Briefly

TUNISIA

Saied names interior minister amid chaos

Tunisia's President Kais Saied on Thursday appointed a former national security adviser as interior minister, days after grabbing power in what his opponents labeled a coup. The new appointee, Ridha Gharsallaoui, is specialized in the areas of intelligence, antiterrorism and logistical support, local media reported. On July 25, Saied removed Hichem Mechichi from the posts of prime minister and acting interior minister, and suspended all activities of the Assembly of People's Representatives, or the parliament. Tunisians are waiting for the appointment of a new prime minister and the announcement of a road map to emerge from the crisis.

UNITED KINGDOM

Israeli ship 'targeted in attack off Oman'

An Israeli-owned merchant ship reportedly came under attack off Oman in the Arabian Sea, the British military said on Friday, offering few other details about the incident. Israeli officials did not immediately acknowledge the incident, but it comes amid heightened tensions between it and Iran as negotiations remain stalled over Teheran's nuclear deal with world powers. Other Israeli ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic republic for the assaults. Iran denies any involvement.

NIGER

19 villagers die in raid near border with Mali

A fresh attack in western Niger near the border with volatile Mali has left 19 civilians dead, the government said on Thursday. The attack took place on Wednesday in the village of Deye Koukou in the Banibangou area, where 14 civilians were killed on Sunday, it said. Three others were wounded and one was missing. The region has in recent years seen a growing number of deadly attacks against the country's armed forces and civilian populations. This year, more than 300 civilians have been massacred in this area, official statistics show.

MIDDLE EAST

Palestinians condemn West Bank killings

Palestine condemned the killing of two Palestinians, including a child, by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. The statement referred to the deaths of a 41-year-old, near the village of Beita in the northern West Bank on Tuesday, and an 11-year-old boy, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

New lab briefly knocks ISS out of position

A newly arrived Russian science lab briefly knocked the International Space Station out of position on Thursday when it accidentally fired its thrusters. For 47 minutes, the ISS lost control of its orientation when the firing occurred a few hours after docking, pushing the orbiting complex from its normal configuration. Flight controllers regained control using thrusters on other Russian components at the station to right the ship, and it is now stable and safe, NASA said.

Agencies - Xinhua