U.S.-led training for Syrian rebels to start in May: Turkish minister
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A U.S.-led program to train Syrian rebels to fight Islamic State militants will start in May, Turkey’s Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency on Tuesday.
Malaysian police arrest media CEO, editors over sedition
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Police have arrested five people from a Malaysian media group, including a top executive, on suspicion of sedition, their lawyers and authorities said on Tuesday, over a news report concerning punishments meted out under Islami…
Major power outage hits cities and provinces across Turkey
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A major power outage hit cities and provinces across Turkey on Tuesday, including the capital of Ankara and the biggest city, Istanbul, where parts of the subway system were shut down and shopping malls were plunged into darkness.
U.S. pledges $507 million for victims of Syria crisis
KUWAIT (Reuters) – The United States pledged $507 million towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told an international summit in Kuwait on Tuesday.
Philippines ends offensive against small Muslim rebel group
MAMAPASANO, Philippines (Reuters) – The Philippine military on Tuesday ended a five-week all-out offensive against a small but violent splinter group of its largest Muslim rebel group, allowing around 90,000 displaced residents to return home.
Thai PM asks king’s permission to lift martial law
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday he has asked for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s permission to lift martial law, which has been in place since before a coup 10 months ago, replacing it with a law that maintains the a…
Japan and U.S. look to extend naval missions after law change
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to allow Tokyo to come to the aid of an ally under attack will pave the way for closer cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces across Asia, a top U.S. commander said on Tuesday.
Austria charges 14-year old with terror offences
VIENNA (Reuters) – Austria has charged a 14-year old boy with terror offences after he researched how to build a bomb online and made contact with militants supporting Islamic State fighters in Syria, prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Myanmar government, rebels sign draft nationwide ceasefire accord
YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar President Thein Sein attended the ceremonial signing on Tuesday of a draft ceasefire accord between the government and ethnic rebel groups that is aimed at ending more than 65 years of armed conflict in the country.
Spain arrests four including two teens planning to travel to Syria
MADRID (Reuters) – Two young teenagers were arrested early on Tuesday in northeastern Spain, the same morning they planned to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militants there, the Spanish interior ministry said.
