World News Briefs -- March 30, 2020

Daily Mail/AFP: Coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 700,000 people: World passes latest landmark with 3.4billion people now under lockdown

* New virus has infected at least 721,595 people in 183 countries and territories
* The US has the largest outbreak on the planet with 143,055 and 2,514 deaths
* Italy has the unwanted lead in deaths with a toll of 10,779 out of 97,689 cases

The coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 700,000 people around the world, the latest figures revealed today.

There have been at least 721,595 cases including 33,881 fatalities in 183 countries and territories, according to official sources.

The United States has the largest outbreak in the world with 143,055 confirmed virus patients, of whom 2,514 have died.

Italy has the unwanted lead in deaths, recording a death toll of 10,779 people out of 97,689 confirmed cases.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

EU calls for ceasefire in Syria amid coronavirus threat.

Devastated by war, Syria's Idlib braces for coronavirus.

U.S. expected to renew sanctions waivers allowing Iran nonproliferation work: sources.

Killing of Iranian dissident fuels tensions between Turkey, Iran.

Arab coalition strikes Houthi military bases in Sanaa.

Israel unemployment rate surges to 22% due to counter-virus measures.

Israeli Arabs mark Land Day protests from home.

UN praises ‘excellent’ Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in fight against pandemic.

ASIA

At least 18 Afghan government forces killed in Taliban attacks.

‘Responsible and necessary’: China defends temporary travel ban on foreigners during pandemic.

Coronavirus: China economy set to get worse before better, official warns, as export hit looms.

India's coronavirus measures prompt beatings and forced push-ups. Travellers say they're scared to leave hotel rooms.

Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics: New dates confirmed for 2021.

Thousands of tourists stranded in Nepal after lockdown.

N Korea confirms 'successful' missile tests; fourth in a month.

North Korea slams Pompeo and says will 'walk our way'.

Plane explodes on take-off in Philippines, killing all aboard including US, Canadian nationals.

AFRICA

In Sudan the death of the defence minister amid the coronavirus pandemic increases social and political tensions.

Somali governor killed in al-Shabab suicide bomb attack. Suicide attack kills former governor in Somalia.

Libya frees more than 450 prisoners to stem spread of coronavirus.

Egypt releases political prisoners amid coronavirus outbreak.

Congo security forces kill 31 attackers in Lubumbashi.

DR Congo locks down mining area, workers sent home over coronavirus.

COVID-19 stalls peacekeeping troop rotation in South Sudan.

EUROPE

Europe pandemic crisis: Coronavirus death toll surges.

Coronavirus could mark the end of the EU 'European project' if the countries do not agree to share rescue package debt, the bloc's economics commissioner warns.

Putin and Trump hold talks on coronavirus and plunging oil prices.

Cyprus pushes Syrian refugees back at sea due to coronavirus.

Hungary passes law allowing Viktor Orban to rule by decree.

Economic advisers: Coronavirus may see German GDP dip by over 5%.

Extend Brexit transition by years over coronavirus, UK told.

Van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum during coronavirus lockdown.

AMERICAS

Trump extends 'social distancing' guidelines until April 30.

New York welcomes hospital ship as coronavirus accelerates.

US ambassador to Mexico urges US citizens in Mexico to 'think long and hard' about returning to US.

Colombian rebel group ELN calls cease-fire due to coronavirus. Colombia's ELN rebels call ceasefire over coronavirus.

Colombian government is set to release almost 11,000 prisoners and place them under house arrest in bid to control spread of coronavirus one week after riot left 23 inmates dead.

Venezuela's only telecoms satellite is lost in space.

Coronavirus: US senator probed for alleged insider trading - reports.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Somali military claims killing 142 militants.

Islamic State militants escape, clash with police at Syria prison.

How the coronavirus is reshaping terrorists' attack plans.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. gains as investors weigh stimulus against shutdown.

Back poor countries fighting Covid-19 with trillions or face disaster, G20 told.

Coronavirus: Oil price collapses to lowest level for 18 years.

Saudi Arabia to raise oil exports to record high.

Coronavirus: Amazon workers threaten strikes over virus protection.

Coronavirus: Why are planes still flying?

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