International news in brief

Paris attacks kill over one hundred

PARIS — Eight attackers killed 132 people and wounded 352 (with 99 in critical condition) on Friday. Attacks targeted the Stade de France, Bataclan, and restaurant districts.French president Francois Hollande stated the attacks were a declaration of war by the Islamic State. The nation of France commemorates those lost with three days of mourning.

Source: The Telegraph

Suicide bombers attack Beirut

BEIRUT — Two suicide bombers on motorcycles attacked a principally Shia area of southern Beirut on Friday, killing 43 and wounding more than 200. The attack was carried out by Soldiers of the Caliphate, an Algerian militant group with ties to the Islamic State. The attack occurred as Hezbollah began to increase its involvement against ISIS in the conflict in Syria.

Source: Al Jazeera

U.S. locked out of plane investigation

WASHINGTON — Egypt and Russia have both prevented further U.S. officials’ involvement in investigations regarding the Russian plane crash just over a week ago. The U.K. claims with almost complete certainty that the plane was felled by a bomb on board, but Russia and Egypt continue official investigations.

Source: Business Insider

North Korea missile launch

PYONGYANG — Officials speculate that North Korea is preparing for a missile test, as the government has ordered an international no-sail zone off its east coast. South Korean and Western officials are uncertain of the device’s magnitude. The area within the no-sail zone is large enough to protect against a large ballistic missile.

Source: Reuters

Relatives of Maduro arrested

NEW YORK — Two relatives of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro were arrested on drug charges in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday. The two were transported to New York City, where they await trial by a federal judge. Maduro claims these arrests are a conspiracy by the U.S. government to attack his family.

IMF looks to give Yuan reserve status

WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund has suggested that the Chinese Yuan be recognized as a reserve currency. This would put the Yuan on the same level as the U.S. Dollar, Euro, Pound, and Yen.

Source: Bloomberg