WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, January 6, 2019.

Philippines floods

The death toll from the Philippines’ devastating landslides and floods has climbed to 126. Authorities have blamed the death toll on landslides caused by heavy rain. Rescue teams are trying to reach remote areas, but sticky mud and unstable soil are slowing them down. Massive flooding and landslides caused the disaster during Christmas holidays. More than 152,000 people have been displaced and 75 others have been injured. About 20 typhoons and storms batter the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people and leaving millions without home.

Iran-Russia naval drill

Iran and Russia are planning to hold a joint drill in the Caspian Sea as part of cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries. The commander of the Iranian navy says the drill will be staged in the near future and will include tactical, rescue and anti-piracy exercises. Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi says such joint drills will boost strategic cooperation between Iran and Russia in the Caspian Sea. He also reiterated Iran’s opposition to the military presence of any country from outside the region in the body of water. Khanzadi says all Caspian Sea littoral countries have the same approach in this regard. Iran and Russia have held several naval drills in the Caspian Sea, including in 2015 and 2017.

US Syria pullout

The White House national security advisor says the withdrawal of US troops from Syria depends on guarantees from Turkey on a number of issues. John Bolton said Ankara should give assurance to avoid military action in Syria unless fully coordinated with the US. Bolton added that Turkey should also avoid killing Kurds in Syria and ensure a deal to protect the safety of the ethnic group. The senior official emphasized that Washington will protect American forces during the withdrawal period. Bolton made the remarks in Israel, during a regional tour which includes a visit to Turkey as well. President Donald Trump said in December that the US will pull out all its troops from Syria without setting a specific timeline.

Brexit row

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has warned the parliament against rejecting the proposed Brexit deal with the European Union. May said she will set out new measures in the coming days on Northern Ireland, and give lawmakers more say in shaping negotiations over future trade relations. She also noted that the Brexit vote in parliament will take place around January 15. May delayed the vote in December, when it became clear that the agreement would be rejected. May's party is divided over its support for the deal, with many fearing that an insurance policy designed to avoid the re-emergence of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland could leave Britain subject to the EU rules indefinitely.

Sudan protest

Sudan’s police fire tear gas at anti-government protesters in Khartoum, ahead of a planned march on the presidential palace. Witnesses say the riot police quickly dispersed the crowd and banned all forms of gatherings in public places in the capital. The protestors are calling on President Omar al-Bashir to step down. Similar protests were also reported in the cities of Madani and Atbara. Sunday’s rallies are the latest in a series of protests against the government’s decision to raise the price of bread. Authorities say 19 people have been killed so far in the demonstrations. The rights groups, however, put the death toll at 37.

US border wall

The US president has reiterated his stance on the necessity of receiving funding for a border wall with Mexico to end a partial government shutdown that has left thousands of employees in a limbo. Trump added that government employees who are affected by the current impasse will need to adjust. He also hinted at the possibility of announcing a national emergency, pending the result of the ongoing negotiations with the congress. The US president said the shutdown could end immediately or last for a long time, depending on the democrats’ position. The partial government shutdown has now entered its 16th day. It was triggered by Trump's demand for 5.6 billion dollars in funding for the border wall. The Democrats have pledged to exclude wall funding in any legislation.

Israel airstrikes

Israel has launched fresh airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. An Israeli jet and a chopper bombarded two targets near the city of Khan Yunis and Gaza City. No casualties have been reported yet. The attack came after Tel Aviv claimed that a cluster of balloons carrying a small explosive device launched from Gaza landed in a nearby Israeli community. Israel bombards Gaza from time to time, claiming the assaults are in response to the resistance groups’ rocket attacks.

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