Yahoo! News: World News

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• Thousands flee as Russian-backed offensive threatens to besiege Aleppo
• Satellite images show fuel trucks at North Korea launch site: think tank
• Despite Libya urgency, hurdles to quick action against Islamic State
• Quake fells Taiwan apartment building, at least two dead
• Al Qaeda group claims kidnapping of Australians in Burkina Faso
• New Zealand wins toss, bats in 2nd ODI vs. Australia
• Top Asian News 12:47 a.m. GMT
• The Latest: 221 pulled alive from Taiwan quake, 115 injured
• Ko moves into tie for LPGA lead
• Mexico flights offered to US-bound Cubans in C.America
• Former soldiers clash with protesters in Haiti; 1 dead
• Pellegrini plays down City's summit meeting
• Captain guilty in Nicaraguan shipwreck that killed 13
• Stocks lose more ground as jobs report disappoints
• Strong quake hits Taiwan; 160 pulled alive, many trapped
• Widow of slain American missionary headed back to Africa
• Two dead in 17-story collapsed building in Taiwan: city mayor
• Calif. attorney joins effort to recover Nazi-looted painting
• Delta-owned refinery challenges U.S. policy on bio-fuels program
• Jang leads by 1 at halfway point of LPGA Tour
• 'No sign of life' in three people pulled form collapsed Taiwan building: media
• Taiwan news agency says more than 120 rescued from high-rise toppled by quake
• Rio carnival opens, defying growing Zika fears
• Parole recommended for former California Mexican Mafia chief
• Japan may change temple map icon to avoid Nazi confusion
• Historian: Zika won't stop Olympics; only war has done that
• Benfica routs Belenenses 5-0 in the Portuguese League
• Manchester United hold talks with Mourinho -- reports
• California attorney general seeks Nazi-looted painting
• Congo probes claims of sex abuse by C.Africa peacekeepers
• Reds outfield prospect Duran suspended for positive test
• Owner of Paris attacks restaurant says video row has ruined trade
• Ashley Cole: I joined LA Galaxy for trophies, not beaches
• Goodell proposes what might be called Odell Beckham Jr. Rule
• Jihadists attack Timbuktu a day after mausoleum ceremony
• Hola: Texans-Raiders in Mexico City on Nov. 21
• Wales cross Irish Sea brimming with belief in 6 Nations

Thousands flee as Russian-backed offensive threatens to besiege Aleppo Posted: 05 Feb 2016 11:14 AM PST By John Davison BEIRUT (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Syrians fled an intensifying Russian assault around Aleppo on Friday, and aid workers said they feared the major city could soon fall under a full government siege. Iran reported one of its generals had been killed on the front line, giving direct confirmation of the role Tehran is playing along with Moscow in what appears to be one of the most determined offensives in five years of civil war. The government assault around Aleppo, and advances in the south and northwest, helped to torpedo Geneva peace talks this week.

Satellite images show fuel trucks at North Korea launch site: think tank Posted: 05 Feb 2016 01:55 PM PST By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Satellite images taken this week of North Korea's Sohae rocket launch site show apparent fueling activity seen in the past one to two weeks before a rocket launch, a U.S. think tank said on Friday. North Korea has told U.N. agencies it will launch a rocket carrying what it called an earth observation satellite some time between Feb. 8 and Feb. 25, triggering international opposition from governments that see it as a long-range missile test. "In the past, such activity has occurred one to two weeks prior to a launch event and would be consistent with North Korea's announced launch window," the report said.

Despite Libya urgency, hurdles to quick action against Islamic State Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:10 PM PST By Phil Stewart, Warren Strobel and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies are probably many weeks or even months away from launching a new military campaign against Islamic State in Libya, despite mounting concern about the group's spread there and its attacks on oil infrastructure, U.S. officials say. The Pentagon has warned in recent weeks of the dangers posed by Islamic State's growth in Libya. The U.S. is developing military options, which were discussed at an inconclusive meeting last week of President Barack Obama and his top security aides, officials said.

Quake fells Taiwan apartment building, at least two dead Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:39 PM PST By Yimou Lee and Pichi Chuang TAINAN, Taiwan (Reuters) - A powerful quake struck southern Taiwan before dawn on Saturday near the city of Tainan, toppling a 17-story apartment building where more than 100 people are feared trapped.

Al Qaeda group claims kidnapping of Australians in Burkina Faso Posted: 05 Feb 2016 01:25 PM PST The recording by the al Mourabitoun branch of AQIM, released on its official Telegram channel, also said the group had decided to release one of the captives - a woman - unconditionally. "The primary motive behind their kidnapping was an attempt to (gain) release of our captives who sit behind bars and suffer the pain of imprisonment, as well as being deprived of their basic rights," the recording stated. In the recording, AQIM said it was releasing the woman under public pressure and in accordance with what it said was guidance from al Qaeda leaders not to involve women in war.

New Zealand wins toss, bats in 2nd ODI vs. Australia Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:49 PM PST WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat on Saturday in the second one-day international against Australia.

Top Asian News 12:47 a.m. GMT Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:47 PM PST Authorities in the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan say rescuers have pulled out 221 people from rubble following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake. More are still reported trapped in at least two collapsed residential high-rises.

The Latest: 221 pulled alive from Taiwan quake, 115 injured Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:47 PM PST TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The Latest on a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in southern Taiwan (all times local):

Ko moves into tie for LPGA lead Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:45 PM PST World number one Lydia Ko was tied for the lead with Jang Ha-Na at seven-under par when darkness halted play in the third round of the LPGA Coates Championship. New Zealand's Ko and second round leader Jang, of South Korea, both completed six holes before the horn blew to end play at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club course in Ocala, Florida, where the tournament was still playing catch-up after thunderstorms on Thursday. Ko started the round one stroke back of Jang but made birdie on the par-three fourth to move into a tie for the lead.

Mexico flights offered to US-bound Cubans in C.America Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:40 PM PST San José (AFP) - Thousands of US-bound Cubans stranded in Costa Rica and Panama will be able to take direct flights to Mexico, if they can afford the cost, the governments of the Central American countries said Friday. The flights are aimed at accelerating a transfer of more than 9,000 Cuban migrants through Central America to Mexico past Nicaragua, a Cuban ally which closed its border to them in November. Most of the Cubans are in Costa Rica, which last month began flying them out to El Salvador, where they were put on buses that carried them across Guatemala to the Mexican border.

Former soldiers clash with protesters in Haiti; 1 dead Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:36 PM PST PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A band of former Haitian soldiers clashed Friday with a far larger gathering of anti-government demonstrators in the troubled country's capital, resulting in the killing of an ex-member of the abolished military.

Pellegrini plays down City's summit meeting Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:35 PM PST Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City will still have a good chance to win the Premier League even if they lose their summit meeting with surprise leaders Leicester. Pellegrini's side are three points behind Leicester ahead of Saturday's crucial clash at Eastlands, where a victory for Claudio Ranieri's team would leave them firmly in control of the title race with 13 games remaining. Leicester's midweek win over Liverpool maintained their remarkable rise and Pellegrini is well aware of the threat posed by the Foxes, but City boss is adamant their showdown will not prove a decisive match.

Captain guilty in Nicaraguan shipwreck that killed 13 Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:29 PM PST Managua (AFP) - The captain of a tourist boat that overturned in bad weather off Nicaragua's Caribbean coast killing 13 was found guilty of manslaughter Friday, judicial sources said.

Stocks lose more ground as jobs report disappoints Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:19 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks posted steep losses Friday, ending the week with broad declines, as investors fretted over a report showing that U.S. job creation slowed last month.

Strong quake hits Taiwan; 160 pulled alive, many trapped Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:14 PM PST TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Saturday, toppling a complex of two high-rise residential buildings where rescuers pulled out more than 160 people. More are still believed to be trapped inside.

Widow of slain American missionary headed back to Africa Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:11 PM PST HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — The widow of an American missionary said Friday that she believes it is God's plan for her to return to the African country where al-Qaida fighters killed her husband last month, and she has no hesitation about doing so.

Two dead in 17-story collapsed building in Taiwan: city mayor Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:09 PM PST TAIPEI (Reuters) - At least two people are dead after a 17-story building collapsed in the southern city of Tainan, city mayor William Lai said, the first deaths to be reported after a 6.4-magnitude quake shook the island early on Saturday. Lai, who was speaking at the disaster site on live TV, said that the building complex housed 221 residents and that 31 people had been sent to the hospital. (Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Calif. attorney joins effort to recover Nazi-looted painting Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:07 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's attorney general is asking a federal appeals court to reverse a ruling allowing a priceless 19th century painting to remain in a Spanish museum rather than going to the heirs of a Jewish woman forced to hand it over to the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Delta-owned refinery challenges U.S. policy on bio-fuels program Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:04 PM PST By David Bailey and Chris Prentice MINNEAPOLIS/NEW YORK (Reuters) - A refinery owned by Delta Air Lines is renewing a push to change a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy laid down as part of a national program that requires increased use of biofuels like ethanol. The Renewable Fuel Standard program, launched in 2005, requires refiners to blend biofuels with petroleum-based transportation fuels like gasoline and diesel. Delta-owned merchant refiner Monroe Energy LLC wants the EPA to shift the compliance obligation to blenders.

Jang leads by 1 at halfway point of LPGA Tour Posted: 05 Feb 2016 04:02 PM PST OCALA, Fla. (AP) — Lydia Ko putted on one green and played six holes in a span of 11 hours before ending a long Friday in the same place she started — with a share of the lead in the Coates Golf Championship.

'No sign of life' in three people pulled form collapsed Taiwan building: media Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:59 PM PST There was no sign of life in two people taken to a Taiwan hospital from a 17-story collapsed building on Saturday after a strong earthquake rocked the region, Taiwan television ETtoday reported. Another television station reported that there was no sign of life from an infant girl found at the collapsed building in the city of Tainan. Taiwan media often use the term "out-of-hospital cardiac arrest", or no sign of life, to refer to fatalities before they are officially pronounced dead.

Taiwan news agency says more than 120 rescued from high-rise toppled by quake Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:38 PM PST TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan news agency says more than 120 rescued from high-rise toppled by quake.

Rio carnival opens, defying growing Zika fears Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:31 PM PST Rio's Carnival -- a five day festival of dancing, bared flesh and wild costumes -- opened Friday in the face of warnings that the Zika virus might make even kissing dangerous. Mayor Eduardo Paes handed a big golden key to the city to the Carnival's ceremonial King Momo, who promised a spectacular show. The annual mega-bash famed for lavish -- and skimpily dressed -- samba parades and all-night street dancing is expected to attract as many as five million people.

Parole recommended for former California Mexican Mafia chief Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:30 PM PST SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — Acting amid extra tight security, parole commissioners on Friday again recommended the release of a former leader of the Mexican Mafia prison gang who now helps law enforcement, Board of Parole Hearings spokesman Luis Patino said.

Japan may change temple map icon to avoid Nazi confusion Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:30 PM PST TOKYO (AP) — As Japan gears up to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and caters to a surging influx of foreign visitors, the country faces a cultural dilemma: Should it stop identifying Buddhist temples on maps with the traditional "manji" symbol that is often confused with a Nazi swastika?

Historian: Zika won't stop Olympics; only war has done that Posted: 05 Feb 2016 03:22 PM PST RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The world's best known Olympic historian said Friday it will take something more destructive than the Zika virus to cancel the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Benfica routs Belenenses 5-0 in the Portuguese League Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:44 PM PST LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Konstantinos Mitroglou scored a hat-trick by and strike partner Jonas added a double as Benfica provisionally rose to the top of the standings after beating Belenenses 5-0 in the Portuguese league on Friday.

Manchester United hold talks with Mourinho -- reports Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:40 PM PST Jose Mourinho's representatives have held talks with Manchester United about replacing Louis van Gaal as manager of the Premier League club, according to reports on Friday. Mourinho has been strongly linked with the Old Trafford post since being sacked by Chelsea in December and the BBC and Manchester Evening News claim discussions have started with a view to the Portuguese coach taking over at the end of this season. Van Gaal has endured stinging criticism from former United players and the club's fans for his conversative tactics, with reports suggesting he was twice talked out of quitting by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward earlier this term.

California attorney general seeks Nazi-looted painting Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:38 PM PST LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's attorney general is asking a federal appeals court to reverse a ruling allowing a priceless 19th painting to remain in a Spanish museum rather than going to the heirs of a Jewish woman who was forced to hand it over to the Nazis.

Congo probes claims of sex abuse by C.Africa peacekeepers Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:37 PM PST Republic of Congo's government said Friday it had launched an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse involving peacekeepers serving with the UN in troubled Central African Republic. "Under a memorandum of understanding between the Congolese government and the office of the UN secretary general it has been decided that an administrative inquiry will be carried out," Communications Minister Thierry Moungalla said. The investigation, which would be led by the defence ministry, would attempt to "verify the veracity of the allegations" revealed by the UN's 10,000-strong stabilization mission in Central African Republic, MINUSCA, on Thursday.

Reds outfield prospect Duran suspended for positive test Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:36 PM PST NEW YORK (AP) — Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Juan Duran has been suspended for the first 80 games of the season under Major League Baseball's drug program following a positive test for three performance-enhancing substances.

Owner of Paris attacks restaurant says video row has ruined trade Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:35 PM PST A Paris restaurant hit in last November's terror attacks officially reopened Friday -- with the owner complaining business had been ruined by claims he sold footage of the onslaught to a British newspaper. The Islamic State jihadists who wrought havoc on the streets of the French capital on November 13, eventually killing 130 people, raked the Casa Nostra pizzeria with gunfire. Britain's Daily Mail newspaper published dramatic CCTV footage from the Casa Nostra showing the horror of the assault, with one desperate woman's life saved when either an attacker's gun jammed or he had second thoughts.

Ashley Cole: I joined LA Galaxy for trophies, not beaches Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:34 PM PST CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Ashley Cole freely acknowledges he once compared Major League Soccer to relaxing on a beach.

Goodell proposes what might be called Odell Beckham Jr. Rule Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:33 PM PST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Call it the Odell Beckham Jr. Rule.

Jihadists attack Timbuktu a day after mausoleum ceremony Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:28 PM PST At least four suspected jihadists and a Malian soldier were killed Friday following an attack on a UN military camp in Timbuktu in Mali's restive north, a Malian security source said. Hours of fighting followed the early-morning attack on the camp in the south of Timbuktu, the source said, adding that the offensive against the attackers ended in the afternoon. An officer taking part in a search-and sweep operation said the mission "to destroy the terrorists" had wrapped up in the southern sector of Timbuktu, around a former hotel called La Palmeraie where the UN peacekeeping mission had a base.

Hola: Texans-Raiders in Mexico City on Nov. 21 Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:26 PM PST SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hola. The NFL is heading back to Mexico.

Wales cross Irish Sea brimming with belief in 6 Nations Posted: 05 Feb 2016 02:23 PM PST DUBLIN (AP) — There's a sense that Ireland's time is about to end in the Six Nations.

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