Last 24 Hours: North Korea tests waters, South responds

Tensions grow again since actual fire was exchanged between the Koreas Monday as North Korea performed a live-fire test. After alerting South Korea of the ongoing test, a missile landed over a maritime border and South Korea promptly responded with their own fire. A bordering island right off the maritime border held its own evacuation to shelters, showing the real danger of this event.

Since then, China, South Korea and the United States have condemned North Korea’s actions. North Korea has warned of a new nuclear test in the future. In response, South Korea says there is no northern nuclear test imminent.

Russia claims they have no need to invade eastern Ukraine after annexing the Crimea region. A Ukraine ministry of defense spokesman says that there has been a “gradual withdrawal” of Russian troops on their borders Monday. And in the meanwhile, Russia’s prime minister visited Crimea Monday.

United States Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in the Middle East on Monday to continue Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. His tour will include Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Turkey held their local elections Sunday and prime minister Erdogan’s political party won a majority of the nation. In a victory statement, he stated that enemies will pay their price.

Over 100,000 take to Taipei streets in Taiwan to protesting the controversial China trade agreement Sunday.

Should know

Nigeria; Shootout in Abuja during attempted jail break kills 21, uprising kills 1,500 so far this year – Central African Republic; Chad soldiers kill ten in CAR’s Bangui – Sinai; Egypt soldier killed and three injured in attack on bus – Afghanistan; Taliban abduct election candidate

Bahrain; Government jails thirteen for protests and attack – Brazil; Police backed by troops occupy a slum by Rio airport

Liberia; World Health Organization confirms two Ebola cases – Senegal; Government closes border as Guinea Ebola virus toll rises

China; Rebel village votes in China but hope fades for a fair trial, government to crack down on audio, videos promoting terrorism – Thailand; Prime minister Yingluck defends herself over charges – Yemen; President urges Iran to stop interference

To watch

Libya; Parliament passes law to organize elections, ensuring general elections for later this year – Iraq; Electoral commission backs out on resignation and supports upcoming vote – Egypt; Upcoming presidential elections to be held late May – United Nations; New climate report says global environmental is wide and threatening

Last 24 Hours: Egypt gov’t resigns

Egypt’s government has unexpectedly resigned, the prime minister announced Monday. There was no reason behind the decision. The country has been continuing down its political roadmap with the presidential election on its way.

Thai prime minister Yingluck stands firm as she states she won’t resign with protest calls for her to do so, all the while she flees the Bangkok capital due to growing unrest violence. Over the weekend, an explosion killed 2 and injured more than 20 near an anti-government rally in Bangkok. Gunfire has also been reported as occurring.

Planned meetings between the Venezuelan government and opposition leaders Monday may help ease protests. At least eight have died in weeks of protest violence across the nation.

As per documents seen by Reuters, the Iraq government is to purchase $195 million dollars worth of arms from Iran. This would break the arms embargo the United Nations has on Iran.

Should know

Iraq; Seventeen dead in bombings and shootings across nation — Pakistan; Fighter jets pound suspected militant hideouts, kill 38 — Sinai; 14 militants killed, 23 arrested over weekend, Egypt army says — South Sudan; Army says repels rebel attacks on positions near Bor

Syria; Rebel, friend of al Qaeda leader, killed by rival Islamists  — Colombia; Attackers fire at convoy of presidential candidate  — Liberia; Suspected Liberian gunmen attack Ivorian border

Hong Kong; Thousands march against erosion of media freedoms — Russia; Officials detain protesters outside trial over anti-Putin rally — South China Sea; Philippines say China used water cannon on fishermen in disputed sea — Pentagon; New proposal shows shrinking army, scrapping some jets

To watch

European Union; Ukraine sets for EU course after Pres. Yanukovich ouster — Scotland; Leader says opinion polls show race for independence tightening — Ethiopia; Egypt internationalizes dam dispute