YEMEN: The warring sides in the nearly eight-year conflict in Yemen began talks on Saturday aimed at implementing a UN-brokered deal on a prisoner exchange.

The discussions between Yemen’s government and the Houthi rebels are taking place in Switzerland. 

The talks between the Saudi-backed coalition and the Houthi rebels are co-chaired by UN envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

SYRIA: Israeli missiles targeted a western Syrian city today, wounding three Syrian soldiers, Syrian state media reported.

News agency Sana said that the missiles were fired at Masyaf in Hama province at dawn. Syria’s air defences shot several of them down and no deaths were reported. 

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

UNITED STATES: Former US vice-president Mike Pence slammed former president Donald Trump on Saturday for his role in the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.

Mr Pence said: “President Trump was wrong.

“I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day and I know that history will hold him accountable.”

CZECH REPUBLIC: Thousands of people rallied against the government on Saturday to demand an end to the country’s military support for Ukraine and the soaring cost of living. 

New political group, Law, Respect, Expertise, organised the rally at Prague’s Wenceslas Square. 

The Czech Republic has staunchly supported the government in Kiev since Russian troops invaded Ukraine.