IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Iraq

US troops start to draw down

US troops have started to draw down from Iraq following Baghdad's declaration of victory over the Islamic State group last year, according to Western contractors at a US-led coalition base in Iraq. Dozens of US soldiers have been transported from Iraq to Afghanistan on daily flights over the past week, along with weapons and equipment, the contractors said. Two Iraqi officials said the US-led coalition and the Iraqi government had reached a deal to draw down troops in Iraq for the first time since the war against IS was launched over three years ago.

Belgium

Paris attacks suspect on trial

The only surviving member of the Islamic State cell that attacked Paris in November 2015 refused to rise for a Belgian court on Monday during his first appearance in public since his arrest nearly two years ago. Abdeslam arrived in the Belgian capital on Monday morning after being transferred from a prison in France. Security was high at the Brussels courthouse, with armed guards and multiple checkpoints leading to the courtroom.

Japan

Bananas invented with edible peel

Japan's D&T farm has recently provided the market with a new kind of banana, whose peel is said to be as tasty as its innards. Called "the mangee", the banana is produced using a technique called "freeze thaw awakening". The mongee banana is currently available in only one regional Japanese outlet, with each banana going for around $6.

(China Daily 02/06/2018 page11)