All Latest News Wires
Militant commander dies in custody in LebanonLebanese officials say Majid al-Majid, the purported commander of a Sunni militant group with al Qaida links, died while in government custody. Al Majid's group claimed responsibility for the November attack on the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, which killed at least 23.
Iraqi troops shell Falluja in effort to retake Anbar provinceTerritory in Ramadi and Falluja has been held by Sunni militants linked with Al Qaeda and other tribal fighters for days. Residents have fled to take refuge from army shelling.
South Sudan peace talks stall, clashes continueThough Western and regional powers are pushing for quick negotiations to end fighting between South Sudanese government forces and rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar clashes continued Saturday, and face-to-face talks seemed unlikely.
Mexico prison stormed by gang members dressed as policeA Mexican prison was stormed in Guerrero state, and nine people killed. Gunmen dressed as police officers were allowed in the prison because they were believed to be delivering another prisoner. Both prisoners and guards were attacked.
17 killed, 62 injured in Egypt's deadliest protests in monthsOn Friday, Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters clashed with Egyptian security forces in several cities and provinces. The protests were the most violent since a 3-month state of emergency and curfew expired in November.
Beirut bombing: Thurs. blast in Hezbollah-run area of Beirut claimed 5 livesIt was the latest in a wave of attacks to hit Lebanon in recent months as the civil war in Syria increasingly spills over into its smaller neighbor.
- Krokodil drug case confirmed for US patient in Mexico
Krokodil: The head of the council on addictions in the western state of Jalisco, Dr. Enrico Sotelo, said the patient is a 17-year-old woman who is a resident of Houston, Texas
Five killed in apparent Beirut car bombingIf confirmed as a bombing, then it would be the latest in a wave of attacks to hit Lebanon in recent months as the civil war in Syria increasingly spills over into its smaller neighbor.
Akademik Shokalskiy: Icebound ship passengers rescued in AntarcticaAkademik Shokalskiy: The passengers were airlifted off the Akademik Shokalskiy stuck in the ice in Antarctica since Christmas Eve.
Palestinian ambassador's death: 'Definitely not a terrorist attack,' police sayJamal al-Jamal, the Palestinian ambassador to Prague, died after opening a safe in his home on Wednesday morning. A police investigation is ongoing.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's health declinesDoctors for former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reported that his condition has worsened. Sharon, known to some as 'the bulldozer,' has been incapacitated for eight years.
Pope Francis urges followers to listen to the 'cry for peace'The pontiff gave a speech in honor of the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace on Wednesday in St. Peter's Square. He urged countries to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Putin: 'No justification' for Volgograd attacks on civiliansOn Wednesday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Volgograd where dozens were killed in two bombings earlier this week. Putin has ordered increased security ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, which begin in February.
North Korea: A New Year of strength?After the execution of an uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month, Kim said his country is poised for a strong 2014. He referred to his late uncle, Jang Song Thaek, as 'factionalist filth" without referring to him by name in his annual New Year's Day address.
Dubai dazzles with New Year 2014 fireworks displayDubai, which already boasts the world tallest skyscraper, celebrated the New Year with a 1/2 hour-long fireworks display. Organizers aimed to make it the world's largest.
Following Russian bombings, organizers look ahead to 'safe and secure games'Russian President Valdimir Putin called for tighter security following two attacks in two days in Volgograd. The attacks came as the country is preparing for the Sochi Winter Olympics. No one claimed immediate responsibility for either act of violence.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Peace restored following attacks, reports governmentAn attack at three public locations on Monday in Kinshasa left 40 assailants dead. They presented themselves as supporters of Paul Joseph Mukungubila, an opponent of President Joseph Kabila. Later in the day, fighting also took place near the Zambian border.
Central African Republic: Troops struggle to contain violenceOngoing violence in the Central African Republic has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands this month. The violence appears to stem from a political dispute over control of the country's resources.
S. Sudan's White Army advance appears stalled after clashesSo-called 'White Army' rebels — youths from South Sudan's Nuer tribe — are said to have disbanded after clashes with government forces.
In visit to Saudi Arabia, Hollande highlights defense and energyFrench President Francois Hollande arrived for a visit to Saudi Arabia Sunday, with an entourage of high profile defense and energy executives. The two countries share similar foreign policy goals, and could strike a deal over nuclear energy.
