World briefs

HONG KONG Former Philippine Supreme Court justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, who accused President Xi Jinping of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court, said she was barred for hours yesterday from entering Hong Kong. More on p11

BELT & ROAD India, Japan and Sri Lanka are weighing the development of a terminal at the bustling port of Colombo in a country that’s seen ongoing political controversies related to investments from China’s Belt and Road initiative. More on p10

NEW ZEALAND Crews in New Zealand yesterday reentered an underground coal mine where a methane explosion killed 29 workers more than eight years ago, raising hopes among family members that they might find bodies and new evidence that leads to criminal charges.

NEPAL Nine people in two families were slain by masked assailants in their homes at night in a remote mountain village in Nepal. Government administrator Murari Wasti said the bodies were found yesterday morning by neighbors. A 12-year-old girl survived with injuries.

NEPAL A Sherpa mountaineer extended his record for successful climbs of Mount Everest with his 24th ascent of the world’s highest peak yesterday. Kami Rita (pictured) reached the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) peak, which was his second time on the summit in a week.

LIBYA After years of assassinations, bombings and militia firefights, Benghazi finally feels safe again — but security has come at a heavy cost. Uniformed police are out at major intersections, cafes and restaurants stay open late into the night, and local groups hold art exhibitions and festivals. The city center lies in ruins, thousands remain displaced, and forces loyal to commander Khalifa Hifter have cracked down on dissent.

YEMEN’s Iranian-allied Houthi rebels said they attacked a Saudi airport and military base with a bomb-laden drone, an assault acknowledged by the kingdom as Mideast tensions remain high between Tehran and the United States. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

USA Three handwritten wills have been found in the suburban Detroit home of Aretha Franklin, months after the death of the “Queen of Soul,” including one that was discovered under cushions in the living room, a lawyer said yesterday.