A handout picture provided by the office of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shows him speaking during the 29th International Islamic Conference in the capital Tehran, on December 27, 2015. AFP
- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has once again condemned Saudi Arabia’s execution of top cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Rouhani said Sheikh Nimr was executed over baseless charges and his opposition to the Saudi government. He noted that Saudi policies are aimed at expanding terrorism and destroying stability and security in the region.
- Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Saudi Arabia is fueling tension while Iran seeks to defuse it. Zarif says Tehran will continue to exercise patience regarding Riyadh’s policies after developments that took place in the wake of the execution of Sheikh Nimr.
- In Afghanistan, troops continue to fight Taliban militants in the southern Helmand province. US Special Forces have also been sent to the region. An American soldier was killed and two wounded in the battle. Helmand has been a traditional stronghold of the Taliban.
- The Iraqi army, backed by volunteer forces, is pressing ahead with its mop-up and rescue operations in the central city of Ramadi. Dozens of families have been rescued by the Iraqi forces in the capital of Anbar province. Daesh terrorists have been using civilians as human shields in Ramadi.
- Israeli navy ships have targeted Palestinian fishing boats off the Gaza coast. Palestinian sources say one boat was completely destroyed after being hit by the Israeli shells. Under an Israeli naval blockade, Palestinian vessels are only allowed to travel a few kilometers off the coast for fishing.
- North Korea says it will continue to strengthen its nuclear program in order to protect itself against the hostile policies of the U-S. The announcement comes after North Korea conducted its first successful hydrogen bomb test. Wednesday’s test was North Korea’s fourth nuclear test since 2006.
- The UN Security Council has urged the warring sides in Yemen to resume a QUOTE meaningful and sustainable ceasefire. The top body said a ceasefire respected by all sides is fundamentally important. It also expressed deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen which continues to worsen.
- 45-thousand junior doctors in Britain are set to go on strike. Talks with the government broke down again over pay and add-hour shifts. During the 24-hour strike next Tuesday, only emergency medical care will be provided. A complete shutdown is planned for January 26 and on a later date in February.
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