World News Briefs -- March 19, 2019

Reuters: Cyclone hit millions across Africa in record disaster: U.N.

MAPUTO/HARARE (Reuters) - Cyclone winds and floods that swept across southeastern Africa affected more than 2.6 million people and could rank as one of the worst weather-related disasters recorded in the southern hemisphere, U.N. officials said on Tuesday.

Rescue crews are still struggling to reach victims five days after Cyclone Idai raced in at speeds of up to 170 kph (105 mph) from the Indian Ocean into Mozambique, then its inland neighbors Zimbabwe and Malawi.

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MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State loses significant camp in final hold-out territory Baghouz.

Syria force says it arrested jihadists behind attack on US troops.

Syria's Kurds criticise Damascus 'threats'.

Court: Germany must press US over Yemen drone strikes.

UN presents new plan for Yemen pullback from key port.

U.S. says Iran missile program detribalizing Middle East.

Gaza rights groups denounce Hamas crackdown on protests.

Turkey's Erdogan calls on New Zealand to restore death penalty over shooting.

ASIA

Kazakhstan’s president announces resignation.

Six wounded in gunfire as Myanmar soldiers hunt insurgents in temple town.

Clashes in Kashmir after teacher dies in police custody.

Pakistan tells China of 'deteriorating situation' in Indian Kashmir.

China backs Pakistan on terrorism measures.

Report: China to fortify South China Sea island with 'logistics base'.

South Korea to discuss 'video reunions' with North.

New Zealand PM vows mosque attacker will remain 'nameless'.

AFRICA

Air strike kills four people in Somalia: relatives.

Thousands demonstrate in Algiers as protest leaders tell army to stay away.

11 militias in C.Africa peace deal demand PM's ouster.

Gunmen kill five miners in Ethiopia, TV says foreigners among dead.

At least 10 migrants die when boat sinks off Libyan coast: official.

Relief reaches Zimbabwe's cyclone survivors as death toll rises.

UN calls for aid as displaced from Cyclone Idai may reach 2m.

EUROPE

EU ministers tell UK: Make up your mind over Brexit.

US, Russia divided on Venezuela after talks in Rome.


Russia's Putin signs into law bills banning 'fake news,' insults.

Italy may be ready to open up four ports to Chinese investment under ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.

Germany eligible to deport refugees to EU countries with poor living conditions.

Italy blocks NGO ship carrying rescued migrants from docking.

‘Our tolerance has limits!’ Expel US envoy for acting like ‘occupation commissioner’, says German MP.

AMERICAS

Supreme Court sides with Trump in immigrant detention dispute.

Trump to meet with Bolsonaro in boost to US-Brazil alliance.

Mueller suspected Cohen may have been secretly acting as foreign agent in 2017.

US imposes new sanctions against Venezuela - Treasury Dept.

Venezuela: Guaido loyalists seize diplomatic properties in US.

Colombia war crimes: Mass protests in support of special tribunal.

Third Canadian official resigns in scandal threatening Trudeau.

US strongly looking at NATO membership for Brazil - Trump .

Three dead in record flooding in US Midwestern states.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France brings back IS jihadists' children from Syria camps.

'No direct links' between Utrecht suspect and victims: Police.

Letter in Utrecht getaway car may suggest terror motive.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Palladium hits record high above $1,600/oz on plans for Russia export ban.

Venezuela says it may send U.S.-bound oil To Russia.

US-China trade war could slash US$1 trillion from US economy in a decade warns Chamber of Commerce.

Facebook and YouTube defend response to Christchurch videos.

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