US deploys Patriot missiles in S Korea
AP, Seoul
The United States temporarily deployed an additional Patriot missile battery in South Korea in response to North Korea’s nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch, ahead of talks next week to set up an even more sophisticated U.S. missile defense in a move that has worried China and Russia.
The new tough stance follows South Korea’s decision to shut down an inter-Korean factory park that had been the rival Koreas’ last major symbol of cooperation, but that Seoul said had been used by North Korea to fund its nuclear and missile programs.
Australian PM reshuffles cabinet
AP, Sidney
Australia’s prime minister today announced a Cabinet reshuffle after three ministers resigned over scandals and two announced that they will retire at elections due within months.
It is the second major reshuffle for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull since he came to power in September. It introduced six new ministers among 42 who must prove themselves ahead of elections due around September.
2 Indian soldiers among 6 killed in Kashmir fighting
AP, Srinagar
Four suspected rebels and two soldiers were killed in a fierce gunbattle Saturday in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, an army official said. Police and soldiers cordoned off a village in northern Kupwara region after they got a tip that militants were hiding in the area, said army spokesman Col. Nitin Joshi.
Taiwan quake death toll rises to 114
Reuters, Taipei
The death toll at a building that collapsed from a strong earthquake in southern Taiwan reached 114 as rescue efforts came to an end on Saturday, a week after the temblor hit.
“The search and rescue has come to an end,” said Tainan Mayor William Lai, in remarks carried live on local television, identifying the last individual to be pulled out from the rubble as Hsieh Chen-yu, who was part of the fallen building’s management committee.
