Uzbekistan amnesties prominent religious figure, HRW says
ALMATY (Reuters) – Uzbekistan, ruled by authoritarian president Islam Karimov, has released a prominent journalist and preacher from prison a year early, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Wednesday.
Scores killed in Aleppo battles after army offensive: Syria monitor
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Battles in and around the Syrian city of Aleppo have killed at least 70 pro-government fighters and more than 80 insurgents after the army launched an offensive there, a monitoring group said on Wednesday.
Israeli defense minister lands at India airshow to boost arms sales
BENGALURU (Reuters) – Israel’s defense minister arrived in India on Wednesday to help sell his country’s arms industry to the world’s largest defense importer and promote deepening military ties between the two nations.
Nigeria kills 300 Boko Haram militants in recapture of 11 towns: military
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Nigerian forces backed by air strikes have killed more than 300 Boko Haram fighters during an operation to recapture 11 towns and villages since the start of the week, the military said on Wednesday.
Italy warns of Libya threat, pressure for action grows
ROME (Reuters) – Italy called on Wednesday for urgent international action to halt Libya’s slide into chaos, and pledged it was ready to help monitor a ceasefire and train local armed forces.
Deposed Egyptian President Mursi not sent to military trial: prosecutor
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Egyptian prosecutor denied on Wednesday that deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi had been referred to a military court, after the state news agency initially reported that he had.
India to decide on Rafale fighter jet deal only after March
BENGALURU, INDIA (Reuters) – India will decide on the fate of a long-delayed deal for 126 Dassault Rafale fighter jets only after March, the country’s defense minister said on Wednesday.
U.S. to support Cameroon military in Boko Haram fight
YAOUNDE (Reuters) – The United States will help Cameroon’s army secure equipment to fight Boko Haram, its embassy in Cameroon said on Wednesday, as it deepens its commitment to countering the jihadist group.
Myanmar declares martial law in troubled Kokang region
KUNLONG, Myanmar (Reuters) – Myanmar President Thein Sein declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law in a region near the Chinese border after more than 70 people were killed in fighting between the Myanmar army and a rebel group.
Thai government sets $240 million budget to combat drought
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s cabinet has approved a 7.8 billion baht ($240 million) budget to alleviate drought in the country and tackle “water emergencies”, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.
