China digs in for protracted trade fight with US

BEIJING, May 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — China is digging in for a tough periodof deteriorating ties with the United States, fanning the flames ofpatriotism with Korean War films, a viral song on the trade war, andeditorials lambasting Washington. The trade spat has turned into a war of words since President Donald…

Nigerians hold birthday rally for girl held by Boko Haram

ABUJA, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Nigerian activists on Tuesday staged a rally to mark the 16th birthday of a girl who was abducted by Boko Haram 449 days ago. Leah Sharibu is the only girl still in captivity following the abduction of more than 100 female students on Feb 19, 2018,…

Canada, Mexico push US to lift steel, aluminium tariffs

OTTAWA, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican officials called for the United States to lift steel and aluminium tariffs in order to create “true free trade” on the continent. The US, Canada and Mexico signed a revamped North American free trade pact last October, but…

Brazil court orders Temer’s release for a second time

BRASILIA, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Brazilian court ordered former president Michel Temer’s release from jail with conditions, less than a week after he was detained for a second time in a case related to a corruption scandal that has ensnared several high-profile South American politicians. Four judges on the…

Nigerian troops rescue 54 Boko Haram hostages

ABUJA, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Nigerian army confirmed that 54 people held hostage by Boko Haram have been rescued in a military operation in the northeastern state of Borno.  In a statement, army spokesman Sagir Musa said troops carried out the operation on Saturday to clear remnants of Boko…

Spain pulls frigate from U.S. Gulf mission amid Iran differences

MADRID, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spain said it had temporarily withdrawn a frigate from a U.S.-led combat group in the Gulf in a possible sign of diplomatic differences between Europe and Washington over Iran. The Defense Ministry did not give reasons for the pullout of the 215-sailor Mendez Nunez from…

South Africa election: Cyril Ramaphosa vows to tackle ANC corruption

JOHANNESBURG, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) –South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to clean the African National Congress (ANC) of “all bad tendencies” in a bid to end corruption. In a victory speech in Johannesburg, he thanked voters and said they had sent a “clear message”. Ramaphosa said that the party’s…

Somali security forces kill 14 al-Shabaab militants in foiled attack

MOGADISHU, May 15 (NNN-XINHUA) — Somali security forces killed 14 al-Shabaab militants after they foiled a terrorist attack by the terrorist group in Bariire town in southern region, the government said. The ministry of information said the terrorists were killed on Monday night during a fierce fighting between the Somali…

Sudan Crisis: Clashes in Khartoum leave 6 dead

 KHARTOUM, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) —At least five Sudanese protesters and a member of the security forces have died in clashes in the capital, Khartoum. They were killed in gunfire at a sit-in outside military HQ where demonstrators are demanding full civilian government. Dozens have also been injured. Protesters said soldiers were…

Algeria: 2 terrorists surrender, 3 terror suspects arrested – Ministry

ALGIERS, May 15 (NNN-XINHUA) — Two terrorists surrendered to Algerian authorities while three terror suspects were arrested in the western province of Tlemcen, the Defense Ministry said. The two terrorists who surrendered probably joined terrorist groups in 2011 and 2015 respectively, a ministry statement said, adding they were in possession of two Kalashnikov-type machine guns.…