IS kills US-backed fighters in showdown

DAMASCUS - At least 70 fighters with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been killed and 100 others wounded over the past 24 hours as a result of a counteroffensive by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria, a war monitor reported on Saturday.

Apple, Samsung fined for 'planned obsolescence'

ROME - Two of the world's largest smartphone makers, Apple and Samsung, were fined a total of 15 million euros ($17 million) this week in part for taking what are seen as illegal steps to force customers to buy new replacement phones sooner than they would have.

Mattis: Saudis promise full probe of killing

PRAGUE - Saudi Arabia has promised a "full" investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Bahrain.

China, Israel vow more cooperation

JERUSALEM - Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan wrapped up a fruitful visit to Israel on Thursday with a reaffirmed commitment from both sides to further boost bilateral innovation cooperation for mutual benefits.

ROK set to conduct military exercises amid stalled drills with US

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea will stage two military drills next week amid a thaw in relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which have prompted Seoul and Washington to suspend joint exercises to spur nuclear talks.

Investigators search for sender of package bombs to Trump critics

WASHINGTON - Investigators have been searching across the United States for the culprit and motives behind the bizarre mail-bomb plot aimed at critics of the president, analyzing the crude devices to reveal whether they were intended to detonate or simply sow fear less than two weeks before midterm elections in the US.

UK nuke sector objective on CGN

Former British environment minister Tim Yeo said he expects Chinese investment in the United Kingdom's nuclear sector not to be deterred by pressure from the United States, stressing that British nuclear regulators will take an "evidence-based approach" to objectively assess Chinese investment.

IN BRIEF (Page 9)

EU backs plastics ban for 2021

STRASBOURG, France - The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday for an EU-wide ban on single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds and balloon sticks.

Nepal measuring world's tallest peak

KATHMANDU - A team from Nepal has restarted its first measurement of Mount Qomolangma, also known is the West as Mount Everest, the Nepali Department of Survey said.

Migrant caravan continues exodus

MAPASTEPEC, Mexico-Thousands of Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States in a caravan have resumed their long trek, walking about 12 hours to their next destination.

Comic strip heroes make European museum debut in London

Original artwork by legendary US cartoonist Charles M. Schulz is making its European museum debut at London's Somerset House gallery in the new exhibition "Good Grief, Charlie Brown! Celebrating Snoopy and the Enduring Power of Peanuts".