Iraq rocket attack hits U.S. forces, killing contractor

Published On: February 16, 2021 01:02 PM NPT By: Reuters

ERBIL, Feb 16: A rocket attack on U.S.-led forces in northern Iraq on Monday killed a civilian contractor and injured a U.S. service member, the U.S. coalition in Iraq said, in the deadliest such attack in almost a year.

UN warns Myanmar against harsh response to protesters

Published On: February 16, 2021 11:45 AM NPT By: Reuters

NEW YORK, Feb 16: The United Nations special envoy has warned Myanmar’s army of “severe consequences” for any harsh response to protesters demonstrating against this month’s coup in a call with the military leadership, a U.N. spokesman said.

SEOUL, Feb 16: South Korea has arranged to buy coronavirus vaccines for 23 million more people, its prime minister said on Tuesday, a day after authorities decided to scale back initial vaccination plans, citing delays and efficacy concerns.

Biden faces pressure as US sets new course on immigration

Published On: February 16, 2021 10:06 AM NPT By: Associated Press

TIJUANA, Feb 16: After a weeklong bus ride from Honduras, Isabel Osorio Medina arrived in northern Mexico with the hope President Joe Biden would make it easier for people like him to get into the United States.

Rockets strike near US base in Iraq, killing 1, wounding 8

Published On: February 16, 2021 08:49 AM NPT By: Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Feb 16: Rockets struck outside an airport near where U.S. forces are based in northern Iraq late Monday, killing one U.S.-led coalition contractor and wounding at least eight other people, Iraqi security and coalition officials said, sparking fears of new hostilities.

WHO approves AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

Published On: February 16, 2021 08:01 AM NPT By: Reuters

GENEVA, Feb 16: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday listed AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, widening access to the relatively inexpensive shot in the developing world.

South Africa's ex-president Zuma fails to show at corruption inquiry

Published On: February 15, 2021 07:05 PM NPT By: Reuters

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 15:  South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma did not show up on Monday at an inquiry into corruption during his time in office despite the country’s top court ordering him to appear.

Oil rises on fears of heightened tensions in Middle East

Published On: February 15, 2021 11:03 AM NPT By: Reuters

TOKYO, Feb 15: Oil prices rose to their highest in more than a year on Monday, after a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it intercepted an explosive-laden drone fired by the Iran-aligned Houthi group, raising fears of fresh Middle East tensions.

ISTANBUL, Feb 15: Militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have executed 13 kidnapped Turks, including military and police personnel, in a cave in northern Iraq, Turkish officials said on Sunday, amid a military operation against the group.

MYANMAR, Feb 15: Security forces in Myanmar deployed with armoured vehicles in major cities and cut internet access on Monday after protests over this month’s coup and the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets.