Japan creates all-female security force
Ahead of Ivanka Trump’s visit this week, Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department announced that it had put together a female-only security team to protect female dignitaries.
The team’s first charges: Ivanka Trump and first lady Melania Trump, who will arrive Sunday with the president for a visit.
In a PR demonstration Thursday, the female security members were dressed in smart black suits rather than typical police body armor.
In a drill staged for the media, the women were tasked with blocking a rabid fan who tried to rush the crowd to offer Ivanka a gift.
Airstrikes in Somalia
MOGADISHU,Somalia — The U.S. military for the first time has conducted two airstrikes against Islamic State group fighters in Somalia, where the group is a growing presence in a country long threatened by the al-Qaidalinked extremist group alShabab.
The U.S. Africa Command said the two drone strikes killed “several terrorists” in northeastern Somalia, with the first around midnight local time and the second later Friday morning. The U.S. said the strikes were carried out in coordination with Somalia’s government.
Spain issues warrant
MADRID— A Spanish judge issued an international arrest warrant on Friday for former members of the Catalan Cabinet who were last seen in Brussels, including the ousted separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who said he was prepared to run for his old job even while battling extradition in Belgium.
The National Court judge filed the request with the Belgian prosecutor to detain Mr. Puigdemont and his four aides and issued international search and arrest warrants to alert Interpol in case they flee Belgium.
Mr. Puigdemont and the four others are being sought for crimes including rebellion, sedition and embezzlement in a Spanish probe into their roles in pushing for secession for Catalonia.
Militants end cease-fire
WARRI, Nigeria — A Nigerian militant group has announced an end to its cease-fire with the Nigerian government, raising the prospects of renewed attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta.
The announcement Friday by the Niger Delta Avengers accused Nigeria’s presidency of being insincere in its peace talks and promises.
The group had declared a cease-fire in August 2016.
Debt to be restructured
CARACAS, Venezuela — With his country spiraling into financial crisis, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has proposed restructuring its massive debt, leaving international investors wondering Friday whether they’ll be paid and some residents expressing doubt the socialist leader can improve their lives.
Mr. Maduro announced Thursday that the staterun oil company will make good on a $1.1 billion payment, then begin “refinancing and a restructuring” of its debts. The country owes global creditors about $120 billion.