Canada ups security for some travellers

OTTAWA • Canada has implemented new security measures for air travellers from certain countries, its Transport Minister said, but he would not say what the measures are nor whom they would affect.

"I did put in place some measures to increase security for flights coming from certain countries where the destination was Canada," Transport Minister Marc Garneau said. "I am not in a position to tell you from where... (nor) specifically, the measures. "

REUTERS

Emergency declared in Florida as fires rage

MIAMI • The governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency as more than 100 wildfires burned large swathes of land in the south-eastern US state.

The measure by Mr Rick Scott frees up more resources to fight the fires and distribute supplies to people affected by them.

The Florida Forest Service said 105 fires are now burning in the state, with 23 of them burning more than 40ha of land.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Boko Haram's attack plans foiled in Nigeria

LAGOS • Nigeria's state security agency said yesterday it had thwarted plans by Boko Haram militants, linked to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), to attack the British and United States embassies in its capital, Abuja.

The Department of State Services said it arrested five suspected members of the Islamist militant group based in Benue state between March 25 and 26.

"The group had perfected plans to attack the UK and American embassies and other Western interests in Abuja," it said.

The security service said another suspected Boko Haram member, arrested on March 22 in north-eastern Yobe state, confessed details of the plot.

REUTERS