World News Briefs -- December 12, 2018



Daily Mail: First image is revealed of fugitive 'Christmas market gunman' as Thai tourist among three people killed is identified and French police reveal murderer shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as he opened fire

* Three people killed and 13 injured when gunman opened fire at Strasbourg Christmas Market last night
* Cherif Chekatt, 29, pictured in French media today, was on the security services' 'state threat' watchlist
* Chekatt, from Strasbourg, has a lengthy criminal record and was 'known in local Islamist extremist circles'
* Gunman was injured in exchange of fire with soldiers, but hijacked a taxi and managed to flee the scene
* President Macron raised the country's terror level to its highest state as anti-terror police probed the attack

The 29-year-old gunman who shot and killed at least three people and injured 13 others at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, northeastern France last night cried 'Allahu Akbar' as he opened fire, prosecutors say.

Cherif Chekatt has been pictured in local media today, as police revealed his criminal record includes 25 court convictions, including many for armed robbery, and that he had been listed as a 'threat to the state' by the French security services.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said Strasbourg-born Chekatt had been armed with a handgun and a knife, adding: 'Terrorism has hit our country again.'

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

UN pushes for truce, humanitarian corridors at Yemen talks.

South Yemenis demand independence vote at UN talks.

Syria war: Turkey warns of fresh anti-Kurd offensive in north. Turkey may soon launch military operation east of Euphrates River, Erdogan says.

Syrian state seizing opponents' property, rights activists say.

Hundreds of bodies found in mass graves near Syria ex-IS bastion.

US Senate to vote on Yemen amid growing skepticism over US-Saudi alliance.

Donald Trump stands by Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi killing despite CIA and Senate stance.

Palestinians offer new details of Israel’s botched Gaza raid.

ASIA

Chinese state security is behind detention of Canadian former diplomat Michael Kovrig, employer says. China mum on detained Canadian, queries status of employer.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou granted bail by Canadian court.

Sabrina Meng: ‘I am proud of Huawei, I am proud of my country’.

Afghan forces recapture Helmand's Babaji area after 3 years.

Indonesia: Papua rebels reject surrender after workers' killing.

Report: Kim Jong Un unlikely to visit Seoul this year.

North Korea named violator of religious freedom for 17 years.

Thailand lifts ban on political activities ahead of vote.

AFRICA

Tunisia's 'truth commission' winds up 4-year mission.

Nigeria opposition candidate signs peace accord. Nigeria presidential candidate denies peace deal snub.

Nigeria warned over Shiite Muslim crackdown.

France arrests Central Africa Republic war crimes suspect.

Mozambique names top ex-rebels to army command.

Morocco's migrants treatment under spotlight after UN conference.

Rwandan government appeals verdict against dissident.

Tanzania dam: Power plant planned in Selous Game Reserve.

EUROPE

Strasbourg shooting: French police hunt for gunman. France: Suspected gunman named, had long police record.

UK disarray: May to face no-confidence vote from her party.

UK leader May fights leadership revolt, warns Brexit in peril.

'Scotland wants to trade as freely as possible with Europe'.

Merkel: There's still time for an orderly Brexit.

Germany backs extending EU sanctions against Russia: Merkel.

Italy’s far-right minister visits Israel, drawing criticism.

Pope removes scandal-hit cardinals from inner circle.

AMERICAS

Trump cites France attack as reason for US-Mexico wall.

House Republicans move to block Yemen war-powers votes for rest of Congress.

House Dems talking more about impeaching Trump.

Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen faces possible jail sentence.

Argentina Dirty War: Two former Ford executives jailed.

Brazil shooting: Campinas cathedral gunman 'mentally ill'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Strasbourg shooting: gunman was listed as potential terror threat. Strasbourg shooting: Gunman shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as he attacked.

Taliban attacks on Afghan forces undeterred by mounting US pressure.

Jihadists deny Mali leader killed in French-led attack.

Over 10,000 people involved in terrorist activities banned from entering Russia in 2018.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global economy in 2019: Growth beginning to fray.

Most CFOs see a U.S. recession coming by 2020.

Facebook among firms named on Myanmar human rights 'dirty list'.

Twitter CEO responds to critics after his Myanmar tweets didn't mention Rohingya Muslims.

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