Briefly

BRAZIL

World's oldest person dies at the age of 116

The world's oldest person, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, died on Wednesday at the age of 116, two longevity trackers said. The title now passes to Ethel Caterham, a resident of Surrey, England, who is 115 years old, according to the US Gerontology Research Group and the Longevi-Quest database. Born on June 8,1908, Canabarro became the world's oldest person following the death in January of Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, who was also aged 116.

SOUTH KOREA

Ex-leader indicted for abuse of power

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol was indicted on Thursday for abuse of power over his martial law declaration, prosecutors said, adding to the impeached ex-leader's legal jeopardy. The new indictment without detention comes as Yoon stands trial for orchestrating an insurrection with his Dec 3 martial law attempt, which sought to suspend civilian rule in South Korea. On the same day, acting President Han Duck-soo said he is resigning to take on "heavier responsibility" amid expectation he will run in next month's presidential election. Han has emerged as a potential conservative standard bearer, and South Korean media reported he will officially launch his presidential campaign on Friday.

UNITED STATES

Tesla board begins search for new CEO

Tesla board members reached out about a month ago to several executive search firms to find a successor to CEO Elon Musk, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the discussions. The current status of the board's push, which, according to the report, was sparked by Musk's heavy involvement with the US administration, could not be determined, WSJ said. Musk last week said he would cut back significantly on the time he devotes to the Donald Trump administration and spend more time running Tesla.

MIDDLE EAST

Israel strikes town near Damascus

Israel struck the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya southwest of Damascus on Wednesday, as Syrian forces regained control of the area following days of intense sectarian clashes. The strikes came after Israel had warned it would act to protect the Druze community in Syria, following widespread violence that has left dozens dead. Syrian forces, supported by allied paramilitary units, launched a large-scale operation to secure Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, conducting door-to-door searches for wanted individuals According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, the total number of people killed in the recent sectarian unrest has climbed to 42.

Agencies - Xinhua