May 21, 2015
Syrian forces trapped civilians, UN says
The United Nations says it has received reports that Syrian forces in Palmyra prevented civilians from leaving, ahead of its fall to Islamic State militants. The UN, though not present in Palmyra, cited "credible sources". It said it was "deeply…
May 21, 2015
US Congress Reviews Lessons Learned From Nepal Earthquake
U.S. Congressmen are looking at Nepal's recovery needs after the earthquake that claimed some 8,600 lives last month. Members of a foreign affairs subcommittee had high praise Wednesday for the U.S. government’s rapid response, but also looked at…
May 12, 2015
‘Substantial’ El Nino event predicted
The El Nino effect, which can drive droughts and flooding, is under way in the tropical Pacific, say scientists. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology predicted that it could become a "substantial" event later in the year. The phenomenon arises from…
May 12, 2015
Dozens die in new tremor near Everest, Nepal
A major earthquake has struck eastern Nepal, near Mount Everest, two weeks after more than 8,000 people died in a devastating quake. At least 37 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured, officials say. At least 17 have also died in……
May 11, 2015
Airstrikes Continue in Yemen Ahead of Cease-fire
Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition continued airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen Monday, a day before a humanitarian cease-fire is due to go into effect. The jets bombed the Saada region near the Saudi border, as well as Taiz in…
May 11, 2015
The Chancellor Urges More Russian Action to Halt Ukraine Fighting
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Russia Sunday to do more to urge pro-Russian separatists to abide by a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine and end fighting with Kyiv's forces. "Unfortunately we still do not have a cease-fire today," the German…
May 11, 2015
Typhoon Noul levels Coastal Areas in the Philippines
Heavy rains and strong winds flattened houses on coastal areas as typhoon Noul crashed into the northeastern tip of the Philippines, killing two people and prompting more than 3,000 residents to move to shelters. The typhoon weakened slightly after…
May 6, 2015
Kerry, Saudis to Discuss Yemen Crisis
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said talks about a "humanitarian pause" in Yemen will be a focal point of his upcoming meetings with Saudi officials. Kerry said he will discuss the nature of a pause and how it might be implemented when he arrives…
May 6, 2015
Germany Arrests 4 Extremist Suspects
German authorities say they have arrested four people who are suspected of founding a right-wing extremist group to attack mosques and housing for asylum seekers. Officials announced the arrests Wednesday, saying they confiscated a stash of…
May 3, 2015
Nepal shuts airport to big jets; more bodies found
Runway damage forced Nepalese authorities to close the main airport Sunday to large aircraft delivering aid to millions of people following the massive earthquake, but U.N. officials said the overall logistics situation was improving. The death toll…