World News Briefs -- May 30, 2019



Al Jazeera: Saudi Arabia gathers Arab leaders over attacks on oil assets

Riyadh pins drone attacks on oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia and sabotage of oil tankers off UAE's coast on Iran.

Arab leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia for a three-day emergency summit following attacks on Gulf oil assets this month which Riyadh pins on Tehran.

Thursday's events come after Saudi Arabia accused Iran of ordering drone attacks on oil pumping stations in the kingdom, which were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, and the sabotage of oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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MIDDLE EAST

At least five killed in fresh attacks in Syria's northwest.

US official: Russia unlikely to support full-scale offensive on Syria's Idlib.

John Bolton to present his evidence that Iran backed Gulf attacks .

Saudi Arabia gathers Arab leaders over attacks on oil assets.

Israel heads toward an unprecedented snap election as Netanyahu fails to form government.

Israeli parliament votes to hold new election in September.

Political chaos in Israel deals blow to Jared Kushner's peace plan.

Former Tehran mayor confesses to killing wife, hands himself into police.

ASIA

Suicide bomber targets Afghan military training centre in Kabul.

Taliban, Afghan opposition officials claim 'progress' at talks.

India's Narendra Modi sworn in for second term after election landslide.

China tells US provoking trade disputes is 'naked economic terrorism'.

China takes veiled swipe at Japan over regional stability after Donald Trump visit puts Beijing on alert.

James Marape is PNG's new Prime Minister after Peter O'Neill's resignation.

Model on cover of New Zealand budget says she moved to Australia over cost of living.

Mount Everest climbers seen crushed together in new video as Nepal debates limiting permits.

AFRICA

African free trade zone takes effect: African Union.

Congo forces kill 26 Islamist rebels in Ebola zone shootout.

Sudan protesters threaten military with civil disobedience.

Mozambique seeks $3.2 billion to recover from cyclones.

Ethiopia PM presses plan to return displaced people after violence.

US diplomat succeeds ousted UN envoy for Somalia.

African refugees evacuated from Libya to Italy, more help needed: U.N..

EUROPE

Austrian president names Brigitte Bierlein interim chancellor.

UN's Guterres calls for strong EU to avoid 'new Cold War'.

Moscow blames EU and NATO for latest Balkan tensions.

Germany's Maas hopes for peace in eastern Ukraine under new leader.

Kosovo: Serbs rally in North Mitrovica against police raids.

Spain's victorious acting PM aims for heart of Europe.

Ukraine's ex-president accused of removing computer servers from 'situation room'.

Julian Assange too ill for court date, lawyer says.

AMERICAS

Trump says impeachment is 'dirty, filthy, disgusting word'.

Democratic 2020 hopefuls AWOL on national security.

Venezuela talks in Norway end without deal.

Venezuela's Guaido vows protests as Norway talks produce no deal.

Brazil economy contracts for the first time since 2016.

Mexico president's Pemex sting threatens to engulf former government.

Vice President Pence looks for do-over in trade deal, relationship with Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US airstrikes interrupt ISIS and al-Shabaab battleground.

IS claims deadly blast near Afghan military academy.

American hostage mom says abusive husband's Taliban sympathies led to 5-year ordeal.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trump says U.S. doing well in trade talks with China.

China makes next move in trade war, reportedly halting US soy purchases.

Boeing admits it 'fell short' on safety alert for 737.

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