Briefly

IRAQ

3 dead, dozens wounded in protests

Iraqi security forces clashed with anti-government protesters on Sunday night and Monday morning in Baghdad, killing three and wounding dozens of demonstrators, officials said. Separately, three Katyusha rockets landed in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq's government and home to several foreign embassies, but caused no injuries or damage, two security officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The heavily fortified Green Zone has been frequently targeted by insurgents' mortar and rocket attacks. The roughly 10 square kilometer zone is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital. The clashes prompted authorities to close key streets and thoroughfares leading to the Iraqi capital's center.

SOUTH KOREA

Anti-piracy mission to be expanded

South Korea's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the military will expand the operational area of an anti-piracy naval unit, deployed in the Gulf of Aden, to the Persian Gulf including the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said in a statement that in consideration of the current situation in the Middle East, the government decided to "temporarily" broaden the Cheonghae Unit's operational area in order to guarantee the safety of South Korean people and the freedom of navigation of South Korean ships. The operational area of the unit, which has been on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, will be expanded to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. With the broadened operational area, the route that the unit patrols will be lengthened from the current 1,130 kilometers to about 4,000 km, according to the ministry. The unit will conduct independent operations, not joining a US-led coalition.

CANADA

Prince Harry rejoins wife for non-royal life

Britain's Prince Harry has arrived in Canada to begin a new life with his wife Meghan and son Archie after sparking a crisis in the Windsor family by unexpectedly announcing earlier this month that they would be stepping down from royal duties. Harry was shown arriving on Vancouver Island by Sky News, just days after striking a deal with Queen Elizabeth II and senior royals that will see him and his wife Meghan exit official roles to seek an independent future. Buckingham Palace and the queen said on Saturday that Harry and Meghan would no longer be working members of Britain's monarchy, no longer use their "Royal Highness" titles and would now pay their own way in life, freeing them to forge new careers in Canada and the United States.

Agencies - Xinhua