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South Koreans rally against US missile deployment

Thursday, 21 July 2016 1:13 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 21 July 2016 1:13 PM ]

South Korean farmers stage a protest demanding the decision to deploy a US anti-missile system in their hometown be scrapped, in central Seoul on July 21, 2016. (AFP)

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

A previously-declared state of emergency in Turkey has come into force. The measure, which came following a coup attempt on Friday, will last three months. President Rejeb Tayyip Erdogan says the state of emergency is in accordance with the country’s constitution and is aimed at countering further possible threats.
Greece has put on trial eight Turkish military personnel who fled to the country on board a helicopter following the recent failed coup. The Turkish officers are accused of illegal entry into Greece. Turkey says Greece must immediately repatriate them as they were involved in the coup.
Heavy fighting has erupted between Afghan government forces and Taliban militants in the northern province of Kunduz. On Monday, the militants attacked the Qala-e-Zal district in Kunduz and took control of most parts of it. The offensive displaced scores of families there.
Thousands of South Koreans hold a fresh protest rally against the planned deployment of a US missile system in their country. The demonstrators oppose the plan over possible health and environmental hazards. The South Korean President says stationing of the battery is inevitable, citing threats from North Korea.
Britain plans to send 250 more troops to Iraq within the next few weeks. This would bring to 500 the total number of UK troops in Iraq. UK Defense Minister Michael Fallon says the soldiers will train Iraqi and Kurdish forces in their fight against the Daesh terrorists.
Libyans in the capital Tripoli and several other cities have rallied against France’s military presence in their country. The Libyan government has also expressed its opposition to the deployment. Meanwhile, three French troops have been killed in a copter crash in Libya’s Magrun.
French lawmakers have voted to extend a national state of emergency in the wake of a wave of deadly terror attacks. The measure will be in place for six more months. French police have been given the green light to make more arrests and beef up security.
Clashes once again break out between the army and pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine. Officials in Kiev say pro-Russia militias carried out 70 attacks on the position of the army in the Donbas region. Fierce fighting reportedly rages on around the village of Luhanske.