Yahoo! News: World News

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• Russian firepower helps Syrian forces edge toward Turkey border
• North Korea rocket launch may spur U.S. missile defense buildup in Asia
• Canada to end bombing missions in Iraq and Syria
• Somalia plane bomber was meant to board Turkish flight: airline executive
• Saudi Arabia says open to sending special forces into Syria
• Hong Kong riot police clash with protesters amid crackdown on street vendors
• Top Asian News 12:59 a.m. GMT
• Hong Kong activists, police clash over holiday food stalls
• Second man killed in Dublin 'gang feud'
• U.S. stepping up push for ceasefire, aid in Syria: officials
• U.S., South Korea, Japan military chiefs to consult on North Korea: U.S. officials
• Iraqi woman charged with role in US female hostage's death
• U.S. urges China to increase sanctions pressure on North Korea
• U.S. defense intelligence chief predicts increased ISIS attacks
• Australia say no Test backlash to 'mob rule' wicket
• Mexico names new heads of Pemex, health, social security
• U.S. military seeks to prepare Africa for shifting terror threat
• Smith takes Australia captaincy for World Twenty20
• Factbox: What deal on CO2 standards means for Airbus, Boeing jets
• U.N. group agrees to first CO2 emission standards for aircraft
• Newcrest halts Indonesia gold mine after collapse traps worker
• White House hopefuls in final pitch in New Hampshire
• Wife of Islamic State leader charged in death of American: U.S. Justice Dept.
• 2015 sets record for most shark attacks, with 98 worldwide
• Rio Ave hold Sporting Lisbon 0-0 in Portuguese league
• Klopp says owners want solution to Liverpool ticket row
• Record number of shark attacks in 2015, researchers find
• Judge again denies Texas' efforts to block Syrian refugees
• Wife of senior Islamic State leader charged in US in death of American hostage Kayla Mueller
• Real Sociedad overwhelm Espanyol 5-0 in the Spanish league
• Cruise ship battered by storm to return to New Jersey
• Fresh blow for Van Gaal as United share price slumps
• Wicketkeeper Wade not wanted by Australia at World
• Obama asking Congress for emergency funding to combat Zika
• England add Kvesic, Beaumont to training squad for Italy Six Nations clash
• Prosecutors say gunmen kidnapped reporter in southern Mexico
• No new trial for priest convicted of sex tourism with boys
• How the Dow Jones industrial average fared on Monday
• French lower house votes to enshrine state of emergency in constitution

Russian firepower helps Syrian forces edge toward Turkey border Posted: 08 Feb 2016 12:40 PM PST By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Humeyra Pamuk BEIRUT/ONCUPINAR, Turkey (Reuters) - The Syrian army advanced toward the Turkish border on Monday in a major offensive backed by Russia and Iran that rebels say now threatens the future of their nearly five-year-old insurrection against President Bashar al-Assad. "They are advancing and we are pulling back because in the face of such heavy aerial bombing we must minimize our losses." The Russian-backed Syrian government advance over recent days amounts to one of the biggest shifts in momentum of the war, helping to torpedo the first peace talks for two years, which collapsed last week before they had begun in earnest. The Syrian military and its allies were almost five km (3 miles) from the rebel-held town of Tal Rafaat, which has brought them to around 25 km (16 miles) from the Turkish border, the rebels, residents and a conflict monitor said.

North Korea rocket launch may spur U.S. missile defense buildup in Asia Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:11 AM PST By Andrea Shalal and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea's latest rocket launch might kick off a buildup of U.S. missile defense systems in Asia, U.S. officials and missile defense experts said, something that could further strain U.S.-China ties and also hurt relations between Beijing and Seoul. North Korea says it put a satellite into orbit on Sunday, but the United States and its allies see the launch as cover for Pyongyang's development of ballistic missile technology that could be used to deliver a nuclear weapon.

Canada to end bombing missions in Iraq and Syria Posted: 08 Feb 2016 01:22 PM PST By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday Canada would pull out six jets that have been bombing targets in Iraq and Syria, ending a controversial combat role in the fight against Islamic State. "The people terrorized by (Islamic State) every day don't need our vengeance, they need our help." Canada will end its bombing missions by Feb. 22 but keep two surveillance planes in the region as well as refueling aircraft, and triple the number of soldiers training Kurdish troops in northern Iraq to about 200. Officials in the United States welcomed the announcement, which came after sustained diplomatic pressure from major allies to persuade Canada to do as much as possible.

Somalia plane bomber was meant to board Turkish flight: airline executive Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:30 PM PST By Drazen Jorgic NAIROBI (Reuters) - A suspected suicide bomber who blew a hole in the fuselage of a Daallo Airlines plane last week and forced it to make an emergency landing in Mogadishu was meant to be on a Turkish Airlines flight, Daallo's chief executive said on Monday. The bomber was sucked out of the plane through the 1-metre-wide (1-yard-wide) hole when the blast ripped open the pressurized cabin in flight, officials said. No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack but U.S. officials said on Monday the United States suspects Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which has links to al Qaeda, was responsible for the blast.

Saudi Arabia says open to sending special forces into Syria Posted: 08 Feb 2016 12:48 PM PST Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held out the possibility of sending Saudi special forces into Syria as part of a U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. "There is a discussion with regard to a ground force contingent, or a special forces contingent, to operate in Syria by this international U.S.-led coalition against ISIS and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its readiness to provide special forces to such operations should they occur," he said. Al-Jubeir spoke to reporters after he met for the second day in a row with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Hong Kong riot police clash with protesters amid crackdown on street vendors Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:00 PM PST Riot police used batons and pepper spray early on Tuesday to quell fights after authorities tried to move illegal street vendors from a working-class Hong Kong district, the worst street clashes since pro-democracy protests in late 2014. Protesters hurled bricks at police as scuffles broke out, while other demonstrators set fire to rubbish bins in the streets of Mong Kok, a gritty neighborhood just across the harbor from the heart of the Asian financial center. Police fired two shots into the air, a police spokeswoman said, amid chaotic scenes.

Top Asian News 12:59 a.m. GMT Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:59 PM PST TAINAN, Taiwan (AP) — At least four people, including an 8-year-old girl, were rescued Monday from a high-rise Taiwanese apartment building toppled by a powerful quake two days earlier, as frustration grew among families waiting for searchers to reach their buried loved ones. More than 100 people are believed to still be under the debris in a disaster that struck during the most important family holiday in the Chinese calendar — the Lunar New Year. Saturday's quake killed at least 38 people in Tainan city in southern Taiwan, all but two of them in the collapse of the 17-story building. Even though the 6.4-magnitude quake was shallow, few buildings were reported to have been damaged, which experts said was because Taiwan's building standards are high.

Hong Kong activists, police clash over holiday food stalls Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:59 PM PST HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong's Lunar New Year celebration descended into chaotic scenes as protesters and police clashed over a street market selling fish balls and other local holiday delicacies.

Second man killed in Dublin 'gang feud' Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:58 PM PST A man was shot dead in Dublin on Monday, Irish police said, in a suspected gangland reprisal attack for a fatal shooting at a boxing event last week. Police said the man had been shot by masked men on a residential street in north central Dublin, in the latest attack thought to be related to a feud between Irish criminal gangs based domestically and in Spain. "The man was aged in his 50s and it's believed that four men were involved in it," said a spokesman for An Garda Siochana police force.

U.S. stepping up push for ceasefire, aid in Syria: officials Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:55 PM PST By Lesley Wroughton, Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will push to secure an immediate Syrian ceasefire and aid for civilians ahead of a crucial meeting in Munich this week as he seeks to keep a fragile peace process alive, U.S. officials said. The renewed struggle to salvage diplomacy comes as Syrian opposition figures, Western diplomats and analysts voice concern that peace efforts have been all but doomed by a Russian military push that has shored up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's hold on power.     Critics of Kerry's approach question whether a ceasefire, if one can be achieved, may come too late.

U.S., South Korea, Japan military chiefs to consult on North Korea: U.S. officials Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:52 PM PST By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States' top military commander will discuss North Korea's latest satellite launch with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts this week as part of efforts to strengthen military ties between the three countries, U.S. defense officials said on Monday. U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be in Hawaii, home to U.S. Pacific Command, for the meeting, which was scheduled before the North Korea launch and has been widely criticized around the world. Army General Lee Sun-jin, chairman of the South Korean Joint Chief of Staff, is expected to participate via video teleconference, but it was not immediately clear if Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, head of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, would participate in person or remotely.

Iraqi woman charged with role in US female hostage's death Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:33 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — The wife of a senior Islamic State leader killed in a U.S. raid last year has been charged in federal court with contributing to the death of American hostage Kayla Mueller, the Justice Department said Monday.

U.S. urges China to increase sanctions pressure on North Korea Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:26 PM PST By David Brunnstrom and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China agrees any new U.N. resolution on North Korea will include additional sanctions and go beyond previous steps, but Washington is urging Beijing to put even more pressure on Pyongyang after its recent nuclear test and rocket launch, a senior U.S. official said on Monday. China is in "unique position" as North Korea's neighbor and ally to compel it to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, the official told Reuters, as U.N. diplomats sought to craft a new sanctions resolution.

U.S. defense intelligence chief predicts increased ISIS attacks Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:17 PM PST By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Islamic State is likely to step up "the pace and lethality" of its attacks in the months ahead as it seeks to fan the flames of international conflict, the director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said on Monday. Speaking to a security conference, Marine Corps Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart linked his warning to the militant group's establishment of "emerging branches" in Mali, Tunisia, Somalia, Bangladesh and Indonesia. "Last year, Daesh remained entrenched on Iraqi and Syrian battlefields and expanded globally to Libya, Sinai, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the Caucasus," Stewart said, using a derisive Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

Australia say no Test backlash to 'mob rule' wicket Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:15 PM PST Australian captain Steve Smith remained riled Tuesday over the "mob rule" dismissal in the final ODI against New Zealand but said the fallout would not spill over to upcoming Tests. Smith said that while Mitchell Marsh was legitimately caught and bowled he should not have been given out because the umpires were reacting to crowd pressure. There were heated exchanges on the field between the New Zealanders and Australians after Marsh was bizarrely dismissed when the ball ricocheted from his bat to his foot then back to the bowler Matt Henry.

Mexico names new heads of Pemex, health, social security Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:11 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — A U.S.-educated economist took up the reins of state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos in one of several Cabinet changes announced Monday by President Enrique Pena Nieto.

U.S. military seeks to prepare Africa for shifting terror threat Posted: 08 Feb 2016 04:11 PM PST By Emma Farge THIES, Senegal (Reuters) - African forces began a U.S.-led counter-terrorism training program in Senegal on Monday amid what a U.S. commander said were rising signs of collaboration between Islamist militant groups across north Africa and the Sahel. The annual "Flintlock" exercises started only weeks after an attack in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou left 30 people dead. The assault on a hotel used by foreigners raised concerns that militants were expanding from a stronghold in north Mali toward stable, Western allies like Senegal.

Smith takes Australia captaincy for World Twenty20 Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:55 PM PST Australian selectors Tuesday dumped Aaron Finch as captain in favour of Steve Smith for the World Twenty20 which begins next month in India, while Peter Nevill replaces Matthew Wade as wicketkeeper. Finch has been skipper since October 2014 but with Smith already captain of both the Test and one-day teams, national selector Rod Marsh said it was the right time for him to now take over in the shorter format. "Aaron Finch has done a very good job captaining Australia in T20 cricket.

Factbox: What deal on CO2 standards means for Airbus, Boeing jets Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:53 PM PST Experts at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had been poring over a set of "stringency options" ranging from 1 to 10. While most nations favored a high standard for future aircraft that have yet to be designed, the most contentious issue revolved around which option to choose for aircraft already in production, with an impact for the world's two largest planemakers Airbus and Boeing .

U.N. group agrees to first CO2 emission standards for aircraft Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:53 PM PST By Allison Lampert and Valerie Volcovici MONTREAL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Global aviation experts agreed on Monday to the world's first carbon dioxide emissions standards for new and existing aircraft programs, in a deal that environmental groups said does not go far enough. The standards, agreed to after six years of talks, must still be approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization's governing council. The standards would become mandatory for national aviation authorities around the world.

Newcrest halts Indonesia gold mine after collapse traps worker Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:47 PM PST Newcrest Mining suspended all mining and processing at its Gosowong operation in Indonesia after the underground section of the gold mine was damaged by a cave-in late on Monday, which trapped one of its workers. Newcrest said on Tuesday it did not know what caused the "geotechnical event", which led to a collapse of ground damaging several mining levels. "We don't know bad it is at this stage," Newcrest mining spokesman Jason Mills said.

White House hopefuls in final pitch in New Hampshire Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:33 PM PST US presidential candidates, including billionaire Donald Trump and under-pressure Democrat Hillary Clinton, criss-crossed snowy New Hampshire in a final frantic bid to win over undecided voters before Tuesday's crucial primary. The Granite State takes the spotlight as Republican supporters determine whether to back a more mainstream candidate -- Senator Marco Rubio or one of the three governors in the race -- instead of frontrunner Trump and his nearest rival, the arch-conservative Senator Ted Cruz.

Wife of Islamic State leader charged in death of American: U.S. Justice Dept. Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:28 PM PST The wife of a deceased Islamic State leader was charged on Monday with conspiracy in the death of an American aid worker who was killed a year ago while being held hostage in Syria by the militant group, the U.S. Justice Department said. Nisreen Assad Ibrahim Bahar, 25, an Iraqi citizen and wife of Abu Sayyaf, a senior Islamic State leader until his death last year, was charged for her role in a conspiracy that resulted in the death of Kayla Mueller in February 2015, the Justice Department said in a statement.

2015 sets record for most shark attacks, with 98 worldwide Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:23 PM PST GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Experts say 2015 saw a record-setting 98 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide, including 30 in Florida alone.

Rio Ave hold Sporting Lisbon 0-0 in Portuguese league Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:16 PM PST LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Sporting Lisbon missed the chance to return to return to the top of the Portuguese league on Monday after being held to a goalless draw by Rio Ave.

Klopp says owners want solution to Liverpool ticket row Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:15 PM PST Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's owners are keen to heal their rift with the club's fans after the Anfield walkout protest over ticket prices. Liverpool manager Klopp was not at the Premier League fixture as he was undergoing emergency surgery on an appendix problem. "I heard about this problem but I've had a lot of things to do in the last few weeks, but now I know it is my problem too, of course," Klopp said on Monday ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup fourth round replay at West Ham.

Record number of shark attacks in 2015, researchers find Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:08 PM PST By Barbara Liston ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - Sharks attacked people 98 times in 2015, a spike in unprovoked attacks that set a new record as human and shark populations rise, researchers found in an annual global tally released on Monday. Six people were killed by sharks, including a snorkeler in Hawaii. Two deaths were recorded off the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, and shark attack victims also died in Australia, Egypt and New Caledonia, according to data submitted by scientists worldwide.

Judge again denies Texas' efforts to block Syrian refugees Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:04 PM PST AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge has again ruled against Texas in its efforts to stop the resettlement of Syrian refugees.

Wife of senior Islamic State leader charged in US in death of American hostage Kayla Mueller Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:01 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Wife of senior Islamic State leader charged in US in death of American hostage Kayla Mueller.

Real Sociedad overwhelm Espanyol 5-0 in the Spanish league Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:57 PM PST MADRID (AP) — Real Sociedad stormed to its biggest win of the season when it overwhelmed Espanyol 5-0 in the Spanish league on Monday.

Cruise ship battered by storm to return to New Jersey Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:50 PM PST (Reuters) - The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas headed back to its New Jersey port on Monday after a storm packing high winds and 30-foot (9-meter) waves toppled furniture and shattered glass on the vessel, slightly injuring four people. The cruise company said the storm on Sunday off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, was more severe than expected. Robert Huschka, executive editor of the Detroit Free Press, told USA Today that the experience was "truly terrifying." "The good news?" Huschka tweeted.

Fresh blow for Van Gaal as United share price slumps Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:50 PM PST Embattled Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal suffered a fresh blow on Monday when the Premier League club's share price dipped to its lowest level in over three years. Van Gaal has been engaged in a battle to hold onto his job for much of a troubled season and that struggle was hardly helped by news that United's share position isn't much healthier than their league status. United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dented on Sunday when Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored in stoppage-time to rescue a 1-1 draw against Van Gaal's team, who are now six points adrift of the top four with 13 matches remaining.

Wicketkeeper Wade not wanted by Australia at World Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:25 PM PST SYDNEY (AP) — Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has been omitted from Australia's squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in India next month while the selectors have chosen two spin bowlers who have yet to play a Twenty20 international.

Obama asking Congress for emergency funding to combat Zika Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:20 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is asking Congress for more than $1.8 billion in emergency funding to fight the Zika virus and the mosquitoes that spread it here and abroad, but says "there shouldn't be a panic on this."

England add Kvesic, Beaumont to training squad for Italy Six Nations clash Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:19 PM PST England added back rows Matt Kvesic and Josh Beaumont to their training squad on Monday ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy. Kvesic and Beaumont were included in England coach Eddie Jones's 33-man squad for last weekend's Six Nations opener but failed to make the cut before the 15-9 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Prosecutors say gunmen kidnapped reporter in southern Mexico Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:10 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — A reporter was dragged from her home by armed assailants before dawn Monday in southern Mexico and had not been seen since, authorities said.

No new trial for priest convicted of sex tourism with boys Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:06 PM PST PITTSBURGH (AP) — A priest who was convicted of sexually assaulting poor street children during missionary trips to Honduras and said federal prosecutors wrongly withheld evidence in his case won't get a new trial, a judge ruled.

How the Dow Jones industrial average fared on Monday Posted: 08 Feb 2016 02:02 PM PST U.S. stocks closed sharply lower on Monday following a steep sell-off in materials, financials and technology stocks. The market pared its losses by the end of the day but still ended down for the second day in a row. The Nasdaq composite index closed almost 20 percent below its record high last year.

French lower house votes to enshrine state of emergency in constitution Posted: 08 Feb 2016 01:56 PM PST The lower house of the French parliament voted Monday in favour of enshrining in the constitution the process of declaring a state of national emergency, one of a series of controversial amendments the government proposed after November's Paris attacks. President Francois Hollande imposed a state of emergency in the wake of the jihadist attacks that killed 130 people in the capital on November 13, giving police and security forces sweeping powers to raid houses and hold people under house arrest without judicial oversight. The lower house's overwhelming vote in favour of the measure is the first in a series of steps before the constitution is finally revised.

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