Africa
Kenya hunts ivory poachers after family of 11 elephants killed
Kenya’s Wildfire Service says it is pursuing a gang of poachers suspected of killing an entire family of 11 elephants. The family was gunned down on Saturday in the single worst incident of ivory poaching ever recorded in the country. About 100 elephants are killed each year in Kenya by poachers, despite tougher policies by the Kenyan government and a long-standing ban on the international ivory trade. Nonetheless there is a big appetite for ivory ornaments in Asia, where rhino horn is also used in traditional medicine.
Asia
Cold snap in North India kills 170
More than 170 people have died in a cold snap sweeping across northern India, reports say. Most of the dead were homeless and elderly, with the majority of deaths occurring in Uttar Pradesh state, though Punjab and Haryana have also been affected. Last week the Indian capital, Delhi, experienced its coldest day for 44 years. Dense fog caused travel chaos, with trains and planes delayed.
Japan protests over China ships near disputed islands
Japan has summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest against the presence of government ships in waters around disputed islands in the East China Sea. This is the first such protest under new Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, who was elected last month. It comes amid reports that he wants to increase defence spending. Chinese ships have sailed near the islands many times since Japan bought them from a private owner last year – a move that ignited the current phase of tensions in the long-running ownership dispute. The islands are also claimed by Taiwan.
Middle East
Iranian oil revenues ‘drop 45%’ due to sanctions
Iranian oil revenues have fallen around 45% in the last nine months because of Western sanctions, according to a leading Iranian politician. Gholam Reza Kateb, an MP on the national planning and budget committee, said the country’s economy as a whole was in trouble. In a further sign of the country’s troubles, the oil ministry has stopped selling fuel to some airlines over unpaid bills. Oil exports account for a majority of the Islamic republic’s revenue. Iran’s currency, the rial, has reportedly lost more than 80% of its value since 2011 due to US-led trade sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme. The sanctions include a UN embargo on arms exports and nuclear technology, EU bans on most financial transactions and the purchase of crude oil. The US prohibits almost all trade with Iran.
Food aid ‘cannot reach a million people’ in Syria
One million Syrians are going hungry and helpless due to the 22-month civil conflict in the country, according to the UN. The World Food Program (WFP) says it is helping 1.5 million Syrians, but continued fighting and an inability to use the port of Tartus to deliver food mean many people are not receiving aid. The UN now estimates that more than 60,000 people have been killed in the uprising, which began in March 2011.
US drone attacks in Pakistan ‘kill seven militants’
At least seven militants have been killed in two US drone attacks in Pakistan’s north-western tribal area, according to Pakistani officials.
British soldier killed by Afghan army gunman in Helmand
A British soldier has been shot dead and six others injured by a rogue member of the Afghan National Army. The gunman fired on Afghan troops and then British soldiers before being killed. Afghan officials dispute Taliban claims he was acting for them.
Europe
Eurozone unemployment reaches new high of 11.8%
The unemployment rate across the eurozone hit a new all-time high of 11.8% in November last year, official figures show. This is a slight rise on 11.7% for the 17-nation region, recorded in October. The rate for the wider European Union in November was unchanged, at 10.7%. Spain, which is deep in recession, again recorded the highest unemployment rate of 26.6%. More than 26 million people are now unemployed across the EU, with 18.8 million across the eurozone.
North America
Sole suspect of US Benghazi consulate attack ‘freed’
The only suspect to be held over the attack on the US embassy in the Libyan city of Benghazi has been released due to lack of evidence. Ali Harzi, who was being held by authorities in Tunisia, was conditionally released on Monday night, according to this lawyer. The attack on 11 September 2012 killed the US envoy to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other American officials. The incident caused political friction in the USA and was a major topic during the recent presidential election.
Latin America
Stray dog pack ‘kills four’ in Mexico City park
Authorities in Mexico are investigating the deaths of four people reportedly killed by a pack of dogs in a park. The bodies of the victims, including a mother and her baby, were covered in what appeared to be bite marks, and people found their belongings nearby. Experts said the bite marks suggest at least 10 dogs were involved in the attack. At least 25 dogs living in Cerro de la Estrella, a hilly woodland in eastern Mexico City, have been rounded up by investigators. The number of stray dogs in the Mexican capital is estimated at about 120,000.
Australasia
Australian wildfires fanned by searing temperatures
High winds and record temperatures fanned fires in south-east Australia, after the prime minister warned of a “very dangerous day”. More than 130 fires are currently burning in New South Wales, 40 of which have not been contained. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said “this is a very dangerous day” and cautioned residents to stay alert.
About the Author
