Monday, February 3, 2020 - a podcast by TRT World

*) Four Turkish soldiers killed in Syria

We begin in Syria where regime shelling killed least four Turkish soldiers and wounded nine others in northern Idlib province.

The shelling took place despite Turkish positions being shared with the regime beforehand, the Turkish defence ministry said.

Meanwhile, regime air strikes killed at least 14 civilians on Sunday in Idlib province’s Sarmin and in Aleppo’s Atareb cities.

*) Coronavirus death toll jumps

The death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to at least 361 in China and the total number of people affected in China to 17,205.

There are now at least 157 cases reported in at least two dozen countries outside China.

A hospital dedicated to treating patients with the coronavirus is set to open in Wuhan today after ten days of construction.

*) Iraq protest death toll rises to 556

Anti-government protesters have rejected the nomination of Mohammad Allawi as caretaker prime minister.

Protesters slammed the former communication director’s appointment, saying Allawi is part of the system they want reformed.

Meanwhile, the death toll from violence against protesters since October has risen to 556, Iraq's Independent High Commission for Human Rights said.

*) Somalia declares locust emergency

Somalia has declared a national emergency over a locust infestation across the Horn of Africa.

The insects have been devastating food supplies in one of the poorest and most vulnerable regions in the world.

The declaration was made to focus efforts and raise funds to contain the swarms before harvests in April.

And finally,

*) Mendes wins big but BAFTA lacks diversity

Sam Mendes’ World War One film “1917” has dominated the British Film and Television Awards in London.

Renee Zelwegger won Best Actress for her titular role in biopic “Judy” and Joaquin Phoenix picked up Best Actor for his role in “Joker”.

There was some dismay at the lack of racial diversity among the acting nominations, as well as the all-male line up for Best Director.

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