Spain’s Catalonia under state of emergency due to drought
BARCELONA – The Spanish region of Catalonia has declared a state of emergency as it faces its worst drought on record.
From Thursday residents are...
US forces set to strike Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq
WASHINGTON – The US has approved plans for a series of strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, officials have told the BBC's...
Regional tension rises as NoKor fires cruise missiles
SEOUL – North Korea has fired several cruise missiles in waters off its east coast, South Korea's military says.
In recent months the nuclear-armed communist...
African bishops a special case on same-sex blessings – Pope
VATICAN – Pope Francis has said African bishops were a “special case” regarding their opposition to his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples.
But...
Alarming 45-fold rise in measles in Europe
GENEVA – There was an "alarming" nearly 45-fold increase in measles cases in Europe last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.
Health chiefs are...
ICJ: Israel must prevent genocide
THE HAGUE – The United Nations’ (UN) top court has ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza, but stopped...
World’s largest cruise ship to set sail
FLORIDA – The world's largest cruise ship is due to set sail from Miami, Florida, on its maiden voyage, amid concerns about the vessel's...
Cameroon starts world-first malaria mass vaccine rollout
YAOUNDE – The world's first routine vaccine programme against malaria has started in Cameroon, in a move projected to save thousands of children's lives...
Ecuador police arrest gang members who stormed hospital
QUITO – Ecuadorean security forces have arrested 68 gang members after they stormed a hospital in the town of Yaguachi, in Guayas province.
Officials said...
China: 13 kids dead after school dormitory fire in Henan province
BEIJING – Thirteen schoolchildren aged nine and 10 are confirmed to have died after a fire broke out in a school dormitory in central...