World briefs

CHINA The U.S. State Department said yesterday it was not given advance notice about a New Year’s flag-raising ceremony at the residence of Taiwan’s representative to Washington that has angered China. More on p11

KOREAS South Korea says rival North Korea has a 6,000-member cyber army dedicated to disrupting the South’s military and government. The figure is a dramatic increase from Seoul’s earlier estimate that the North has a cyberwarfare staff of 3,000. Seoul’s Defense Ministry also said that NK may now have the ability to strike the US mainland because of its recent progress in missile technology and is advancing in efforts to miniaturize nuclear warheads to mount on missiles.

IRAQ A suicide blast targeting Iraqi security forces and subsequent clashes with Islamic State extremists yesterday killed at least 23 troops and pro-government Sunni fighters in the country’s embattled western province of Anbar. More on p14

BELGIUM The government says a rapist and murderer will not be granted his wish for assisted suicide this weekend but will instead be taken to a special facility for observation. Frank Van Den Bleeken, who was found guilty of murder and rape in several cases and has been locked up for almost 30 years, would be given a chance for a “qualitatively decent life.” Van Den Bleeken said he wants to die because he has no viable treatment options left and cannot control his sexual urges.

USA Home values rose at a measured pace in November, a sign that demand remains weak as many buyers have been priced out of the market. Prices increased 5.5 percent in November compared with 12 months earlier, real estate provider CoreLogic said yesterday.

USA Luxury handbag and accessories company Coach is expanding its footwear collection, buying Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC from private equity firm Sycamore Partners for about USD530 million. Coach Inc. will also make up to $44 million in contingent payments to Sycamore Partners if certain revenue targets are hit over the three years after the deal closes.

FOOTBALL Sepp Blatter is facing a challenge from a 39-year-old Jordanian prince in his bid for a fifth term as president of soccer’s scandal-tainted governing body. Declaring that “it is time for a change,” FIFA VP Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein announced he will be a candidate for the FIFA presidency on May 29 in Zurich, where Blatter will seek re-election at the age of 79. “This was not an easy decision,” the prince said in a single-page statement.