IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Syria

Russian bombers strike IS targets

Six Tu-22M3 long-range bombers took off from Russia and struck Islamic State targets near the town of Albu Kamal in Syria's Deir al-Zour province, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. The warplanes flew over the territories of Iran and Iraq and destroyed strong points, groups of fighters and armored vehicles belonging to the terrorist group, it said in a statement.

Greece

Mourning as floods kill at least 14

The country declared a day of national mourning after floods on the outskirts of Athens left at least 14 dead on Wednesday, flipping over cars, smashing into homes and cutting off highway traffic. The flash floods turned roads into raging torrents of mud and debris inundated houses and businesses.

Israel

Netanyahu offers quake aid to Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered aid to victims of the deadly earthquake in Iran, insisting enmity between the two governments does not prevent humanitarian sympathy. The offer was made in a video conference. More than 500 people were killed and tens of thousands left homeless by the quake that struck on the Iran-Iraq border late on Sunday.

Brazil

Dead whale washes up on iconic beach

The decomposing body of a dead humpback whale surprised swimmers when it washed up on Rio de Janeiro's iconic Ipanema beach on Wednesday. Curious onlookers approached a cordon to take photographs of the humpback, whose 14-meter long carcass gave off a putrid stench as it lay exposed to the sun.

United States

New Earth-size world is found

Astronomers have discovered a close new world about the size of Earth, where a year lasts just under 10 days. At a distance of 11 light-years, Ross 128 b is the second-closest planet to be detected yet outside our solar system with surface temperatures potentially similar to ours. Ross 128 b is very near its star, hence the short orbit. But it doesn't get broiled because the red dwarf star is cool.

Xinhua-AP-AFP

(China Daily 11/17/2017 page11)