Taiwanese Defies China's Warnings, Votes Coal Miner’s Son To Power

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party pulled off a historic third consecutive presidential victory at the polls on Saturday, as 40% of voters favored Lai Ching-te whose father was a coal miner to lead the country to a forseeable future. In the build-up to the elections, China warned Taiwan’s voters that their re-election would increase the risk of a conflict.

Twin Blasts Kill 84 Persons Near Slain Iranian Commander’s Grave

At least 84 people have been killed when two bombs went off near the tomb of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qasem Soleimani in the Iranian City of Kerman on the fourth anniversary of his assassination by the US, Iran's state media report. Scores of others were reportedly injured when the blasts hit a procession near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the city of Kerman. The number of dead had initially been reported as 103, but Iran's health minister said some names were accidentally registered twice.

Angola Renounces OPEC

Angola has announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective immediately.

Senior Hezbollah Commander Killed In Alleged Israeli Strike

A senior Hezbollah commander has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, according to a Lebanese security official. The Lebanese group made public a series of photographs of Wissam al-Tawil also known as 'Jawad', showing him with top Hezbollah commanders who were killed before him and senior officials, including the group's chief Hassan Nasrallah. Reports suggest that a car Tawil was in was targeted in the Khirbet Selm area, before veering off the road and catching fire. Middle East correspondent for Sky News, Alistair Bunkall, said the commander belonged to the Radwan force - and the strike comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Israel for talks to prevent a wider war.

Five Dead After Japan Plane Collision At Tokyo Airport

About 379 passengers have been evacuated from a Japan Airlines plane after it burst into flames at Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda. The aircraft was reportedly involved in a collision with another plane after landing on Tuesday, according to local news reports. NHK TV reported that all 379 passengers on board the Japan Airlines (JAL) plane got out safely. The Coast Guard said the collision involved one of its planes that was headed to Niigata airport on Japan's west coast to deliver aid to those caught up in a powerful earthquake that struck on New Year's Day, killing at least 48 people.

Iran Hangs Child Bride Accused Of Murder

An Iranian woman who was forced into marriage as a child and being held in prison for murdering her abusive husband was executed on Wednesday despite calls from human rights groups for leniency. Samira Sabzian was hanged in Ghezelhesar Prison, according to the Norwegian-based group, Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). IHRNGO Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said Sabzian was a victim of "gender apartheid, child marriage, and domestic violence." "Today she fell victim to the incompetent and corrupt regime’s killing machine. A regime that has sustained itself solely through killing and instilling fear," Amiry-Moghaddam said in a statement. "Ali Khamenei and other leaders of the Islamic Republic must be held accountable for this crime."