*) Xi set to arrive in Riyadh to meet Saudi and Arab leaders

Chinese President Xi Jinping is embarking on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia where he will hold meetings with regional leaders likely focused on energy.

The overseas trip is only Xi's third since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

It is also his first to Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude oil exporter, since 2016.

*) US says it has not 'enabled' Ukraine strikes inside Russia

The United States says it hadn't "enabled" Ukraine to carry out strikes inside Russia.

This comes after a spate of drone attacks on military-linked facilities deep within Russian territory.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters the US has “neither encouraged nor enabled the Ukrainians to strike inside of Russia."

Kiev did not directly claim responsibility but neither did it criticise the action, which killed three people, according to reports from Russia.

*) China announces nationwide loosening of Covid-19 restrictions

China has announced a nationwide loosening of Covid-19 restrictions following protests against the hardline strategy that grew into calls for greater political freedoms.

Under the new guidelines announced by the National Health Commission, the frequency and scope of PCR testing will be reduced.

Lockdowns will also be scaled down and people with non-severe Covid cases can isolate at home instead of centralised government facilities.

*) Honduras suspends rights in two largest cities to fight gangs

Honduran police have moved en masse into poor urban areas to tackle criminal gangs after a decree by the president to temporarily suspend certain rights.

The 30-day lifting of constitutional guarantees allows police to make arrests without warrants in 89 districts of the capital and 73 districts of San Pedro Sula, the industrial capital.

President Xiomara Castro, a leftist, declared last week the lifting of the constitutional rights due to what she called a "national emergency" over gang violence.

*) Morocco dump Spain out of World Cup after thrilling penalty shootout win

Morocco have dumped Spain out of the World Cup in a last-16 penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes.

Achraf Hakimi scored the decisive spot-kick after Spain squandered all three of their attempts.

Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament and is the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight.

With the historic victory, the Moroccan team, also known as the Atlas Lions, earns a quarter-final clash berth with Portugal, who defeated Switzerland 6-1.

*) Sudan's generals, civilian factions sign initial deal to end crisis

Sudan's military and civilian leaders have signed an initial deal aimed at ending a deep crisis that has gripped the northeast African country since a coup a year ago.

In a first phase, the framework agreement lays the groundwork for establishing a transitional civilian authority, said the civilian group the Forces for Freedom and Change.

A final deal tackling issues including transitional justice and reforms to the military should be completed "within weeks," it said.

*) Kiev hits Russian air bases, Kremlin confirms

A drone has attacked an airfield in Russia's Kursk region bordering Ukraine, according to the local governor.

This comes a day after Moscow blamed Ukraine for drone strikes at two other Russian airfields.

Governor Roman Starovoyt said there were no casualties. He did not specify where the drone originated.

*) Several dead as blast targets vehicle in northern Afghanistan

A roadside bomb has killed seven petroleum company employees aboard a bus in northern Afghanistan.

A provincial police spokesman in Mazar-i-Sharif said the bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside and it was detonated as the bus arrived.

Although the Taliban claim to have improved security across the nation since coming to power last year, there have been scores of bomb blasts and attacks – many claimed by the local chapter of Daesh.

*) Oil prices rise after price cap on Russian crude, OPEC+ meeting

Oil prices have edged higher after a G7 price cap on Russian seaborne oil came into force on top of a European Union embargo on imports of Russian crude by sea.

The Group of Seven price cap comes as the West tries to limit Moscow's ability to finance its war in Ukraine.

But Russia has said it will not abide by the measure even if it has to cut production.

*) Brazil beats South Korea 4-1 at World Cup

Brazil has defeated South Korea 4-1 and will face Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Brazil hit top gear with Neymar back in the line-up to brush aside South Korea 4-1 and ease into the quarter-finals of the World Cup where they will face Croatia.

Neymar had been sidelined for two matches with a sprained ankle.

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring inside seven minutes before Neymar added another from the penalty spot to move to 76 goals for his country, leaving him just one away from equalling Pele's all-time record tally.

*) West African leaders agree to create regional force

West African leaders have agreed to create a regional force to intervene against terrorism and in the event of coups.

The president of the Economic Community of West African States, Omar Alieu Touray, said the leaders of the group decided to act to take control of the security in the region.

Several countries in the region are suffering from the spread of militancy and terrorism, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and southwards to the Gulf of Guinea.

*) Blinken vows to oppose Israel settlements, annexation in occupied West Bank

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has promised to counter Israeli settlements and annexation in the occupied West Bank just days before Benjamin Netanyahu’s return to power.

Netanyahu has sealed a coalition deal with extreme-right movements including Religious Zionism, which is set for a post in charge of settlements in the West Bank.

Speaking to J Street, a pro-Israel US advocacy group, Blinken said President Joe Biden's administration will continue to unequivocally oppose any acts that undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.

*) China reports more Covid deaths as some restrictions eased

China has reported two additional deaths from Covid-19 as some cities moved cautiously to ease pandemic restrictions following increasingly vocal public frustrations.

The National Health Commission said that one death was reported each in the provinces of Shandong and Sichuan.

Authorities fear that lifting Covid restrictions entirely could lead to millions of deaths in the country, but an outpouring of public anger appears to have prompted authorities to lift some of the more heavy restrictions.

*) Flash flood in South Africa kills more than a dozen at religious gathering

In South Africa, at least 14 people have died and others are still missing after a flash flood swept away members of a church congregation along the Jukskei River in Johannesburg.

Officials said a group of 33 worshippers was conducting religious rituals along the river on Saturday.

Rescue workers said that a precise figure for the number still missing could not be given.

*) England reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 3-0 win over Senegal

England captain Harry Kane has scored his first goal of this year’s World Cup, helping his team beat Senegal 3-0 and setting up a match against France in the quarter-finals.

Kane scored for the 52nd time for his country to move within one of Wayne Rooney’s England record. He also overtook Gary Lineker as his country’s leading scorer in major tournaments with 11 goals.

Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka also scored at Al Bayt Stadium while Jude Bellingham played a key role in the opening two goals.

*) Up to 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed so far

As many as 13,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed since Russia's incursion into the country in February, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.

Mykhailo Podolyak told a local media outlet that the number of casualties range from 10,000 to 13,000 dead.

President Zelenskyy would make the official data public when the right moment comes, he added.

*) DRC accuses M23 rebels of civilian massacre

The Democratic Republic of Congo's military has accused M23 rebels of killing 50 civilians and breaching a five-day-old truce in the country's restive east.

General Sylvain Ekenge said the M23 group was carrying out massacres, the most recent of which is that of 50 Congolese civilians, heinously murdered this week in Kishishe - a village some 70 kilometres north of the eastern city of Goma.

The rebel group issued a statement denying the alleged massacre of civilians.

*) Türkiye will not allow existence of any terror group in region: NSC

Türkiye will not allow the existence and activities of any terrorist group in its region, the country’s National Security Council has said.

“The existence and activity of any terrorist group will not be allowed in our region, and every necessary step will be taken decisively for this," the country's security body has said in a statement after over three-hour meeting, which was chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the capital Ankara.

To ensure the defence and security of the Turkish nation and its borders, the only target in the operations, which are being carried out along its southern borders in line with the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, are terrorist organisations, it added.

*) Peru's Congress approves motion to begin President Castillo's impeachment

Peru's Congress has approved a motion to start impeachment proceedings against President Pedro Castillo.

The move promoted by opposition lawmakers marks the third formal attempt to oust the leftist leader since he took office last year.

And finally…

*) Germany is out of World Cup

Four-time champions Germany have sensationally crashed out of the FIFA World Cup despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their last Group E match.

It is the first time in their World Cup history that Germany has failed to win any of their first two group matches.

Meanwhile, Japan and Spain have qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament.

*) School bombing in Afghanistan kills 15

At least 15 people have been killed in a bombing at a religious school in the north of Afghanistan. Most of the victims were students.

At least 20 people were also wounded in the explosion, which happened in the city of Aybak during prayer time.

No group has claimed responsibility so far. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August last year, there have been multiple attacks targeting civilians across the country. Most were claimed by the local chapter of Daesh terror group.


*) Ukraine calls for longer-range weapons as NATO meeting draws to a close

A two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers has ended with a promise the alliance will increase support for eastern European partners who are not yet full NATO members.

Ukraine again called for longer-range weapons, but there are still concerns it may use them to hit Russian territory, which could draw NATO members directly into the conflict.

Fierce fighting continues in the eastern Donetsk region while Ukraine reports Russian shelling in southern areas of the country.

*) EU threatens to ban Twitter

The European Union has threatened to ban Twitter in its territory, unless the company's owner Elon Musk abides by its laws on content moderation.

The EU could be setting the scene for a regulatory battle over the future of the social network.

*) Daesh leader killed in Syria

Washington says the leader of the Daesh terrorist organisation was killed in a raid in the Syrian province of Daraa in October.

In a statement, the US central command says: “we are pleased to see the removal of Daesh's top leaders in such quick succession.”

And finally…

*) Messi fights on

Virtuoso striker Messi is set to grace the World Cup stage at least once more, as Argentina secured a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.

The South American side will face Australia in the last-16 while Poland will take on reigning champions France.

*) Deadly blast in western Pakistan

A bomb blast targeting a police patrol has killed at least three people and wounded more than 20 people in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, according to a police official.

The blast targeted a police patrol that wounded 21 people, including 15 police officers, the official said, adding police were on duty to guard a polio vaccination team.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, also known as Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the blast.

*) Zelenskyy says Russia 'planning something in the south'

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that the situation at the front line remains difficult, with Russian forces attempting to advance in the Donbass region and Kharkiv.

In a video address, Zelenskyy said despite extremely large losses, the occupiers are still trying to advance on the Donetsk region, gain a foothold in Luhansk region and move into Kharkiv region, They are planning something in the south, he added.

Meanwhile, ​​NATO allies have promised more arms for Kiev and equipment to help restore Ukrainian power and heat knocked out by Russian strikes.

*) UNGA to discuss Israel-Palestine conflict

The UN General Assembly will hold talks on the Israel-Palestine conflict that it's warned is reaching boiling point.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces killed five Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Two brothers in their twenties were killed during an Israeli air raid in Ramallah. The Palestinian Authority called it an 'execution in cold blood'. A third man was shot in the head near the flashpoint city of Hebron, and a fourth was killed by Israeli forces who say he tried to drive over a soldier.
*) US militia leader found guilty of Capitol Hill riot

In the United States, the founder of the Oath Keepers right-wing militia has been found guilty of plotting to stop Joe Biden taking office.

After a two month trial, a jury in Washington has found Stewart Rhodes and another member, Kelly Meggs, guilty of the rare charge of seditious conspiracy for their role in last year's riot at the US Capitol.

Three others were acquitted of that charge, but all five have been found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding.


And finally…
*) US beat Iran in World Cup

Christian Pulisic scored as the United States advanced to the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran in a politically charged rematch of their famous meeting a quarter-century ago.

Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the US opened with draws against Wales and England and needed a victory to move on to the round of 16.

Iran finished third in the group with three points and has failed to advance in all six of its World Cup appearances.

*) China’s police increase security

Police in China have increased security across the country to prevent further protests.

Days of demonstrations in multiple cities have shown the level of anger being felt by many at Beijing's zero-Covid policy.

After almost three years of harsh lockdowns and mass daily testing, some people are openly calling for the resignation of President XI Jinping.

*) US to announce emergency aid for Ukraine

The United States is set to announce what it's calling a substantial amount of emergency aid for Ukraine to help rebuild the country's energy infrastructure.

NATO officials and foreign ministers are meeting to address the humanitarian fallout of the conflict, especially to help Ukrainians get through winter.

In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects new attacks this week.

*) Türkiye committed to root out PKK

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara is committed to destroying the PKK terrorist group, and doesn't need permission from anyone to secure its borders and protect its people.

During his speech after the cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan said the critics of Türkiye's anti-terror operations should look at themselves first. He said Ankara will ensure its security at any cost.

The Turkish army is preparing for a ground offensive in northern Syria to clear YPG/PKK terrorists from the border.

*) Great Barrier Reef risks 'in danger' World Heritage listing

UN experts have recommended that Australia's Great Barrier Reef should be added to a list of "in danger" World Heritage sites

They warned the fading wonder has been "significantly impacted" by the climate crisis. A UNESCO-tasked report said warming seas and agricultural pollution had put the reef at risk and that its resilience had been "substantially compromised".

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's premier tourist drawcards and putting it on the in-danger list could substantially tarnish its allure for international visitors.

*) Portugal, Brazil join France in World Cup knockouts

Five-time champions Brazil and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have joined France in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds in Qatar.

Bruno Fernandes scored twice to give Portugal a 2-0 victory over Uruguay and send them into the knockout stages of the World Cup alongside France and Brazil. Brazil defeated Switzerland 1-0.