DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States said on Monday it is committed to defending Saudi Arabia following drone and missile strikes claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, including on a Saudi facility vital to oil exports.
Saudi authorities said there were no casualties or property losses from Sunday’s attacks targeting an oil storage yard at Ras Tanura, site of a refinery and the world’s biggest offshore oil loading facility, and a residential compound in Dhahran used by state-controlled oil giant Saudi Aramco.
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MIDDLE EAST
Pope Francis calls for peace in Iraq's war-torn Mosul.
US will strike ‘at a time and place of our choosing’ after rocket attacks on bases in Iraq, Defense Secretary Austin says.
Saudi military chief accuses Iran of supplying missiles used by Houthis to strike its oil facilities.
Saudi-led coalition launches air strikes on Yemeni capital.
Saudi coalition strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Syrian president, wife test positive for coronavirus.
ASIA
Three protesters killed as Myanmar workers go on strike.
Shops and factories close in Myanmar in general strike protesting military rule.
Myanmar military occupies hospitals and universities ahead of mass strike.
China warns US not to cross 'red line' on Taiwan.
Hong Kong leader ‘fully welcomes’ proposed electoral changes.
Afghan women leave journalism in droves as violence soars.
Coronavirus digest: Auckland emerges from weeklong lockdown.
AFRICA
Senegal protests: Ousmane Sonko released on bail.
With no official result in, both sides claim victory in Ivory Coast elections.
Ivory Coast election: Opposition, ruling parties claim victory.
Ebola warning: WHO increases risk level to 'very high' - world on alert.
EUROPE
Europe staggers as infectious variants power virus surge.
EU expects 100 million vaccines per month from April.
COVID-19 subsides in Britain with 82 new deaths, lockdown to ease.
German lawmaker resigns over face mask scandal.
Biden preparing to launch series of ‘clandestine’ cyberattacks against Russia – NYT.
'Racism drove me out of Britain and the Queen was too busy to meet me': Harry piles on new insults to his family as he accuses his grandmother of snub but CLEARS her and Phillip of making race remark.
UK royals absorb shock of revealing Harry, Meghan interview.
European Banking Authority hit by Microsoft Exchange hack.
Cyprus, Israel, Greece to link electricity grids.
AMERICAS
COVID cases have plummeted 28% in two weeks to 40K and daily deaths fall to 669 - their lowest since November 15: Ex-FDA chief says variants could drive an 'uptick but not a surge' in infections.
Coronavirus: US Senate passes major $1.9tn relief plan.
Joe Manchin won't accept a 'simple majority rules' in the Senate as he threatens to block Biden's massive $4 TRILLION package tackling climate and infrastructure if Democrats don't loop Republicans into negotiations.
Nearly 50 New York lawmakers call for Gov Cuomo to resign or be impeached after two more women accuse him of harassment, bringing total to five.
Trump is back in the Big Apple! Ex-President arrives in NYC alone for the first time since leaving the White House after value of his upstate estate faces new scrutiny as 'prosecutors want his longtime accountant to turn on him'.
Mexican president defends record on women’s issues.
Coronavirus: Paraguay president dismisses ministers.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
The women who helped defeat ISIS.
Al-Qaeda now as dangerous as under Osama Bin Laden as new chief dubbed ‘Sword of Revenge’ vows to attack, expert claims.
Italian police arrest IS suspect over 2015 Paris attacks.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street rises as tech selloff eases; U.S. Senate passes stimulus bill.
Global food prices continue to rise with poorest countries hit hardest.
Chinese exports surge as global demand recovers from virus.
French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault dies in helicopter crash.
Twitter founder's first tweet draws $2.5 million bid at auction.
