Head of Syria research center killed in car bombing, newspaper reports
The head of a Syrian research facility that Western countries say was part of a chemical weapons program was killed when his car was blown up, the pro-Syrian government newspaper al-Watan said on Sunday.
Suicide bomber kills three in attack on NATO patrol in Afghanistan
A suicide bomber killed three NATO service members on a foot patrol in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, and Taliban militants claimed responsibility.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says it held Gulf war games this week: news agency
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed on Sunday that it held war games in the Gulf this week, saying it was aimed at “confronting possible threats” by enemies, the state news state news agency IRNA reported.
Islamic State in Syria executes hostage from Sweida attack: media, monitor
Islamic State in Syria has executed one of a number of hostages taken from Syria’s government-held city of Sweida in an attack last week, local media and a war monitor said on Sunday.
Seventh person dies as northern California wildfires spread
A seventh person died in a northern California wildfire Saturday, officials said, as a couple of other fast-growing wildfires in the state expanded by more than 25 percent overnight and continued to spread.
IranAir gets five more ATR regional planes before sanctions
IranAir took delivery of five more ATR turboprop aircraft, Iranian state media said on Sunday, shortly before Washington imposes new sanctions on Iran after exiting a nuclear pact between Tehran and major world powers.
Australia announces extra $140 million aid package for drought-hit farmers
Australia on Sunday announced a A$190 million ($140.56 million) aid package for drought-afflicted farmers as much of east coast suffers the worst dry spell in living memory.
China hints leaders holding annual Beidaihe conclave
Chinese state media has given the first hint that an annual conclave of senior leaders is happening at the resort of Beidaihe, in a report saying the head of the organization department had visited government workers holidaying there.
Dancing in the street: Indonesia’s Joko does the poco-poco
Indonesian President Joko Widodo joined tens of thousands of people doing the poco-poco on the streets of Jakarta on Sunday to celebrate the upcoming 2018 Asian Games and hopefully break a record.
North California wildfires expand to more than two-thirds the size of LA
A couple of fast-growing wildfires in northern California expanded to more than two-thirds the size of sprawling Los Angeles as more residents were ordered to evacuate their homes and weary firefighters endured high temperatures and gusting winds.
