Polish journalist kidnapped in Syria: activists
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Polish journalist was taken hostage by Islamist militants in northwest Syria on Wednesday, opposition activists said.
Congo army helicopter strikes hit civilians: park official
GOMA (Reuters) – At least 10 civilians were injured, some of them seriously, in an attack by Congolese army helicopters on a rebel-held military base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an official said on Wednesday.
Syrian authorities blocking access to needy in Homs: Red Cross
GENEVA (Reuters) – Syrian authorities are blocking access to the old city of Homs, where trapped civilians are in dire need of food and medical supplies, the Red Cross said on Wednesday, warning of possible “tragic” consequences.
Darfur rebels launch new attack on central Sudan
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Rebels from Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region launched a new assault on the country’s once placid heartland on Wednesday, sending civilians running for cover, rebels and witnesses said.
New Qatar ruler will keep backing Syria opposition: rebel envoy
DUBAI (Reuters) – Qatar’s new emir will keep helping Syrian rebels until President Bashar al-Assad’s rule ends, Syria’s opposition envoy to Doha said on Wednesday, seeking to dampen speculation the rich Gulf state had scaled back its role in supporting…
Russia says U.S. drive to arm Syria rebels hurts chances for peace
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia accused the United States on Wednesday of stalling chances for peace in Syria by pressing ahead with plans to arm rebels fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
Japan scrambles jets after China plane flies by southern islands
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday after a Chinese military aircraft flew for the first time through international airspace near its southern islands out over the Pacific, in a move seen by Japan as underlining China’s maritime…
Kenyan police seize explosives headed for coastal region
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyan police discovered a large quantity of explosives packed in boxes on a bus in the capital Nairobi that was headed to a town in the coastal region, a senior officer said on Wednesday.
French government bans more ultra-right groups after June death
PARIS (Reuters) – The French government said on Wednesday it would close down two more far-right militant groups after outlawing three others this month in response to the death of a militant left-wing student in June in a brawl between fringe groups.
South Africa’s ex-ANC ‘bad boy’ plans election bid against the odds
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – He wears a red beret, talks the language of Revolution and calls himself “Commander in Chief”.
