News in brief

Syria missile strike kills five pro-Iran fighters
AFP, Beirut

Five pro-Iranian fighters were killed by unidentified missiles on Wednesday evening in Syria’s eastern province of Deir Ezzor, a war monitor said. “Missiles of unidentified origin targeted the headquarters of the 47th Brigade of pro-Iranian militias in the town of Albu Kamal, in the east of Deir Ezzor province, killing five fighters,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills
AFP, Beijing

China, Russia and Iran will hold joint naval drills starting Friday in the Gulf of Oman, Beijing and Tehran said, at a time of heightened tensions since the US withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran. Set to take place from December 27 to 30, the military exercises aim to “deepen exchange and cooperation between the navies of the three countries”, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters Thursday.
Italy’s education minister quits over lack of funds
AFP, Rome

Italian Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramonti of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said yesterday he had resigned because his ministry is underfunded. Fioramonti wrote on Facebook that he informed Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of his decision on Tuesday, saying he had taken up the portfolio to “reverse... the trend that has for decades put Italian schools, higher education and research in conditions of great suffering.”
Little Christmas cheer amid French transport strike    
AFP, Paris

Christmas Day brought no respite for travellers in France as a transport strike entered its fourth week, ruining the plans of thousands wanting to celebrate with loved ones. Many people scrambled at the last minute to make alternative arrangements as the protest against pension reform saw thousands of trains cancelled or delayed—and taxis, ride-sharing services and car rental agencies unable to make up the shortfall.

 

News in brief

Syria missile strike kills five pro-Iran fighters AFP, Beirut Five pro-Iranian fighters were killed by unidentified missiles on Wednesday evening in Syrias eastern province of Deir Ezzor, a war monitor said. Missiles of unidentified origin targeted the headquarters of the 47th Brigade of pro-Iranian militias in the town of Albu Kamal, in the east of Deir Ezzor province, killing five fighters, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. China, Russia, Iran to hold joint naval drills AFP, Beijing China, Russia and Iran will hold joint naval drills starting Friday in the Gulf of Oman, Beijing and Tehran said, at a time of heightened tensions since the US withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran. Set to take place from December 27 to 30, the military exercises aim to deepen exchange and cooperation between the navies of the three countries, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters Thursday. Italys education minister quits over lack of funds AFP, Rome Italian Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramonti of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said yesterday he had resigned because his ministry is underfunded. Fioramonti wrote on Facebook that he informed Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of his decision on Tuesday, saying he had taken up the portfolio to reverse... the trend that has for decades put Italian schools, higher education and research in conditions of great suffering. Little Christmas cheer amid French transport strike AFP, Paris Christmas Day brought no respite for travellers in France as a transport strike entered its fourth week, ruining the plans of thousands wanting to celebrate with loved ones. Many people scrambled at the last minute to make alternative arrangements as the protest against pension reform saw thousands of trains cancelled or delayedand taxis, ride-sharing services and car rental agencies unable to make up the shortfall.