Pope says upset by Brazil jail riot, calls for humane prisons
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for prisoners around the world to be treated humanely following the deadliest jail riot in Brazil for two decades, in which 56 inmates died.
Gambia army chief stands by embattled President Jammeh
ABIDJAN (Reuters) – Gambia’s army chief reaffirmed his loyalty to embattled President Yahya Jammeh on Wednesday in the face of a possible regional military intervention to enforce the result of an election that dealt the longtime leader a surprise defe…
Italy says same gun used in hijack of Berlin market truck, Milan shootout
ROME (Reuters) – A gun fired at Milan police by the man suspected of attacking a Christmas market in Berlin last month was the same one used to kill the driver of the truck that ploughed into revelers in the German capital, Italian police said on Wedne…
Germany tries Syrian accused of scoping out targets for Islamic State
BERLIN (Reuters) – A 19-year-old Syrian man went on trial in Germany on Wednesday accused of surveying sites in Berlin as possible targets for attacks by Islamic State militants, a court spokeswoman said.
Kidnapped Iraqi woman journalist released unharmed after a week
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi journalist Afrah al-Qaisi, known in her country for criticizing the government in satirical articles for local media, has been released unharmed after being kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Baghdad a week ago.
Iraqi forces press gains against Islamic State in eastern Mosul
ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – Iraqi forces pressed gains against Islamic State militants in eastern Mosul on Wednesday and have retaken two more districts, security sources said, with thousands more civilians fleeing the fighting.
Behind fence, Mexico’s notorious Juarez is wary of Trump’s wall
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) – Mexicans overwhelmingly say they oppose the wall U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to build along their northern border.
Smog-hit Beijing slapped with top ‘fog’ alert for second day
BEIJING (Reuters) – The Chinese capital issued its highest red fog alert for a second day on Wednesday, keeping highways closed in and around the city which is already under a smog alert after weeks of choking winter pollution.
China says aircraft carrier testing weapons in South China Sea drills
BEIJING (Reuters) – A group of Chinese warships led by its sole aircraft carrier is testing weapons and equipment in exercises this week in the South China Sea that are going to plan, China’s foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Turkey’s Erdogan says offensive on Syria’s al-Bab to be finished soon
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A Turkish-backed offensive by Syrian rebels to take the Syrian town of al-Bab from Islamic State should be finished soon, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
