Welcome to bbc news, im simon pusey. Our top stories President Trump defends the killing of irans top military commander in an airstrike. The us says general Qasem Soleimani was actively plotting an attack, and their decision saved hundreds of american lives. We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war. As iran vows revenge, tens of thousands of iranians take to the streets in protest. In other news safe at last, relief as the Australian Navy rescues a thousand people whod been trapped on the coast by bush fires. Iran has vowed severe revenge against the United States after the killing of Iranian Military commander Qasem Soleimani. He was blown up outside Baghdad Airport in the early hours of friday morning, on the orders of President Trump. Us Officials Say the general had been plotting to kill americans in the region. Iranian leaders have called the killing an act of International Terrorism. The pentagon is sending an extra three and a half thousand
President Trump Defends the us drone strike that killed irans foremost military commander saying imminent and sinister attacks were being planned. The target, Qasem Soleimani, was the mastermind behind irans middle east operations, heading up the countrys elite intelligence and military force the us drone struck a car carrying soleimani just outside the airport in iraqs capital, baghdad President Trump described it as defensive. We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war. Iran has called the assassination an act of International Terrorism and has promised a response at a time and place of its choosing. Also tonight. Safe at last relief as the Australian Navy rescues a thousand people whod been trapped on the coast by bush fires. And another disappointing day for england as the wickets tumble in the second test against south africa. And in sport, this weekends fa cup games will kick off late after a short film including prince william, including peopl
Hello, youre watching afternoon live im simon mccoy. Today at 2pm. Shock resignation chancellor sajid javid quits the government in the middle of Boris Johnsons cabinet reshuffle. Its understood he rejected an order to fire his team of advisers he was due to deliver his first budget in four weeks time. He will now have to deliver the budget chief secretary to the treasury rishi sunak becomes chancellor just seven months ago he was a junior housing minister how do you feel about taking over any circumstances . Delighted to be appointed. Lots to get on with. Thank you very much. Out too are Theresa Villiers, Andrea Leadsom, esther mcveigh, and the Northern Ireland secretary julian smith, who oversaw the restoration of devolved government at stormont. A steep rise in the number of deaths
from coronavirus in china yesterday was the deadliest day of the outbreak so far. Ministers announce an independent inquiry into Maternity Services at an nhs trust in east kent after the deaths of a numbe
This is bbc news welcome if youre watching here in the uk, on pbs in america or around the globe. Im simon pusey. Our top stories President Trump defends the killing of irans top military commander in an airstrike. The us says general Qasem Soleimani was actively plotting an attack and their decision saved hundreds of american lives. We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war. As iran vows revenge, tens of thousands of iranians take to the streets in protest. In other news safe at last relief as the Australian Navy rescues 1000 people whod been trapped on the coast by bushfires. Iran has vowed severe revenge against the United States after the killing of Iranian Military commander Qasem Soleimani. He was blown up outside Baghdad Airport in the early hours of friday morning, on the orders of President Trump. Us Officials Say the general had been plotting to kill americans in the region. Iranian leaders have called the killing an act of International T
This is bbc world news. The headlines millions are preparing to return to work in virus hit china after the extended Lunar New Year break. But severe travel restrictions remain in place and many workplaces are still closed. Coronavirus has now killed more people than sars. Thousands of mourners have attended a vigil in thailand for 29 People Killed in a mass shooting. The gunman a rogue soldier was shot dead after a standoff lasting several hours. Irelands Political Landscape has been transformed by a surge in support for the left wing Republican Party sinn fein in the countrys general election. The two centre right parties have each secured about 22 of the vote, while sinn fein has 24 . Switzerland has voted decisively
to make discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation illegal. More than 63 of voters backed a new law banning discrimination. Just under 37 opposed it. At 10 oclock, clive myrie will be here with a full round up of the days news. First its time for our world journe