World News Briefs -- January 27, 2020

Daily Mail: US scrambles to evacuate American citizens from coronavirus-infected Wuhan as China death toll climbs to 81 and officials warn the strain is spreading faster than predicted

* A single charter flight from Wuhan to San Francisco is scheduled for Tuesday
* Officials warned there is little space on the flight for private US citizens in addition to staff from the US consulate in Wuhan
* The plane is a Boeing 737 jet, which can carry 230 people
* The consulate began reaching out to all Americans registered as living in Wuhan - roughly 1,000 - last week to offer them a seat
* The State Department said 'priority will be given to individuals at greater risk from coronavirus'
* Upon arrival in the US passengers are expected to be quarantined and screened
* Coronavirus has sickened more than 2,900 people in at least 10 countries
* Seven cases are confirmed in North America - two in Canada and five in the US
* The death toll in China climbed to 81 on Monday
* The Chinese government is sending reinforcements into Wuhan, where the outbreak originated late last month

The US government is rushing to evacuate Americans from the coronavirus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan as officials warn that the deadly strain's spread is picking up speed.

A charter flight is scheduled to fly from the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport to San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday.

The US consulate in Wuhan began reaching out to all Americans registered as living in the city - of which there are said to be roughly 1,000 - last week to offer them a seat on the plane.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Thousands flee northwest Syria as Assad pushes closer to Idlib city. Syrian army reaches outskirts of key city in Idlib province: monitor.

Iraqi forces kill four demonstrators as protesters lose popular cleric's support.

US embassy in Iraq hit by rocket attack, wounding at least one.

Iranian nuclear agency says it can enrich uranium at any percentage.

Trump: U.S. won't lift sanctions against Iran for negotiations.

Trump to host Netanyahu, Gantz and unveil peace plan. White House to release Middle East plan on Tuesday: Trump.

Palestinians threaten to quit Oslo Accords over Trump peace plan.

Lebanon's parliament to debate new budget amid protests.

Ageing Iran airliner crash-lands on highway, injures two, as US sanctions block fleet upgrades.

ASIA

Trump offers China 'any help' as virus spreads, markets reel.

Report: Mongolia closes border with China amid coronavirus fears.

Afghan forces launch air, ground attacks on Taliban, killing 51.

Nearly half of Afghans want US, NATO troops to leave following peace deal - Poll.

Myanmar warns sanctions over Rohingya genocide will push it closer to China and dismisses ‘debt trap’ concerns.

Huge crowds line New Delhi streets to see daredevil motorbike stunts, camel cavalry and thousands of troops in parade on India's Republic Day.

Kim Jong-un's aunt reappears, six years after purge rumours.

Magnitude-6.3 earthquake strikes Solomon Islands.

AFRICA

Tripoli airport hit by rocket fire as UN slams Libya arms violations.

Erdogan in Algeria: Libya conflict ‘won’t be solved by military means’.

Germany calls for UN sanctions in Libya crisis.

Mogadishu left reeling as conflict and climate shocks spark rush to capital.

Burundi's ruling party picks Gen. Ndayishimiye as presidential candidate.

Tunisia's Ennahdha party dismisses new coalition government.

Outrage as Zimbabwe seeks Uganda's help on corruption.

Gambia: 'We are moving from high hopes to a letdown'.

Man behind football exposé revealed as source of Dos Santos leak.

EUROPE

Germany plans to evacuate citizens from Wuhan: Der Spiegel.

Auschwitz commemoration: Holocaust survivors and world leaders gather for 75th anniversary.

Brexit withdrawal deal must be implemented 'with rigor': EU's Barnier.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec resigns, calls for new elections.

Italy regional elections: Salvini fails in left-wing stronghold.

Reported Pompeo comments put Ukraine in awkward spot before visit.

Prince Andrew giving 'zero' cooperation to Epstein inquiry, say US prosecutors.

AMERICAS

Donald Trump calls John Bolton's bombshell claim he directly linked Ukraine aid to a Biden probe 'FALSE' and accuses former national security advisor of trying to 'sell' book after $2 million deal.

Mitt Romney and Susan Collins say it's LIKELY Republicans will vote to call witnesses for impeachment trial after leak from John Bolton's $2 million book reveals he will say Donald Trump DID tie Ukraine aid to Biden probe.

U.S. Supreme Court allows Trump's 'public charge' immigration curb.

Bolivia's interim president asks ministers to resign after announcing election run.

Peru election: Crushing blow for president's opponents Popular Force.

Mexico homicide march: Kin of deceased protest high murder rate.

Kobe Bryant's helicopter pilot was given 'special clearance to fly at or below 2,500 feet in dangerous weather conditions' - relying only on his eyesight rather than instruments before the crash.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS orders militants to begin conquering Israeli settlements and start targeting Jews.

France warns Pentagon Africa cuts would 'severely limit' counter-terror ops.

Poll: Many in US support Trump decision to kill Iran general.

Jordanian charged with 'terror' over tourist stabbings.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Coronavirus fears hit global shares and oil price.

Oil prices plummet over fears of coronavirus outbreak spreading.

China & India to take control of one-third of global economy.

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/2RXp0cp