November 21, 2022

Daily News Brief

*) Türkiye begins anti-terror raids in Iraq, Syria after Istanbul bombing Türkiye has launched air strikes on PKK/YPG targets in northern Iraq and Syria that came after last week's terrorist attack in Istanbul. The defence ministry confirmed that 89 targets had been destroyed and that "many terrorists" were "neutralised” as “Operation Claw-Sword” was launched early on Sunday morning. Meanwhile at least eight Turkish security officials were injured near the Syrian border as PKK/YPG terrorists fired rockets into Türkiye. *) 'Not enough': World leaders react to historic UN climate deal The UN climate conference has closed with what some have described as a “breakthrough” agreement to provide "loss and damage" funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. The developing world has been calling for such a fund for thirty years, and it's been one of the most important issues at COP27. While many nations are celebrating its achievement, others are unhappy with the overall agreement, which they say lacks a greater commitment to curb the use of fossil fuels. *) Russia shelling remains 'extremely high' — Ukraine The UN's nuclear watchdog has condemned another attack on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. At least a dozen blasts were reported near a nuclear waste storage facility, as well as a building that houses fresh spent nuclear fuel. Moscow and Kiev both blame each other for the shelling. There has been no leak of radiation detected at the facility yet. *) Serbia's Vucic to meet Kosovo PM Kurti over licence plates dispute The Serbian president has said he will meet Kosovo’s Prime Minister in Brussels on Monday to discuss a licence plate row that risks becoming one of the worst regional crises in years. The dispute is over a tit-for-tat measure in Kosovo that requires Kosovan Serbs with licence plates issued by Serbia to replace them with plates issued by Kosovo by April next year. The main source of tension is Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, which Serbia does not recognise and continues to see the country as part of its territory, *) Ecuador defeats Qatar 2-0 in World Cup 2022 opener After four years of waiting, the football World Cup has finally kicked off in Qatar. Ecuador won the opening game of the tournament defeating hosts Qatar 2-0 in the Al Bayt Stadium. Over the next month, 32 teams from around the world will battle it out in the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East.