World News Briefs -- January 2, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Combination photo of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Qassem Soleimani (L) and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces. REUTERS/Stringer/Thaier al-Sudani

Reuters: Iran's Soleimani and Iraq's Muhandis killed in U.S. air strike: militia spokesman

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed early on Friday in an air strike on their convoy at Baghdad airport, an Iraqi militia spokesman told Reuters.

“The American and Israeli enemy is responsible for killing the mujahideen Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Qassem Soleimani,” said Ahmed al-Assadi, a spokesman for Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces umbrella grouping of Iran-backed militias.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran Quds Force chief and deputy head of Iraq paramilitary forces killed in Baghdad airport rocket attack, Iraqi TV reports.

Iraq: Anti-government protesters denounce pro-Iran crowds.

Elite Iraqi troops secure US embassy after attack.

Erdogan says up to 250,000 Syrians flee toward Turkey as crisis worsens.

Trump, Erdogan agree on need for de-escalation in Idlib, Syria -White House.

Trump speaks with Erdoğan about Libya, Syria

Greece, Israel, Cyprus sign gas pipeline deal, angering Turkey.

Turkish parliament approves sending troops to Libya. Libya conflict: Turkish MPs approve bill to send troops.

Israel supreme court dismisses 'premature' Netanyahu petition .

ASIA

Australian authorities steer mass evacuation amid deadly blazes.

New Zealand glaciers turn brown from Australian bushfires' smoke, ash and dust.

Taiwan's highest-ranking general Shen Yi-ming among eight dead in helicopter crash.

U.S. defense secretary urges North Korea to negotiate on denuclearization.

Kim Jong Un walks in forefathers' footsteps in North Korea documentary.

China detains activists in year-end crackdown.

Dozens of people sick in China after mysterious pneumonia outbreak.

Jakarta residents inundated as severe flooding kills dozens of people in Indonesia.

Japan tries to solve the mystery of Carlos Ghosn's audacious escape.

AFRICA

Algeria appoints new government amid political crisis.

Climate change has brought parts of Zambia to the brink of famine.

Darfur ethnic violence endangers Sudan's peace plan.

Children among 18 killed in Sudan military plane crash: army.

UN concerned over Mali political delays, growing insecurity.

Prominent South Sudan economist, 30 others pardoned by President Kiir.

Algeria releases 76 protest detainees, prominent opposition critic.

Fleeing war, poverty, African migrants face racism in Egypt.

EUROPE

'We're calling on all the French to mobilise': Union leader calls for pension reform strikes to continue.

Austria’s Conservatives and Greens agree on coalition government.

Spain coalition talks: Sanchez wins Catalan support to form government.

Belgium halts extradition of Catalan separatist Puigdemont to Spain.

Carlos Ghosn: Interpol issues 'red notice' for Nissan ex-boss's arrest.

Russian oil production hits new records despite OPEC+ deal.

Turkish Coast Guard prevents 238,000 illegal migrants from crossing into Europe.

AMERICAS

US Senate returns amid standoff over impeachment trial.

Pelosi faces decision on articles of impeachment.

Trump trounces Democratic rivals in election fundraising.

U.S. legislation on spread of cyber tools passes after Reuters investigation.

US expands scope of programme to return asylum seekers to Mexico.

U.S. slaps sanctions on Cuba defense minister over support for Venezuela's Maduro.

Maduro says Venezuela ready for talks with US.

Mexico says to stick by those it granted asylum in Bolivia.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Iraqi TV: Iran’s Gen. Soleimani killed in Baghdad strike.

Somali mourners march against extremist blast that killed 79.

ISIS terror risk to rise in south Philippines.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street starts 2020 with new records on China stimulus, trade hopes.

A look at global investment juggernaut BlackRock.

Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, takes on Amazon with new online retail marketplace.

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/39zj2q8