Reuters World News Summary

Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

Russia holds talks with Armenia on easing Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions

The Russian foreign ministry said late on Tuesday that it held talks with Armenian counterparts on the need to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with Armenia's two deputy foreign ministers and urged them to intensify efforts to normalise the situation in the region.

Israel begins Independence Day celebrations marred by protests

Israel kicked off annual Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday evening though tens of thousands of people decided instead to again protest at divisive plans by the government to push through restrictions on the judiciary. As dignitaries and honoured guests held the annual torch lighting ceremony in Jerusalem, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv waving blue and white Israeli flags that have become a symbol of the weekly protests against the judicial overhaul plans, now entering their 16th week.

Battle in Sudan's capital risks awakening war in Darfur

Darfur inhabitants fear battles between Sudan's rival military leaders could reawaken war in the vast and largely desert region already scarred by a two-decade-old conflict. The Darfur conflict originated around 2003-2004, pitting rebels against government forces backed by horse-riding militia known as "Janjaweed" in violence that killed some 300,000 people and uprooted millions from their homes.

Kabul airport attack 'mastermind' killed by Taliban - U.S. officials

The Taliban have killed an Islamic State militant who was the "mastermind" behind a suicide attack at Kabul's international airport in 2021 that killed 13 U.S. troops and scores of civilians during the United States' chaotic evacuation from the country, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. The bombing occurred on Aug. 26, 2021, as U.S. troops were trying to help Americans and Afghans flee in the chaotic aftermath of the Taliban's takeover, and compounded America's sense of defeat after 20 years of war.

Mexican migration chief accused of unlawful practice after deadly fire

Mexican prosecutors on Tuesday formally accused Mexico's top migration official with unlawful practice in public office, a criminal offense, over a fire at a government detention center that killed 40 migrants, according to Mexican media. Francisco Garduno, head of the National Migration Institute (INM), is the highest-ranking official to be formally accused in the case, which also led to the arrests of several other INM officials on homicide charges.

Biden, 80, makes 2024 presidential run official as Trump fight looms

President Joe Biden launched his re-election bid on Tuesday with a promise to protect American liberties from "extremists" linked to former President Donald Trump, who he beat in 2020 and might face again in 2024. Biden made his announcement in a video released by his new campaign team that opens with imagery from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump's supporters.

Trump rape accuser's case not a 'he said, she said,' lawyer says as trial starts

E. Jean Carroll's accusation that Donald Trump raped her was not a "he said, she said" dispute, a lawyer representing the writer told jurors on Tuesday as a civil trial over the former U.S. president's conduct nearly three decades ago got under way.

Shawn Crowley, who represents the former Elle magazine advice columnist, said in her opening statement that Trump "slammed Ms. Carroll against the wall" and "pressed his lips to hers," an account other witnesses were prepared to verify.

Ukraine plans for 'complete transformation' of six war-hit towns

Ukraine will seek the "complete transformation" of six towns that have been badly damaged in Russia's full-scale invasion under a reconstruction programme announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Tuesday. Kyiv's Western partners are preparing to pour billions of dollars into Ukraine to support reconstruction efforts after 14 months of war.

Sweden launches research rocket, accidentally hits Norway

A research rocket launched by Sweden Space Corp (SSC) early on Monday from Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden malfunctioned and landed 15 km (9.32 miles) inside neighbouring Norway. The rocket reached an altitude of 250 kilometers (155.34 miles) where experiments were carried out in zero gravity, the agency said in a statement.

Sudan fighting resurges as UN envoy says ceasefire partly holding

Fighting flared anew in Sudan late on Tuesday despite a ceasefire declaration by the warring factions, as a U.N. envoy said the truce was partially holding even though there was no sign that the two sides were ready for serious talks. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire beginning on Tuesday after negotiations mediated by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)