The supporters of Iraqi powerful Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr clashed on Monday with the anti-government protesters and reportedly opened fire at them. Eyewitnesses revealed that Sadr’s supporters, known as “the blue hats” opened fire at the demonstrators in Iraq’s southern province of Najaf, in attempts to disperse the protesters and open the blocked roads. Sadr earlier the week asked his supporters to help the security forces in clearing the blocked roads.
Hong Kong reported its first death from the coronavirus on Tuesday as the death toll from the outbreak rose to at least 425 and China admitted “shortcomings and difficulties” in its response to the flu-like infection. The Hong Kong victim was a 39-year-old man from Wuhan, who had underlying health problems. China’s National Health Commission reported 64 new fatalities as of midnight on Monday – the biggest daily increase since the virus was first detected late last year.
Novak Djokovic captured a record-extending eighth Australian Open title on Sunday to guarantee his return to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings. The Serbian star fought back to beat fifth-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 over three hours and 59 minutes in Sunday’s final for his 17th Grand Slam championship crown.
