7 'hot' world events yesterday

(Baonghean.vn) - Mr. Mnangagwa was sworn in as president of Zimbabwe; Bombing and machine gun fire in Egypt, at least 184 people died; Russia successfully tested an "steel shield" against ballistic missiles;... are the outstanding international news of the past day.

1. New President of Zimbabwe takes oath of office

Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa (left) took office as President. Photo: AFP

On November 24, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe in front of the country's Minister of Justice, foreign diplomatic representatives and tens of thousands of supporters. This event marked the end of President Robert Mugabe's 37 years in power.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the national stadium on the outskirts of the capital Harare, Mr. Mnangagwa pledged allegiance to Zimbabwe, to obey, preserve and protect the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe.

Mr Mnangagwa will serve out the remainder of Mr Mugabe's term until presidential elections, expected to be held in 2018.

2. Bombing and machine gun fire in Egypt, at least 235 people dead

Scene of the bombing. Photo: Twitter

The Jerusalem Post news agency quoted Egyptian officials as saying that the attack occurred at Al Rawdah mosque, in Bir al-Abed, west of Arish city, Sinai peninsula.

According to defense officials, the attackers first bombed the church and then machine-gunned worshipers inside. Witnesses said the gunmen were traveling in four all-terrain vehicles.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the attack killed at least 235 people and injured about 130. The death toll is expected to rise. Images broadcast on Egyptian state television showed victims lying on the ground and covered with blankets inside the church.

3. Russia successfully tested an "steel shield" against ballistic missiles.

Russian 53T6 interceptor missile. Photo: Rbase

The Russian Air Force on November 24 successfully test-fired a modern ballistic missile interceptor at the Sary Shagan test range in the steppe of Kazakhstan. This is an activity within the framework of testing an improved defense system made by Russia.

Although the Russian Defense Ministry's announcement did not disclose the type of missile that was test-fired, the agency still released a video recording the scene of a Russian military truck carrying the missile to be installed in the silo.

Russia is one of the few military powers that has successfully developed a full ballistic missile defense system called A-135. The main component of the system is the 53T6 defense missile. This missile is said to be the element that protects the space around the capital Moscow.

Interceptor missiles and early warning radars are also designed to monitor outer space, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The Russian Air Force currently operates this system.

4. Sharing vacant seats in the Cambodian National Assembly after the dissolution of the National Rescue Party

Secretary General of the Cambodian National Assembly Leng Peng Long. Photo: APA.

On the morning of November 24, the Standing Committee of the Cambodian National Assembly approved the results of dividing the vacant seats from the National Election Committee after the National Rescue Party was dissolved.

The Cambodian National Assembly has 123 seats, after the dissolution of the National Rescue Party left 55 vacant seats.

The National Election Committee divided the remaining 11 vacant seats between the Khmer Het Poverty Party and the Alliance for Democracy Party, but these two parties did not accept them. The National Election Committee will continue to divide the above seats in the coming time.

Mr. Leng Peng Long, Secretary General of the National Assembly, said that on November 27, the Cambodian National Assembly will hold a plenary session to consider and approve the seat allocation results. After approval, the new parliamentarians will go to the Royal Palace to take the oath of office./.

5. South Korea approves draft to choose 'comfort women' memorial day

A "comfort woman" statue is erected outside the Japanese Consulate in Busan, South Korea. (Source: AFP/TTXVN)

On November 24, the South Korean National Assembly passed a bill to designate August 14 as a day to commemorate "comfort women" - those forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II.

During a plenary session, the South Korean National Assembly passed a law amendment to better support Korean women who were forced to provide sexual services to Japanese soldiers during the 1910-1945 period and to remember their suffering.

The amended law requires the government to listen to victims' opinions before making policies related to their rights.

August 14, 1991 was the day Kim Hak-sun, a "comfort woman", first appeared in public to speak out about the suffering endured by sex slaves on the Korean Peninsula during the war.

6.Shooting at London Underground station

Crowds on Oxford Street (London) ran away in chaos after reportedly hearing gunshots. Photo: BBC.

On November 24, a shooting occurred at Oxford Circus subway station located in the heart of the shopping area of ​​London, England.

Police were at the scene after a man was reported to have opened fire.

London police said they were dealing with a "terror-related incident." Police warned people on Oxford Street to seek shelter in buildings.

The area around Oxford Circus underground station is currently sealed off and hundreds of people have been evacuated./.

7. US - South Korea prepare for large-scale military exercises in early December

Image of US-South Korean air force aircraft during previous exercises. (Illustration photo: wetinhappen.com.ng)

The South Korean and US air forces are scheduled to hold a joint exercise early next month, the South Korean Defense Ministry said on November 24.

According to Reuters, the two countries' air forces will deploy six Raptor F-22 stealth fighters in the exercise.

The joint exercise, dubbed “Vigilant Ace”, is scheduled to be held from December 4 to 8, a Defense Ministry official told Reuters.

Vigilant Ace is a bilateral training event held regularly between the US and South Korea to simulate wartime defense measures, enhance combat capabilities and interoperability between the two forces. About 12,000 US troops will participate along with Seoul's military and 230 aircraft operating from eight US and South Korean military bases.

The joint US-South Korea military exercise took place amid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and constant "back and forth words" between Washington and Pyongyang.

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