MEXICO CITY, (APP/AFP): A massive explosion at an oil facility in southeastern Mexico killed at least three workers, injured 58 and triggered evacuations Wednesday, officials and state-run energy giant Pemex said. A huge plume of toxic gray smoke could be seen spewing from the plant known as Pajaritos, in the city of Coatzacoalcos.The blast, which […]
International News
Blast at Mexico oil plant kills three, injures 58
-
Venezuela to ration electricity in power crisis
CARACAS, (APP/AFP): Recession-wracked Venezuela is to ration electricity in 10 of its most populous and industrialized states, including metropolitan Caracas, the socialist government said Wednesday. It is the latest drastic measure to alleviate a severe electricity crisis which President Nicolas Maduro and his government blame on the El Nino weather phenomenon that causes drought. Critics […]
-
Belgium rejects German call for nuclear plants closure
BERLIN, (APP/AFP) – Belgium on Wednesday rejected a request by neighbouring Germany to shutter two ageing nuclear plants near their shared border, arguing the facilities met with the strictest safety standards. German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks earlier on Wednesday requested that the 40-year-old Tihange 2 and Doel 3 reactors be turned off “until the resolution […]
-
Kabul attack death toll more than doubles to 64
KABUL, (APP/AFP) – The death toll from a Taliban suicide attack in Kabul has more than doubled to 64, officials said Wednesday, the deadliest militant assault in the Afghan capital for years. The brazen assault on Tuesday in a densely packed Kabul neighbourhood marked the first major Taliban attack in Kabul since the insurgents announced […]
-
IS tightens noose on regime enclave in eastern Syria: monitor
BEIRUT, (APP/AFP) – The Islamic State group has tightened the noose on a regime-held enclave in eastern Syria, overrunning part of the city of Deir Ezzor and advancing on its vital airbase, a monitor said Wednesday. “IS seized the Al-Sinaa neighbourhood of Deir Ezzor on Tuesday evening and fighting is continuing on the edge of […]
-
Germany asks Belgium to shut two old nuclear plants
BERLIN, (APP/AFP) – Germany asked neighbouring Belgium on Wednesday to temporarily shutter two ageing nuclear plants near their border over safety concerns. Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks requested that the 40-year-old Tihange 2 and Doel 3 reactors be turned off “until the resolution of outstanding security issues”. The reactor pressure vessels at both sites have shown […]