews 206 companies over links to illegal Israeli settlements
• Israel to legalize settlement outpost deep in the West Bank
• Israel begins distributing deportation notices to Africans 

Eritrea

• Leader criticizes Israel’s migrant deportation plan

Romania

• President says will stand up for court’s independence

Congo

• Congolese colonel detained in Tanzania, extradition sought 
• Authorities plan to dissolve state power, water utilities 

France

• 5 migrants in critical condition after Calais shooting 
• Corsican leader threatens President Macron in talks for autonomy 
• 5 killed in collision of military helicopters 
• Macron’s party loses in two parliamentary elections 
• Corsican nationalists protest ahead of Macron’s visit 

Chile

• Pope Francis sends sex abuse investigator to Chile 

Poland

• Lawmakers back Holocaust bill drawing Israeli outrage

The Philippines

• Security forces capture top Maoist guerrilla leader

Japan

• Fire at senior welfare residence kills 11 
• Anti-US military base mayor loses to ruling party rival in Okinawa

Cambodia

• Court rejects bail for opposition leader
• Government criminalizes insult of monarchy

Maldives

• Top court orders retrial of ex-president, opposition leaders
• Government orders army to resist any Supreme Court impeachment order
• President says he’s willing to hold early elections 
• Exiled former leader to seek presidency again

Venezuela

• U.S. Secretary of State raises prospect of military ouster of President Maduro
• Socialist Party officially taps Maduro for re-election

Myanmar

• Myanmar tells U.N. Security Council not to visit because it was “not the right time”

Lebanon

• Prime Minister Hariri says Lebanon will not force Syrian refugees to return

Zimbabwe

• Opposition leader “attacked” on campaign trail

Costa Rica

• Conservative Christian leads Presidential vote, will face run-off against TV anchor 
• Top U.N. court awards Costa Rica territory claimed by Nicaragua

The United Kingdom

• Prime Minister May gets 9 billion pounds in China deals 
• Thousands march to demand more money from U.K. health service

Canada

• Helicopter crash in Quebec province kills 3

Singapore

• Nominee for U.S. ambassador to Singapore withdraws 

Haiti

• U.S. Senators seek to close Haiti orphanage amid abuse claims 

Indonesia

• BBC journalist ordered to leave Indonesia over tweets 

Greece

• Over 100,000 protest against use of the name Macedonia 

Mexico

• Authorities find nearly 200 migrants hidden in truck

Ecuador

• Ecuadoreans approve term limits in referendum

Cyprus

• President Anastasiades wins run-off to land second term

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to the newsletter to receive it directly by email.