Manila: The US on Tuesday pledged funding of $500 million for the Philippines' military and coast guard in a big show of support for Manila as it faces Chinese actions in the South China Sea. Reuters

In Mali, 50 Russian mercenaries killed

Bamako: An al Qaida affiliate said it killed 50 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 10 Malian soldiers in an ambush in Mali's Kidal region on Saturday, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. Reuters

Venezuela 'detains' opposition leader

Caracas: Venezuela opposition party Voluntad Popular said on Tuesday its leader Freddy Superlano has been detained. The arrest comes amid a disputed election won by Nicolas Maduro. Reuters