Tens of thousands of Yemenis have demonstrated inthe capital Sana against recent airstrikes by theSaudi-led coalition. The protesters are also showingsupport for new governing council declared by ShiiteHouthi rebels who seized Sana last year. Eyewitnesses said many demonstrators fled in panicwhen the coalition carried out bombing raids on a mountain overlooking the presidential palace.
The president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach has said the Rio Gameshave epitomized the spirit of the event. The Olympics, which end on Sunday, have beenblighted by logistical troubles, empty seats and a lack of money. But Mr. Bach said theBrazilians had been great hosts.
The Turkish Prime Minister has outlined plans for his country to play a more active role in thesearch for a resolution to the war in Syria. Binali Yildirim said it was vital that its neighbor didnot split along ethnic lines. Analysts say Ankara is concerned about Kurdish ambitions in theregion affecting southeast Turkey.Officials in Afghanistan say government forces have recaptured a strategic district in thenortheastern province of Kunduz from the Taliban. Earlier troops had been forced to retreat tothe provincial capital when insurgents took control of Khan Abad district. Pyongyang has accused a high-ranking North Korean diplomat who recently defected to SouthKorea of a variety of crimes. North Korean media said the deputy ambassador to London ThaeYong Ho had been under investigation for embezzlement and selling state secrets. It describedhim as human scum.
The United States has expressed concern about prison sentences given to 20 people inMauritania, 13 of whom are anti-slavery activists. The state department said it was dismayed byaccusations that some had been subjected to abuse and torture and called for immediateinvestigation. They were arrested following riots in the capital in June.
