World News Briefs -- March 6, 2020

The Guardian: Coronavirus cases pass 100,000 globally as Iran threatens force to restrict travel

WHO calls on countries to make containing spread their highest priority, as Trump signs emergency spending bill

The total number of coronavirus cases confirmed around the world passed 100,000 on Friday as Iran reported a sharp rise in cases and threatened to use force to stop people travelling between cities.

Tehran’s announcement came as the World Health Organization called on countries to make “containment their highest priority” and Donald Trump signed a $8.3bn emergency spending bill to deal with the virus, despite insisting that it “will go away”.

In Italy, Europe’s worst-affected country, the death toll rose by 46 to 197, and the number of confirmed cases increased by 778 to 4,636.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Idlib ceasefire between Russia and Turkey begins.

Tense calm, sporadic clashes in Idlib as Russia-Turkey ceasefire broadly holds.

Turkey kills 21 Syrian troops as cease-fire with Russia signed.

Iraq forces continue fight against ISIL without US air support.

ANOTHER senior Iranian official dies from coronavirus: Foreign minister adviser, who took part in 1979 US embassy hostage crisis, is regime's latest victim.

Friday prayers across Middle East overshadowed by coronavirus fears.

Palestine declares state of emergency over coronavirus.

ASIA

Gunmen stage deadly attack on Shiite memorial service in Afghan capital.

Afghan political leader Abdullah escapes attack on Kabul ceremony.

Trump insists Taliban wants to 'make a deal' after surge in violence in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan war crimes investigation by ICC goes ahead despite US opposition.

Trump: Taliban could 'possibly' seize power after US troops leave.


Coronavirus heightens tensions between Japan and South Korea.

North Korea stays quiet on Kim Jong Un letter.

India protest violence leaves thousands displaced.

AFRICA

Suicide bombers kill policeman in attack near US embassy in Tunisia’s capital.

Six killed in attack on Nigeria military base.

Zambia's leader blames church officials for mob violence.

Sudan's June crackdown may have killed 241 people: Rights group.

Guinea protests: One dead in anti-government demonstration.

Congo protests against unpaid pensions as gov't debt balloons.

Farmers fear impact of Nile River dam.

Coronavirus: What misinformation has spread in Africa?

EUROPE

Clashes between Greek police, migrants reported on Turkish border.

Refugees told 'Europe is closed' as tensions rise at Greece-Turkey border.

‘Open the gates,’ migrants chant at Turkey-Greece border.

EU 'won't be pressured' over Greece-Turkey border crisis.

Ukraine president: Putin has one year to strike deal to end war.

Europe experiences exceptionally warm winter.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begin farewell Royal events.

AMERICAS

Coronavirus: Trump signs $8.3bn aid bill as cases rise.

US economy adds 273K jobs in February, crushing expectations amid coronavirus worries.

US Senator Romney to vote for Burisma subpoena.

Biden, Sanders set for key battle in Michigan.

Brazil recalls diplomats, officials from Venezuela.

'Our role is central': more than 1m Chilean women to march in huge protest.

Guyana president urged not to claim election victory. Guyana election: US concerned over 'electoral fraud'.

U.S. charges Russian billionaire with hiding $1B in income, assets.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Suicide bombers target police near U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.

Turkey’s Operation “Spring Shield” delivers blow to Hezbollah.

Uzbek jihadist group congratulates Taliban for ‘victory’ in Afghanistan.

Germany: Alleged IS terrorist goes on trial.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices plunge 8% after OPEC+ fails to agree on a massive production cut.

The coronavirus is shaking up the world's art market in unexpected ways.

House investigation finds Boeing’s 737 Max was ‘marred’ by technical problems, lack of transparency.

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