World Briefs

NORTH KOREA Kim Jong Un had his military chief executed for corruption and other charges, a South Korean official said. If true, the execution of Ri Yong Gil, chief of the North Korean military’s general staff (pictured, right), would be the latest in a series of killings, purges and dismissals since Kim took power in late 2011. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats and Republicans unite behind tougher sanctions on North Korea for violating international law.

INDIA Authorities have detained dozens of Kashmiri activists and placed separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them from holding anti-India protests to mark the anniversary of a top separatist leader’s hanging more than three decades ago. Shops and businesses remained shut yesterday and a curfew was in effect in some areas of Srinagar, after a strike was called by separatists.

AUSTRALIA’s deputy prime minister announced his retirement yesterday, with the prime minister likely to announce a cabinet reshuffle before elections due this year. Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, who is also minister for regional development and infrastructure, told Parliament he will retire at the next election.

AUSTRALIA Two female backpackers from Europe were savagely attacked on a remote Australian beach by a traveling companion they had met hours earlier, police said. A 59-year-old Australian man was charged with a string of offenses including attempted murder and unlawful sexual intercourse following the attack that left both women, aged in their 20s, in hospital.

USA Republican businessman Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders (pictured) forge ahead after decisive wins in the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary, and the Republican field dwindled by two with announcements that Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie would drop out of the race.

USA For the 15th time, officials deny parole for Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, after hearing from another person who was shot that night and called for the release of Sirhan.

SYRIA Russia proposes a March 1 ceasefire in Syria, but the U.S. demands the fighting stop immediately, believing Moscow is giving itself and the Syrian government three weeks to try to crush moderate rebel groups.

ZIKA New details about the possible effects of Zika on the fetal brain emerge as U.S. health officials say mosquito eradication here and abroad is key to protect pregnant women until they can develop a vaccine.

NIGERIA Two female suicide bombers blow themselves up in a northeastern Nigerian refugee camp, killing at least 58 people, officials said yesterday.

CAMEROON Two suicide bombers have killed at least 10 people in an attack on a northern village. Authorities say the attackers are suspected to have come from Nigeria. 40 people, including children, were seriously wounded after two bombers attacked people gathering for a wake in Ngechewe village.