Govt under fire over remains error

SEOUL - South Korean authorities faced a deluge of criticism on Wednesday for announcing that human remains had been found from the sunken Sewol ferry, only to correct themselves within hours to say they were animal bones.

Coalition 'probably' had role in deaths

MOSUL, Iraq - The US-led anti-jihadist coalition said on Tuesday it "probably" played a role in civilian casualties in west Mosul, as the United Nations called for greater efforts to protect civilians.

Army counting cost of Debbie destruction

SYDNEY - Australia's army and emergency workers headed to areas of tropical Queensland state hardest hit by Cyclone Debbie on Wednesday, finding roads blocked by fallen trees, sugar cane fields flattened and widespread damage in coastal towns.

IN BRIEF

UK begins divorce proceedings

The United Kingdom took its first concrete step toward leaving the European Union when it formally notified the president of the European Council of that intention on Wednesday.

Rape case may boost immigration reform

WASHINGTON - The brutal rape of a teenage girl by two illegal immigrants on March 16 could become a rallying cry for United States President Donald Trump's coming immigration reform.

S. African anti-apartheid icon Kathrada dies

CAPE TOWN - Veteran South African anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada, who was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Nelson Mandela and went on to be an open critic of President Jacob Zuma, died on Tuesday aged 87.

Scottish MPs to hold independence vote

EDINBURGH - Just a day before Britain kick-starts Brexit proceedings, the Scottish parliament is on Tuesday expected to dismiss Prime Minister Theresa May's overtures and back calls for a fresh independence referendum.

S.Korea ferry workers find human remains

SEOUL - Salvage workers who raised South Korea's sunken Sewol ferry found bone fragments on Tuesday believed to be from victims missing since the 2014 disaster, the maritime ministry said.

Japan seeks answers in avalanche deaths

TOKYO - Investigators pored over a mountain on Tuesday after an avalanche tore through a group of high school students and teachers, killing eight, amid questions about why avalanche warnings were ignored and whether they had proper equipment.

IN BRIEF

Children at sharp end of Yemen war

NEW YORK - As the escalation of the conflict in Yemen enters its third year this week, the top United Nations humanitarian official has called on the parties to the conflict to commit to political dialogue and resolve the situation or risk an unending man-made crisis.