World News Briefs -- February 6, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: WHO says too early to say coronavirus peaking in China

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday it was too early to say that China’s coronavirus outbreak was peaking, but noted that the country had recorded its first day of a drop in the number of new infections.

The death toll from the virus in mainland China jumped by 73 to 563, with more than 28,000 confirmed infections inside the world’s second-largest economy. That number had risen by nearly 4,000 from Wednesday to Thursday.

Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO’s top emergencies expert, said it was very difficult to make predictions on the course of the disease first reported in the central city of Wuhan in late December, noting: “We are still in the middle of an intense outbreak”.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Israel 'hits Iran-backed fighters near Damascus'.

Syria regime seizes swathes of key town in Idlib offensive. Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance: state media.

EU leaders urge Syria fighting factions to stop harming civilians.

Iraq protesters rally in Najaf after deadly clashes with Sadrists.

Israel troops wounded in Jerusalem car-ramming, two Palestinians killed as violence flares. Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians in a day as tensions heighten.

Israeli-Palestinian violence flares up.

Saudi ship on suspected weapons voyage arrives in France.

ASIA

Xi says China has achieved 'positive' virus control results.

Coronavirus: China reports 73 deaths and 3,143 new confirmed cases on Thursday.

Coronavirus outbreak: Hospitals in China swamped with patients.

Another 41 on Japan cruise have new coronavirus: minister.

Dozens of Asia trade fairs, conferences postponed amid coronavirus fears.

U.S. citizen kidnapped in east Afghanistan: media reports.

Australia welcomes drought-easing drenching, even as it brings floods.

AFRICA

Eastern Libyan tribesmen to submit conditions to reopen blocked oil terminals: U.N..

'Progress' in talks between Libya rivals: UN envoy.

C.Africa leader urges tough line on peace deal violators.

Jihadist attacks force Mozambique schools to close.

Lesotho first lady freed on bail before murder trial.

Ex-Ivory Coast leader Gbagbo wants unconditional release from ICC.

Morocco border clampdown thwarts Europe-bound migrants.

Zimbabwe gold miners killed after shaft collapses. At least 20 people trapped in Zimbabwe mine collapse.

EUROPE

Italy confirms third coronavirus case, person had been evacuated from China.

No 10 says Johnson's row with Trump over Huawei was ‘overblown’.

Spain's PM meets Catalan separatist leader, sets out roadmap for talks.

German MPs taken aback by Johnson's hardline trade rhetoric.

Poland adopts controversial judicial law.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov denounces U.S. 'provocations' in Venezuela.

Migrants in Serbia protest for passage to Hungary and EU.

AMERICAS

Trump holds White House 'celebration' for impeachment acquittal. Donald Trump makes veiled attack on Mitt Romney and Nancy Pelosi at prayer breakfast after acquittal.

Iowa caucus: Democratic chairman calls for review of vote totals.

Sanders takes lead in New Hampshire in Monmouth poll.

AP unable to declare winner in Iowa caucuses.

US warns Venezuela of consequences if Guaido harmed.

U.S. condemns detention of Citgo executives in Venezuela; hints at sanctions on Russia.

Brazil's Bolsonaro proposes bill allowing mining on indigenous land.

Brazil: judge dismisses cybercrimes accusations against Glenn Greenwald .

Medellín cartel hit man dies in a Colombian hospital. ‘Popeye’ claimed 300 kills.

Canada police begin clearing Wet'suwet'en land defender camps.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump announces death of al-Qaeda leader in Yemen after US strike.

Maldives: Suspected jihadists held over stabbings.

Syria's Kurds hand over 35 IS-linked orphans to Russia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks rally, safe-haven currencies drop, on China plan to cut tariffs.

Russia rejects oil output cuts proposed by OPEC: reports.

China to slash punitive tariffs on $75B worth of U.S. goods.

Uber sees path to profit despite $1.1bn loss.

Twitter surges as global user growth revives.

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