World News Briefs -- September 3, 2017



Reuters: North Korea conducts hydrogen bomb test; U.S. pledges 'massive' response if attacked

SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea on Sunday conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, which it said was of an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile, prompting the threat of a “massive” military response from the United States if it or its allies are threatened.

Speaking outside the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump and his national security team, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Trump asked to be briefed on all available military options.

“Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam or our allies will be met with a massive military response, a response both effective and overwhelming,” Mattis said.

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MIDDLE EAST

IS clashes with Syrian regime kill 150: monitor.

Syrian army, allies advance towards Deir al-Zor.

U.S.-led coalition says Islamic State Syria convoy split in two.

ISIS fighters may have escaped to Iraq, despite US promises to stop them.

Iran re-imposes death sentence on spiritual figure that supreme court quashed. Iran upholds 10-year jail terms for 3 US nationals, resident.

Time to 'rethink' Turkey relations, says Merkel.

Annual five-day hajj in Saudi Arabia comes to an end.

Saudi Arabian 'honesty' app takes internet by storm.

ASIA

Thousands of Rohingya flee Myanmar amid tales of ethnic cleansing. More Rohingya pour into Bangladesh; camps at full capacity.

Myanmar urges Rohingya Muslims to help hunt insurgents amid deadly violence.

On Chinese border, North Korea nuclear test shakes ground, but not routines. North Korea nuclear test rocks parts of China.

China starts radiation monitoring at North Korea border.

Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha arrested over alleged treason plot. Cambodia Daily newspaper closes in government tax row.

Xi Jinping says a dark shadow looms over the world after years of peace.

Xi says BRICS nations should stand up against protectionism.

Support for New Zealand's Labour jumps ahead of election but lags behind National, poll shows.

Australia defends hardline immigration policy as keeping out 'undesirables'.

Japan princess to wed commoner, forcing her to quit royal family.

AFRICA

Al Shabaab attacks military base near Somalia's Kismayu: military.

Suspected militants kill 2 police in attack on Kenyan church.

Uhuru Kenyatta respects Kenya's election nullification, but warns courts.

Kenyan president vows to 'fix' judiciary that invalidated his election.

Kenya opposition leader Odinga says he will not share power.

Angola opposition parties call for election recount.

Police fire tear gas at Congo opposition leader's supporters.

DR Congo opposition leader returns to tensions at home.

Gabon bans opposition leaders from leaving the country.

EUROPE

Putin calls not to yield to emotions over North Korea’s nuclear tests.

‘Occupation’ of Russian diplomatic properties in US ‘blunt act of hostility’ – Russian Foreign Ministry. Russia condemns US 'plans' to search Washington trade mission. Russia: U.S. closure of diplomatic sites a 'blatantly hostile act'.

Russia calls on US to return immediately seized diplomatic property. US tells Russia it expects diplomatic property sold to it - Foreign Ministry.

Warring sides in east Ukraine trade blame for breaking truce.

Brexit: EU says no UK trade talks without progress on budget.

German election debate: Angela Merkel, Martin Schulz set stage. Merkel gives little ground as Schulz attacks in German TV debate.

3 arrested for crashing car into Serb president’s motorcade.

Greece hopes for debt relief as bailout program enters final 12 months.

Police: Huge WWII-era bomb successfully defused in Frankfurt. Frankfurt evacuates thousands to defuse World War II bomb.

AMERICAS

Trump, top advisers to meet on North Korea on Sunday: White House. Trump to meet security advisers over 'hostile' N.Korea test.

Trump hails hurricane relief efforts as he visits Texas.

MS-13: The rise of a deadly gang in US suburbia.

Mexico's Peña Nieto vows to defend 'national dignity'. Crime, violence dog Mexico as president addresses nation.

Colombia's ELN rebel group 'killed Russian hostage'.

Colombia's FARC rebels launch political party.

Venezuela bars opposition activist from traveling to Europe.

US reveals details of recent 'sonic attack' on Cuba diplomats.

Rare heat wave bakes San Francisco; fires rage through West.

Major Hurricane Irma to brush northern Caribbean as it tracks toward the US this week.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Malaysian police arrest suspected Abu Sayyaf leader, seven others.

Philippines eyes counter-terrorism task force with Malaysia, Indonesia.

Yemeni al Qaeda leader calls for attacks in support of Myanmar's Rohingya.


ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US is putting together sanctions against North Korea, Mnuchin says.

Texas governor says Harvey damage could reach $180 bln.

1 billion drones in world by 2030, US futurist Thomas Frey says.

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