U.S. to also end air war against Islamic State in Syria: officials
U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria also signifies an end to the U.S. air campaign against Islamic State there, U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Jailed Catalans urge peaceful protest for rare visit by Spain’s PM
Nine Catalan separatists jailed over their region’s push for independence called on Thursday for large but peaceful protests to mark a rare visit by Spain’s cabinet.
Congo set to postpone Sunday’s presidential vote: candidates
Democratic Republic of Congo’s long-delayed presidential election is not likely to take place as planned on Sunday, after the election board told candidates it could not organize the ballot on time, three candidates said.
France says Islamic State not defeated, troops to remain in Syria
France will keep troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out, contrary to the U.S. view, and has started talks with the United States on the conditions and calendar of its withdrawal, officials said.
A bank divided: Yemen’s financial crisis hits food imports
The central bank of Yemen, split into two rival head offices reflecting a country divided by war, has been slow to finance imports of food needed to fend off widespread hunger, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters.
Drones ground flights at London Gatwick, sowing chaos for Christmas travelers
Drones flying near London’s Gatwick airport grounded flights for at least 15 hours, causing chaos for tens of thousands of Christmas travelers in what authorities said was a reckless attempt to cripple Britain’s second busiest airport.
Gatwick airport to stay closed after another drone sighting
Another drone has been seen near Gatwick in the past hour and there is still no time set for the airport to reopen, its chief operating officer said on Thursday.
Health ministry pick to widen Hezbollah role in Lebanese state
Hezbollah’s role in the Lebanese government stands to widen when it names the new health minister though it will not be putting a party member in the job, sources say, as the United States extends sanctions against the Shi’ite Muslim movement.
Putin says Russia ready to respect Azov Sea accord with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he was willing to respect a Russian-Ukrainian accord governing the joint use of the Azov Sea and that Moscow wanted to normalize the situation around the waters.
Thousands protest corruption, economic hardship in northeast Sudan
Thousands of protesters in Atbara city in northeastern Sudan rallied against rising food prices and corruption on Thursday, chanting anti-government slogans and setting fire to car tires as police tried to disperse them with tear gas.
