Syria war: At least 15 reported killed as government forces, rebels exchange fire

DAMASCUS, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 15 people were reported killed on Sunday in shelling by government and insurgent forces in northwestern Syria, further straining a Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal for the region. The northwest is the last major foothold of insurgents opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, many of whom…

After floods drench eastern Zimbabwe, water shortages parch Harare

HARARE, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — As eastern Zimbabwe struggles with the aftermath of floods that have killed nearly 270 people and destroyed homes and roads, other parts of Zimbabwe are facing a very different crisis: too little water. Lake Chivero, the main source of water for the capital Harare, is…

Tunisia: 5 killed, 24 injured in bus accident

TUNIS, April 8 (NNN-XINHUA) —At least five people were killed and 24 others injured when a passenger bus overturned in southeastern Tunisia on Sunday, according to a statement by the Tunisian Health Ministry. “The injured, including seven in critical condition, were transported to the Gabes, Matmata and Medenine hospitals for medical care,” it added.…

Sudan: Government warns against possible civil war due to political polarization

KHARTOUM, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Sudan’s Minister of Information and Communications Hassan Ismail warned against the possibility of a civil war due to the state of political polarization. Ismail accused foreign parties, organizations and communities associated with the Sudanese Professionals Association and opposition of collecting large funds to finance the…

US: Researchers captures huge python in Florida using tracking devices

MIAMI, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) –– Researchers in Florida using a new approach to combating a destructive invasion by enormous pythons have captured one of the biggest ever, a 5.2 meters specimen large enough to eat a deer, they said. The female snake is longer than a one-story building is high,…

US urges ‘immediate halt’ to military offensive by Libya’s Haftar: Sec of State Pompeo

WASHINGTON, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States is “deeply concerned” by fighting near Libya’s capital Tripoli and is seeking an “immediate halt” to an offensive by strongman Khalifa Haftar, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. “We have made clear that we oppose the military offensive by Khalifa Haftar’s forces…

US Homeland Security chief Nielsen out as border crossings surge

WASHINGTON, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump announced the departure of Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, underscoring his intent to toughen immigration policy amid a surge in illegal crossings along the southern border. Nielsen’s exit marks the end of a difficult relationship with her boss, who was said to…

Libya crisis: UN appeal for truce to evacuate wounded

Photo courtesy of Anadolu TRIPOLI, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The UN has urged rival forces fighting near the Libyan capital to halt fighting for two hours so casualties and civilians can be evacuated. The UN said hostilities should cease at 16:00 local time to allow access for the emergency services.…

Saudi kills 2 suspects after attack in Shiite region: media

RIYADH, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two suspects armed with explosives were killed and two others arrested after they attacked a security checkpoint in a Shiite stronghold in eastern Saudi Arabia, local media reported. The attack occurred in Abu Hadriyah, a highway linking the kingdom’s oil-rich Eastern Province to Bahrain and…

Former Maldives president makes comeback with landslide win

Maldives, April 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The former Maldives president vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a landslide victory just five months since returning from exile. Mohamed Nasheed, 51, made a dramatic return to the top of the national parliament, with his Maldivian…