U.S., S. Korea, Japan boost military ties in response to N. Korea threat

The top military officers from the United States, South Korea and Japan said they agreed at a meeting on Wednesday to step up information-sharing and coordination of security efforts in light of increasing North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

The three chiefs of defence issued a joint statement calling

North Korea's fourth nuclear test and long range missile launch as direct violations of U.N. resolutions and "serious provocations against the international community."

They said they agreed to firmly respond to Pyongyang actions through "trilateral information sharing" and "to coordinate further on mutual security issues to enhance peace and stability in the region."

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NATO Pledge To Hit Islamic State 'Harder'

Plans are being drawn up for possible airstrikes against IS in Libya

Washington, London and Paris plan to intensify action against the Islamist group - which could include airstrikes in Libya. 

Military action against Islamic State in Libya will be on the agenda when 45 Defence Ministers meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels later.

Officially, Britain says it is still waiting for an invitation from the newly formed Libyan administration before considering military help to the country.

Privately, plans are being drawn up in Rome, Washington, London and elsewhere for possible airstrikes against IS in the country.

Fallon: 'We plan to free more people from IS's brutal regime'

The British military might also contribute towards a 6,000 strong training mission for the Libyan Army.

The meeting is being chaired by US Defence Secretary Ash Carter and will also discuss what further action can be taken in Iraq and Syria.

The US has not ruled out Saudi Arabian ground troops playing a role in Syria but Secretary Carter insists it is just one option on the table.

Pressure will be put on the Gulf States to do more in the region as Washington, London and Paris seek to turn up the pressure on the terrorist group.

It will be the first time the defence ministers have formally met since the air campaign began in September 2014.

Speaking ahead of the meeting the UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "We plan to hit Da'esh (Islamic State) harder, reducing territory, targeting their infrastructure and freeing more people from their brutal regime.

"In order to achieve that, regional allies must make further commitments as we look to intensify military activity across Iraq and Syria."

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Hong Kong to Send Chinese Man Back to US Over Teen Deaths

A Chinese man agreed in a Hong Kong court Thursday to be sent back to the U.S., where he is wanted by authorities in connection with the slayings of his teenage nephews.

Shi Deyun signed a document in a magistrates' court giving consent for his extradition.

U.S. police last month found the boys, who were 15- and 16-years-old, in their Arcadia,California, home with head trauma.

Investigators believe Shi killed them and then tried to flee to China. They said he assaulted his wife, who is the sister of the dead teens' father, the day before, after learning she wanted a divorce.

Hong Kong police arrested Shi, 44, on Jan. 24, after he arrived in the semiautonomous southern Chinese city on a flight from Los Angeles.

Shi, looking at the floor, nodded when asked by Magistrate Jason Wan if he had read and understood the agreement to surrender him to the United States.

A date for Shi's return has not been set because it still needs signed authorization from Hong Kong's top leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

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Iraq's Abadi dismisses Baghdad wall plans

Feb 7, 2016- The Iraqi Prime Minister is dismissing plans to build a wall around the Iraqi capital, according to a statement released by his office Saturday night.

The plan for the wall was originally drafted by the Interior Ministry as an effort to prevent Islamic State group attacks inside Baghdad.

"Baghdad is the capital for all Iraqis and it's not possible for a wall or a fence to isolate the city," Haider al-Abadi said in the statement.

The Interior Ministry's spokesman, police Brig Gen Saad Maan, told The Associated Press last week that work had begun on the wall and that it would reduce the number of checkpoints inside the city.

Bombings and attacks are still a near daily occurrence in Baghdad, mainly targeting security forces and the country's Shiite majority.

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