Thai army to transfer control of land after mass shooting
Thailand’s army agreed on Monday to transfer management control of 160,000 hectares of commercial land to the finance ministry in a drive to reform its business practices after a soldier went on a shooting spree over a property deal gone sour.
U.N. envoy condemns use of hunting rifles against Iraqi protesters
The top United Nations envoy to Iraq condemned on Monday the use of hunting rifles firing birdshot against peaceful protesters in Baghdad and urged the government to ensure they are not harmed.
Danish troops to return to Al-Asad air base in Iraq on March 1: defense minister
Denmark will send its military personnel back to the Iraqi al-Asad base on March 1, after last month temporarily moving some of them to Kuwait due to security concerns, the Danish Defence Minister Trine Bramsen said on Monday.
Equatorial Guinea argues luxury Paris mansion was part of embassy when raided
Equatorial Guinea argued on Monday that a luxury mansion in central Paris used by the son of the country’s president was protected by diplomatic immunity when it was raided by French authorities in 2012.
China’s epidemic control is showing an improving trend: state media
Control of the coronavirus epidemic in China is showing an active and improving trend, state television quoted a meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang as saying on Monday.
Hundreds of Americans flown home from cruise ship, 14 with coronavirus
More than 300 American cruise liner passengers, including 14 who tested positive for coronavirus, were flown home to military bases in the United States after two weeks under quarantine off Japan.
Egypt pursues criminal investigation into Egyptian academic studying in Italy
The Egyptian public prosecutor’s office is pursuing a criminal investigation into an Egyptian researcher studying in Italy on charges of spreading fake news that posed a threat to security and social stability, it said on Sunday.
Rise in coronavirus infections prompts Japan to limit public crowds
Japan canceled the emperor’s birthday celebrations next week as it moved on Monday to limit crowds to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and said it will close the Tokyo Marathon to all but elite professional runners.
Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way
The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo’s northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups “wherever they are found”.
No let up in Taliban attacks, fresh orders awaited over deal with U.S.
Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces overnight, and militant commanders said on Monday insurgency operations would go-ahead until they receive fresh instructions based on a deal with the United States to reduce violence in the country.
