Iraq Bans Travel To Eight Countries As COVID-19 Cases Reach 586,503

BAGHDAD, Dec 23 (NNN-NINA) – The Iraqi authorities yesterday took several restrictive measures, including a travel ban to eight countries, where the new strain of virus has spread, as the total nationwide infections reached 586,503. A statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, said, the Council…

14 War Prisoners Exchanged, Following Tribal Mediation In Southern Yemen

ADEN, Dec 23 (NNN-SABA) – A prisoner swap between the government and the Houthi rebels took place successfully yesterday, in the country’s southern province of Lahj, a military official said. Nine fighters of the Houthi rebel group were set free, in exchange for the release of five government soldiers from…

Lebanese PM-Designate Vows To Form New Cabinet Ahead Of Christmas

BEIRUT, Dec 23 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, announced that, meetings will be held with President Michel Aoun, to form a cabinet ahead of Christmas, said a statement by Hariri’s office. Hariri made the remarks in a brief statement to reporters, after his meeting at Baabda Palace with…

Brunei-China Joint Venture To Develop, Operate Largest Local Fishing Complex

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec 23 (NNN-BBNEWS) – The Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd (MPC), a joint venture between Brunei and China, signed an agreement with the Brunei government yesterday, to develop and operate the country’s largest fishing complex. Founded in Feb, 2017, between China’s Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group…

Boiler Explosion In Pakistan’s Karachi Leaves Eight Killed, 15 Injured

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (NNN-APP) – Eight people were killed and 15 others injured, when a boiler of an ice factory exploded, in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, yesterday, local reports said. The factory’s building collapsed to the ground, following the explosion, trapping several labourers inside, which are being recovered…

Two Die In Factory Gas Leak In Northern India

NEW DELHI, Dec 23 (NNN-PTI) – At least two people died and 15 others injured, after Ammonia gas leaked from a fertiliser manufacturing plant, in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state, a local police official said today. The incident occurred late last night, at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO),…

Sydney Divided By Christmas COVID-19 Restrictions In Australia

SYDNEY, Dec 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) – A cluster of COVID-19 cases in the northern region of Sydney, saw the city split in two for Christmas, with those in the original outbreak area forced to remain in lockdown. The state of New South Wales (NSW), of which Sydney is the capital, recorded…

Philippines Bans Flights From Britain Over Fears Of New Virus Variant

MANILA, Dec 23 (NNN-PNA) – The Philippines imposed a ban on flights from Britain, over fears of the transmission of a newly-detected virus variant that is more infectious, presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque, said today. The Philippines is the first Southeast Asian country to suspend air travel from Britain, amid concerns…

Israel Heads For Snap Elections For Fourth Time In Two Years

JERUSALEM, Dec 23 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israel’s Knesset (parliament) was dissolved last night, amid a political crisis between Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Benny Gantz, triggering the fourth elections in two years. The Knesset was automatically dissolved, after the government failed to approve the 2020 budget, by midnight.…

Feature: Syrian Youths Unite, To Help COVID-19 Patients

DAMASCUS, Dec 23 (NNN-XINHUA) – In a small room in one of Damascus’ neighbourhoods, a handful of young men and women were energetically receiving phone calls and writing down information about COVID-19 patients in need of help. Under the names of Aqemha, or sterilise it, and Sammat Hakeem, Arabic for…