News from around the world.
US warns Russia against build-up
The United State on Saturday warned Russia against increasing its military presence in Syria, saying it could escalate the conflict and lead to a confrontation with the anti-Islamic State coalition. It added that greater Russian presence could lead to more civilian deaths and increase the outflow of refugees.
UN calls for evacuation of refugees
The United Nations refugee agency has called for an emergency evacuation of 17,000 refugees trapped on the Greek island of Lesbos on Sunday. The refugees are waiting for the Greek authorities to issue them with travel permits that would permit them to board ferries to Athens and from there journey through the Balkans to northern Europe. Some refugees have been stuck on the island for two weeks or more and are living in shanties.
Saudi-led coalition jets bombed a Houthi military position and two army bases in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday. The airstrikes were part of retaliatory action taken for the killing of dozens of coalition soldiers. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had announced that his revenge would not take long. "We will press ahead until we purge Yemen of the scum," he was quoted as saying.
Military rejects draft of Thailand constitution
A council appointed by Thailand's military rulers rejected a controversial new constitution on Sunday. A new committee will now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections. The draft has been widely criticised, in particular a clause that enables a 23-member panel to take over government during a national crisis.
Ten dead as South Korea boat capsizes
10 people died and eight are missing after a South Korean fishing charter boat capsized on Sunday. The boat went missing off the southwest coast near the island of Chuja on Saturday night and its wreckage was found on Sunday morning. South Korea is still dealing with grief and anger over a maritime disaster last year that killed more than 300 people, mostly school children, when a ferry sank off the southern coast.
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