IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Russia

Kinzhal missile test launch 'successful'

A fighter jet carried out a training and combat launch of the hypersonic missile of Kinzhal, and the missile hit the target, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on Sunday. The firing was conducted by "a MiG-31 fighter crew of the Russian Aerospace Forces" in a predetermined area, said the ministry, adding that the test went smoothly. The Kinzhal system is designed to hit land and sea targets at a range of more than 2,000 km without ever entering the enemy's air defense zone, media said.

Afghanistan

Taliban claim attack on security forces

An official said at least 15 security forces have been killed in an attack by Taliban fighters in western Farah province. The head of the provincial council said on Saturday that seven army commandos and eight police are among those 15 killed in Bala Buluk district. He also said three other security forces are missing and more than 30 insurgents were killed in the battle. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujhaid claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rwanda

Lightning strike on church kills 16

At least 16 people were killed and dozens more injured after lightning struck a Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rwanda, a local official said on Sunday. Fourteen victims were killed on the spot as lightning hit the church in the Nyaruguru district in the Southern province on Saturday, and two others died later from their injuries, the official said.

Palestine

Israel investigating deadly clash

A Palestinian was shot and killed on Saturday in what began as a clash between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. Officials said a 19-year-old was killed and a second person was wounded, but it was unclear whether they were shot by Israeli soldiers or settlers. The incident, Israeli military said, would be reviewed.

India

Countries work for nuclear plant deal

India and France pledged on Saturday to work together to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean and signed an agreement to expedite construction of a major nuclear power plant in India by a French company. After talks with French President in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted a solar alliance and cooperation between the two countries in defense, security, technology, space and counterterrorism.

United States

Nun involved in Perry case dies

A nun who was involved in a lawsuit with pop star Katy Perry over the sale of a convent in Los Angeles died on Friday after collapsing during a court appearance. Sister Catherine Rose Holzman, 89, had served the church "with dedication and love for many years," Archbishop Jose Gomez said in a statement. Hours before her death, Holzman spoke to KTTV, decrying a judge's ruling that cleared the way for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to sell the convent to Perry.

(China Daily 03/12/2018 page12)