News in Brief (2024-02-07)

Thailand confident aid effort will
lead to Myanmar crisis talks
BANGKOK, Feb 05: A new Thailand-led humanitarian initiative aims to pave the way for talks between warring camps in military-ruled Myanmar, a senior Thai official said, three years after a coup triggered instability and a wave of violence across the country. Thailand plans to establish a humanitarian safe zone later this month at its border with Myanmar, near the Mae Sot-Myawaddy crossing, to deliver food and medical supplies to local communities and 20,000 people displaced by fighting, said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand's vice foreign minister. — Reuters
Haley seeks Secret Service protection
NEW YORK, Feb 06: Nikki Haley, the last remaining serious challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, has formally requested Secret Service protection. The White House hopeful told the Wall Street Journal additional security was needed because of "multiple issues". "It's not going to stop me from doing what I need to do," she told the paper. Ms Haley, who trails in opinion polls to Mr Trump, has been urged by the ex-president to exit the race and unify the party against Democrat Joe Biden. — BBC
UK-owned ship damaged in attack off Yemen
DUBAI, Feb 06: A British-owned cargo ship was damaged in a drone attack off rebel-held Yemen, a maritime security firm said on Tuesday, the latest in dozens of incidents in the Red Sea. The Barbados-flagged ship "reportedly incurred minor damage on the port side", British firm Ambrey said, adding that there were no injuries. -- AFP
11 perish in India firework factory blast
NEW DELHI, Feb 06: At least 11 people died and 75 were injured Tuesday in a giant explosion at a firework factory in India, officials said. Video images on Indian broadcasters showed a tower of flame reaching high into the sky after the explosion at the firecracker plant, with hospital officials reporting seven dead, dozens of ambulances sent and army helicopters called in to evacuate the wounded. — AFP