Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing – Jan. 31, 2021
Daily briefing on novel coronavirus pandemic worldwide, Turkey, other developments

ANKARA
Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic and other news in Turkey and around the world.
Coronavirus and other developments in Turkey
Turkey reported more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases, according to official figures.
The Turkish Coast Guard rescued at least 48 asylum seekers whose boats were pushed by Greek coastal authorities into Turkish waters in the Aegean Sea, said security sources.
Turkish security forces "neutralized" three YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, in a protected area near Turkey's southern border, according to the National Defense Ministry.
The government ratified agreements with seven countries in education, sports and health, according to information issued in the Official Gazette.
Turkey voiced support for the stance taken by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) against a UN decision to extend a mandate of a peacekeeping mission on the island.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his counterparts from Guinea-Bissau and Senegal in Istanbul.
A total of 46 irregular migrants were held by Turkish security forces.
Erdogan congratulated the new leader of Germany’s ruling party.
Turkish gendarmerie arrested a senior operative of FETO, the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.
COVID-19 updates worldwide
Algeria started its vaccination campaign, according to local media.
The EU backtracked on a decision to enforce an emergency clause of the Brexit agreement to control vaccine exports to Northern Ireland.
January has been the deadliest month for the UK as new statistics reveal that on average every day more than 1,000 people have died.
Taiwan confirmed four local cases, according to the country’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
Other developments
At least five al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others wounded when the Somali army conducted an operation in the southwestern region of Bay, according to an army official.
Amnesty International condemned a "shameful and discriminatory” Houthi decision banning Yemeni women from working in restaurants.
At least 12 security personnel were killed in a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan, said officials.
China launched a second advanced warship built for Pakistan.