Libyan UN-backed gov’t forces announce downing of east-based army’s fighter jet

TRIPOLI, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The forces of Libya’s UN-backed government announced that they shot down a fighter jet belonging to the east-based army on Saturday in the city of Zawiya, some 45 km west of the capital Tripoli. “Our forces shot down a MiG-23 fighter jet belonging to the…

FBI says investigating Florida Naval Base shooting as “act of terrorism”

The main gate at Naval Air Station Pensacola WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-XINHUA) — The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that they are investigating a deadly shooting by a Saudi national at a naval base in Florida as “an act of terrorism.” “We work with the presumption that this was an act of terrorism,”…

Peruvian authorities arrest 27 army members for fuel theft

LIMA, Dec 9 (NNN-XINHUA) — Peruvian authorities have arrested 27 members of the military, including high-ranking officials, on suspicion of stealing fuel between 2013 and 2018, local media reported Sunday. An investigation led to the preliminary 10-day arrests of generals Augusto Villarroel, Carlos Mayca and Moises Chavez, and 24 other officers and army men,…

Russian Pres Putin set for landmark Paris talks on Ukraine conflict

PARIS, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian leader Vladimir Putin will for thefirst time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyover the conflict in Ukraine’s east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris. No comprehensive peace deal is expected from the afternoon meeting —mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron…

Prominent activist gunned down in Iraq shrine city Karbala

KARBALA (Iraq), Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A prominent civil society activistwas shot dead late Sunday in Iraq’s shrine city of Karbala while returninghome from anti-government protests. Fahem al-Tai, 53, had been taking part in weeks of rallies denouncingIraq’s entrenched political elite as corrupt, inept and beholden toneighbouring Iran. On Sunday…

US confirms Washington visit by Russian foreign minister

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday — the Russian’s first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced. The brief statement about the meeting, to be held…

In Colombia, musicians join anti-government protests

BOGOTA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of Colombian protestersincluding dozens of musicians marched, sang and banged pots and pans Sunday in a bold new show of discontent with President Ivan Duque’s administration. A sea of protesters quickly took over the center and north of the capitalBogota, pushing for changes in…

Samoa: No reprieve as Samoa measles toll hits 70

APIA, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A devastating measles outbreak continued to spread in Samoa, data released Monday showed, as the death toll from the epidemic climbed to 70, mostly young children.Official figures showed there were 112 new cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning, despite a massive immunisation drive…

UK: ‘Nervous’ PM Johnson promises Brexit and less immigration ahead of election

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson LONDON, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was nervous about his narrowing lead in opinion polls ahead of Thursday’s election but pledged to deliver a “transformative” Brexit on Jan 31 that would allow lower immigration.The Dec 12 election will decide…

Gambian president vows to punish traffickers after boat disaster

BANJUL, Dec 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Gambian President Adama Barrow has pledged to punish human traffickers following the deaths of dozens people who drowned this week when their boat attempting to reach Europe capsized off Mauritania.“To lose 60 young lives at sea is a national tragedy and a matter of grave…