Briefly

UNITED KINGDOM

Full departure from EU taking effect

Brexit was due to become a reality on Thursday as the United Kingdom leaves Europe's customs union and single market, ending nearly half a century of often turbulent ties with its closest neighbors. The UK's tortuous departure from the European Union was taking full effect when Big Ben strikes 11 pm local time in central London, just as most of the European mainland ushered in 2021 at midnight. Brexit has dominated British politics since the country's narrow vote to leave the bloc in June 2016, opening deep political and social wounds that still remain raw. Legally, Britain left on Jan 31 but has been in a standstill transition period during fractious talks to a secure a free-trade agreement with Brussels, which was finally clinched on Christmas Eve. Britain, a major NATO power, is the first member state to leave the EU.

YEMEN

Cabinet scare as airport blasts kill 26

At least 26 people were killed when explosions rocked Yemen's Aden airport moments after a new unity government flew in, in what some officials branded as a "cowardly" attack by rebels. Although all cabinet ministers were reported to be unharmed in Wednesday's attack, more than 110 people were wounded, government sources said in the southern city, with the casualty toll feared likely to rise. The International Committee of the Red Cross said one of its employees was among those confirmed dead, with another three wounded. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "condemns the deplorable attack", a spokesman said, adding that the world body was committed to finding a negotiated settlement to the Yemen civil conflict.

Agencies - Xinhua