AFP, Brussels
The EU is to propose a new common defence fund on Wednesday to help Europe stand alone as a global military power, an ambition seen as more urgent due to strained ties with the US.
The proposal from the European Commission comes at the demand of EU leaders who have focused on security and defence to provide a new sense of purpose after the Brexit vote last year shook Europe.
Germany to pull troops from Turkish base
AP, Berlin
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet has decided to pull German troops and reconnaissance aircraft out of Turkey’s Incirlik air base after Turkish officials refused to let members of parliament visit those stationed there.
The decision Wednesday announced by Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen comes after a lengthy impasse over the visits and ongoing friction between Berlin and Ankara. They’ve involved a multitude of other issues, including the arrest of German journalists in Turkey and Germany’s decision to grant asylum to soldiers and others who Turkey alleges were involved in last year’s failed coup.
Retired Navy commander pleads guilty to fraud
AP, Honolulu
A retired U.S. Navy commander in Hawaii charged in a growing corruption scandal pleaded guilty Tuesday to lying about his relationship with a Malaysian defense contractor known by the nickname “Fat Leonard.”
As part of a deal with federal prosecutors, David Kapaun entered the plea to a count of fraud and false statements in federal court in Honolulu involving his relationship with Leonard Francis, who prosecutors describe as “the center of a colossal bribery and fraud scandal.”
4 killed in prison uprising in Mexico
AP, Ciudad Victoria
At least four people including three police officers were killed Tuesday in an hours-long prison shootout involving inmates and security forces in a northern Mexican border state, authorities said.
Loud, sustained bursts of gunfire could be heard from just outside the gates of the lockup in Ciudad Victoria, the capital of Tamaulipas state. Heavily armed security forces stood guard.
London police arrest another attack suspect
AP, London
London police early Wednesday arrested a 30-year-old man in east London in connection to the lethal attack on London Bridge and are searching his home.
Two men are now in custody on suspicion of violating the Terrorism Act. They have not been identified or charged. All others who had been arrested have been released without facing charges.
Police detain Amnesty’s Turkey chief
AP, Ankara
Amnesty International’s chairman in Turkey has been detained as part of a crackdown against people suspected of links to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of orchestrating last year’s failed coup.
