U.S.-led coalition jets strike Kobani after Islamic State shelling
MURSITPINAR Turkey (Reuters) – U.S.-led coalition jets struck suspected Islamic State targets at least twice in the besieged Syrian town of Kobani on Saturday after fierce shelling by the insurgents hit the town center.
Lebanon blocks Syrian refugees from entering: United Nations
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Lebanese government has cut back sharply on the number of Syrian refugees it is allowing into the country, the United Nations representative in Lebanon said on Saturday.
German train strike leaves millions stranded
BERLIN (Reuters) – Millions of passengers were left stranded across Germany on Saturday after train drivers began a 50-hour strike that halted two thirds of long-distance trains in a dispute over pay and negotiation rights.
Houthis, Sunni supporters clash in central Yemen
SANAA (Reuters) – Yemeni Shi’ite Houthi fighters and supporters of the Sunni Muslim party Islah clashed in central Yemen on Saturday, residents and local officials said, another sign of sectarian warfare in the violence-prone country that borders Saudi…
British police to join Thai investigation into tourist murders
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand has agreed to allow British police to join an investigation into the murder of two backpackers on a Thai island, after local authorities came under criticism for their handling of the case.
Indonesia’s Widodo to name ex-Astra chief state enterprises minister
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesian President-elect Joko Widodo is expected to appoint former Astra International chief Rini Soemarno as minister for state-owned enterprises (SOE), two advisers said on Saturday.
Japan rolls out ‘long-held dream’ with first commercial jet in 50 years
NAGOYA (Reuters) – To the sound of drums and a children’s choir, Mitsubishi Aircraft on Saturday rolled out Japan’s first commercial jet in half a century, amid doubts it can attain an ambition to sell more than 2,000 aircraft in a competitive market s…
Power out for thousands in Bermuda as hurricane moves away
HAMILTON Bermuda (Reuters) – Power was out for tens of thousands in Bermuda on Saturday morning after Hurricane Gonzalo pummeled the island with torrential rain and howling winds through the night, but there have been no reports of serious injuries.
Japan ministers visit war dead shrine day after Abe sends offering
TOKYO (Reuters) – Three Japanese cabinet members visited a shrine for war dead on Saturday a day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe drew angry responses from China and South Korea by sending a ritual offering there.
In blow to Abe, Japan trade minister to resign over funds scandal: media
TOKYO (Reuters) – In a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s newly appointed trade and industry minister plans to resign following reports that some of her support groups misused political funds, Japanese media said on Saturday.
