Iran investigation says Ukrainian jet was on fire before crash
A Ukrainian airliner was on fire immediately before it crashed southwest of Tehran, killing all 176 on board, according to an initial report by Iranian investigators.
Australia calls for another mass evacuation as monster bushfires return
Australian authorities urged another mass evacuation across the heavily populated southeast on Thursday as a return of hot weather fanned huge bushfires threatening several towns and communities.
Indonesian trade unions to rally as government files new labor rules to parliament
A coalition of trade unions will mobilize thousands of people next week to block the Indonesian government’s plan to relax restrictive labor rules, as President Joko Widodo’s administration is set to hand over a bill to parliament.
Allegations of man claiming to be Chinese spy roil Taiwan election campaign again
Allegations in Australian media about China’s efforts to interfere in Taiwan’s elections roiled the island on Thursday, after new reporting said a self-professed Chinese spy described a smear campaign against Taiwan’s ruling party.
Three policemen killed in clash with protesters in Vietnam: police
At least four people, including three policemen, were killed on Thursday in Vietnam when protesters attacked authorities trying to build a wall near a military airport, the Ministry of Public Security said.
Ukrainian airliner was on fire prior to Iran crash: initial report
A Ukrainian airliner that crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran on Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board, was on fire immediately prior to the incident, according to an initial report by investigators.
Don’t read too much into election results, Taiwan tells China before vote
Beijing should not see Taiwan’s elections as representing a win or loss for China, Taiwan’s foreign minister said on Thursday, days ahead of a vote overshadowed by Chinese efforts to get the island to accept its rule.
Most Puerto Ricans without power, many sleep outdoors after quakes
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.
Four Turkish soldiers killed in northeast Syria bomb attack: ministry
Four Turkish soldiers were killed in a car bomb attack in northeast Syria on Wednesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said in a statement overnight.
Philippines’ Catholics parade ‘Black Nazarene’ in celebration of Christ
Hundreds of thousands of Roman Catholics in the Philippines walked barefoot on Thursday around a centuries-old black wooden statue of Jesus Christ believed to have healing powers, praying for good health and economic success in the new year.
