World last 7 days - featured news

(Baonghean.vn) - North Korea launches an unprecedentedly powerful missile; Legendary Soviet female pilot passes away; French President visits Africa; Mount Agung in Indonesia erupts again;... are the outstanding international news of the past week.

1. North Korea launches unprecedentedly powerful missile

Image of the Hwasong-15 ICBM launch released by North Korean media. Photo: AP

Early in the morning of November 29, North Korea unexpectedly tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) called Hwasong-15. KCNA news agency announced that this ICBM is much more powerful than previously tested long-range weapons, capable of “carrying a super-large nuclear warhead and capable of striking the entire US mainland.”

According to KCNA, after observing the missile launch, leader Kim Jong-un proudly declared that the country "has finally realized the great historic mission of completing the state nuclear force." North Korea also called itself a responsible nuclear power, emphasizing that the strategic weapons were developed only to "defend against the US policy."

2. Legendary Soviet female pilot passes away

Marina Popovich, nicknamed "MiG Lady". Photo: RT.

Marina Popovich, the legendary Soviet female test pilot nicknamed "MiG lady", has died at the age of 86.

Ms. Popovich died on November 30 in the Mostovsky district of the Krasnodar region and her body was taken to the capital Moscow by a military plane, according toTass.

During her career, test pilot first class Popovich tested more than 40 types of aircraft and helicopters. She was the first female pilot in the world to break the sound barrier in a MiG-21 fighter jet at a speed of 2,320 km/h. She set 102 world records, including 10 records in the Antonov An-22.

Mrs. Popovich is a Soviet sports grandmaster, doctor of technical sciences, professor, member of the Russian Writers' Union. She has been awarded many orders and medals for her achievements.

3. French President visits Africa

French President Macron. Photo: AFP

On November 27, French President Emmanuel Macron began a tour of Africa to three countries: Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Emmanuel Macron’s first long trip to Africa after just six months in office is a reaffirmation of France’s special interest in Africa, but also an opportunity for France to renew the nature of its relationship with the continent. One of the main topics that Macron will address in Africa is the challenges facing African youth.

In fact, this is one of the biggest challenges not only for African countries but also for Europe, of which France is a key member.

4. Mount Agung in Indonesia erupts again

Mount Agung erupts in Karangasem, Bali Island (Indonesia) on November 28.

On November 28, Mount Agung in Bali, Indonesia erupted 4 km high, trapping dozens of tourists. The Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia also said that at least 40 Vietnamese people from 11 groups had contacted the embassy seeking help.

Volcanologist Janine Krippner said that in the past two months, Mount Agung has shown many signs of geological activity. This is the result of increased cracking of the rocks inside the volcano, due to lava moving from deep inside the earth to the top of the mountain.

In the past week alone, thick clouds of steam and ash, as well as lava, have been spotted on the surface of the crater, alongside rivers of mud flowing down the valleys.

5. The British Royal Family officially announced the wedding of Prince Harry

Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle at Kensington Palace, London, November 27. Photo: AP

The British Royal Family announced on November 27 that Prince Harry will marry his girlfriend, American actress Meghan Markle, early next year.

According to the announcement, Prince Harry and Meghan got engaged in early November in London. Prince Harry also informed Queen Elizabeth II, close members of the royal family and asked for Meghan's parents' blessing.

Prince Harry and Meghan later appeared at Kensington Palace for a photo shoot. The couple will live at Nottingham House in the palace, which is also home to Prince William, Duchess Kate and their two children.

6. Hot investigation into Russian interference in US election: Mr. Flynn admits to lying

Former General Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor to President Trump. Photo: NBC.

Just hours after the Office of the Special Counsel charged former US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn with lying to the FBI about his ties to Russia, Mr. Flynn admitted to lying to the FBI. Analysts said that Mr. Flynn's admission of guilt will further complicate the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

Mr. Flynn said his decision to plead guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and cooperate in the investigation into President Donald Trump's ties to Russia was "made in the best interests of his family and the country."

“I acknowledge that the actions I have taken in court were wrong and I am working to make things right. My admission and commitment to the Special Counsel reflect my decision to do what is best for my family and the United States. I take full responsibility for my actions.”

7. Chinese and Russian security forces conduct anti-terrorism drills

Russian police tighten security. EPA/TTXVN

On December 2, Chinese armed police and Russian state security forces began a joint anti-terrorism exercise in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Autonomous Region, northwest China.

Xinhua News Agency quoted an official from the Chinese armed police as saying that the exercise, which will take place from December 2-13, aims to strengthen friendly cooperation and improve the quality of practical exchanges.

The exercise also aims to improve the participants’ ability to conduct joint counter-terrorism missions and respond to terrorist threats. The official said the exercise is not aimed at any third party.

The exercise involved a total of 64 armed forces members and was conducted at multiple locations in Ningxia.

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