The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack Wednesday in Tunisia. Twenty-three people were killed when gunmen attacked Tunisia’s national museum. Most of the dead were foreigners.
The Islamic State’s claim appeared in an online service that carries messages from the group. The American-based SITE Intelligence Group said the message appeared to be real.
Earlier, Tunisian officials said they arrested nine people in connection with the attack. Security forces shot and killed two of the gunmen. Witnesses said the two had been shooting people outside the National Bardo Museum and capturing others as hostages.
Yemen's presidential palace attacked
An unidentified military airplane attacked the official home of Yemen’s president in the city of Aden on Thursday. The presidential palace was attacked after competing forces clashed at a nearby airport.
Security forces loyal to former Yemeni leader Ali Abdullah Saleh attacked the international airport in Aden early Thursday. The attack led to a battle with militia loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Many countries recognize him as Yemen’s leader.
The fighting forces the airport to close. Forces on both sides also clashed in other parts of the city.
In the capital, Sana’a, a reporter for VOA reported that the plane that attacked the presidential palace was flown from Sana’a. A presidential aide reportedly said Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is, in his words, “safe and secure.”
Israel and U.S. have 'no choice'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the United States and Israel are each other’s greatest allies. And, he says, they have no choice but to work together.
The Israeli leader says he has not spoken with U.S. President Barack Obama since the Israeli elections on Tuesday. But he said he expects they will be in contact soon.
Mr. Netanyahu’s Likud Party won 30 seats in Israel’s parliament – the most of any party. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called the Israeli leader on Wednesday to congratulate him on the victory.
China and Japan hold security talks
China and Japan have held high-level security talks for the first time in four years. Foreign ministry officials of both countries met Thursday in Tokyo. After the meeting, both sides expressed hope for continued improvement in relations.
For years, Chinese and Japanese officials had held talks, which also included defense officials. But the meetings were canceled in 2012 after Japan nationalized a group of islands claimed by both countries.
This newscast was based on stories from VOA’s News Division. George Grow wrote it for Learning English. James Tedder was the editor.
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Words in This Story
claim – n. saying something as a fact
airport – n. a place where airplanes take off and land
contact – n. the act of touching or being close to a person or thing; v. to meet or communicate with
security – n. freedom from danger or harm; protection; measures necessary to protect a person or place