An avalanche has killed at least 124 people in north-east Afghanistan, after strong snow storms hit the region. Twenty people are reported missing.
“Homes were completely covered in snow, taking the lives of those beneath,” said Mohammad Aslam Syas, the deputy director of the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority. There were 29 injured, authorities said, and about 100 homes had been damaged.
ISIS strikes deep inside Iraq
The extremist group ISIS has seized 118 men and nine boys from Rubaidha village in Iraq. Most of those taken are related to soldiers and militia fighting against ISIS. Sheikh Anwar Assi al-Obeidi, leader of the Obeidi tribe, said ISIS was trying to pressure members of his clan to withdraw support for government forces opposing the extremists. A small number of the abducted men have escaped or been released, but more than 100 are still missing, presumably held captive at an unknown location.
Protesters gather after deadly shooting
Protesters marched in Venezuela yesterday, outraged by the killing of a 14-year-old, Kluiverth Koa, by a police officer on Tuesday. The teen was shot in the head in the city of San Cristobal while taking part in an anti-government rally. Venezuelans took to Twitter to blame President Nicolas Maduro, and his new public control measures, for Koa’s death. Government forces are now empowered to take deadly action against protestors if they feel threatened.
Three Al Jazeera journalists arrested in Paris
French police have arrested three Al Jazeera journalists for allegedly flying a drone in a Parisian park. Tension has been high in Paris after numerous sightings of unidentified drones since the Charlie Hebdo massacre. A spokesman for Al Jazeera said the arrested men had simply been filming a report about the drone hysteria. Parisian law forbids unlicensed flying of drones, and penalties range up to a year in jail and fines. – Compiled from web sources by Keisha Miller
Top image – screengrab of avalanche in Panjshir highlands.
About the author
