Briefly

ETHIOPIA

Death toll in truck accident rises to 71

A total of 71 people were killed Sunday when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river in the Sidama region in southern Ethiopia, said the regional police commission. The accident occurred when the truck was traveling from Bona to Bensa, resulting in the deaths of 68 men and three women. Those who survived the accident were being treated at nearby hospitals.

UNITED STATES

Trump attacks 2023 debt limit extension

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Sunday the 2023 debt ceiling extension agreed by then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden will "go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years". Under the 2023 budget deal Congress suspended the debt ceiling until Jan 1, 2025. The US Treasury will be able to pay its bills for several months beyond that deadline, but Congress will have to address the issue, possibly around midyear.

EGYPT

One tourist killed in shark attack in resort

One tourist was killed and another injured in a shark attack in Egypt's Marsa Alam resort, the environment ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The ministry did not give the nationalities of those involved, but Italian news agency ANSA and other Italian media said they were both Italian men. The ministry said the attack occurred in deep water outside the designated swimming zone near the jetties in northern Marsa Alam.

Xinhua - Agencies