UN documents ‘staggering’ Iraq violence
The UN says violence suffered by civilians in Iraq “remains staggering”, with at least 18,800 killed and 3.2 million displaced since 2014. BBC News – Middle East
Craig Taylor
Norway sends migrants back to Russia
Norway sends 13 migrants back to to Russia under new rules expected to see thousands who crossed the border by bicycle deported. BBC News – Europe
Colombia and Farc request UN observers
The Colombian government and the left-wing Farc rebel movement jointly request a UN mission to oversee the end of their decades-long conflict. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
IS group confirms ‘Jihadi John’ death
The Islamic State group’s propaganda magazine confirms the British militant known as Jihadi John died in a drone strike in November. BBC News – UK
Palin backs Trump for US president
Donald Trump’s Republican presidential run receives the backing of Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 2008. BBC News – US & Canada
Muslim dies after shielding Christians
A Muslim teacher who refused al-Shabab attackers’ order to split from Christians when they attacked a bus in Kenya dies in surgery almost a month after he was shot. BBC News – Africa