Current events: 2023-02-02

[Wikipedia Current Events]

Disasters and accidents

• Eight construction workers are killed near Sevastopol, Crimea, in an overnight fire at a barracks. (Reuters)

Health and environment

• 2020–2023 H5N8 outbreak
  • The UK Health Security Agency confirms that avian influenza has crossed over to several wild mammals, including foxes, otters and seals. The agency says the risk to humans remains very low, however, there will now be more "targeted surveillance" and testing of animals. (BBC News)

International relations

• Philippines–United States relations
  • The Philippines permits the United States Armed Forces access to an additional four military bases, expediting the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. (AFP via France 24)
• Israel–Sudan relations
  • Israel and Sudan announce the finalisation of a deal to normalize relations between the two countries. (Reuters)

Law and crime

• The United States releases Majid Khan from the Guantanamo Bay prison and transfers him to Belize. Khan had been captured in 2003 in Pakistan and held on accusations of helping al-Qaeda. (Reuters)

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