U.S. Baghdad ambassador evacuated from embassy amid protests: Iraqi officials
The U.S. ambassador and other staff have been evacuated from the embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad as protests rage outside, two Iraqi Foreign Ministry officials told Reuters on Tuesday.
Bavarian leader Soeder quashes talk of German chancellery run
Bavarian leader Markus Soeder has dismissed speculation that he will run for chancellor, a month after giving a speech to Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) that re-ignited debate over who should succeed her as German leader.
Bangladesh telecom operators shut down services along India border
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has ordered operators to shut down services along the border with India citing security reasons, authorities said in a statement.
Angola freezes assets of ex-president’s daughter over corruption allegations
An Angolan court has ordered the freezing of assets held by former president Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter Isabel, state news agency Angop reported on Tuesday, the latest high-profile case in the government’s anti-corruption drive.
Thousands trapped on Australian beaches by dangerous bushfires
Thousands swarmed to beaches on Australia’s east coast on Tuesday to escape fierce wildfires bearing down on several seaside towns, as the government readied naval vessels and military helicopters to aid firefighting and evacuations.
Greece says eight abducted as tanker stormed off Cameroon
Eight people were abducted and one person injured during an armed raid overnight on a Greek-registered tanker anchored off Cameroon, Greek authorities said on Tuesday.
Taiwan passes anti-infiltration law aimed at combating Chinese influence
Taiwan’s parliament on Tuesday passed an anti-infiltration law to combat perceived threats from China as the democratic island is gearing up for a presidential vote in January amid heightened tension with Beijing.
Head trusts officials on bushfire smoke in Sydney test
Australia’s Travis Head says he is confident match officials would not put the health of players at risk if hazardous bushfire smoke impacted the third test against New Zealand in Sydney this week.
‘Persist in 2020’: Hong Kong New Year protests start
Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters began staging New Year’s Eve rallies around the city on Tuesday, urging people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020, as police prepared to deploy more than 6,000 officers according to local media.
South Korea indicts former justice minister on charges of fraud, graft
South Korean prosecutors indicted former Justice Minister Cho Kuk on Tuesday on a dozen charges including bribery, two months after he resigned over a scandal involving family investment and university admissions for his children.
