2017 News Map: A February to remember

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Europe

As 2017 comes to an end, CGTN has put together a twelve-episode special series "News Map 2017," to review the monthly events of the past year. From December 18 to 29, review the most stirring events, relive the most touching stories, and remember the most powerful faces of 2017.

Below are some of the most important headlines from February 2017.

February 12: DPRK missile test: Pyongyang launches medium-range missile

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a missile that flew 500 km before coming down in the Sea of Japan. This was Pyongyang’s first missile launch after US President Donald Trump took office in February. It was also the first medium-range missile tested by the DRPK. The war of words between US and DPRK leaders has only intensified since then.

A view of the test-fire of Pukguksong-2 guided by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un on the spot. / VCG Photo

February 6: West Bank settlements: Israel passes law to legalize Jewish settlements on Palestinian land

Israel’s parliament passed a contentious law allowing the state to seize land owned by Palestinians in the West Bank. The law also granted the properties to Jewish settlements for their exclusive use, despite international condemnations and warnings that the law was unconstitutional.

Israel’s parliament passed a contentious law allowing the state to seize land owned by Palestinians in the West Bank. / VCG Photo

February 13: US-Russia investigation: Flynn resigns over potentially illegal Russian contacts

US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn officially resigned, following revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence over his potentially illegal Russian contacts. The controversy surrounding alleged Russian interference in last year’s election has hung over the Trump administration since the beginning of 2017.

Flynn’s resignation – after just 24 days on the job – capped a decorated career in public service.

White House National Security Adviser Michael Flynn arrives prior to a joint news conference between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump at the White House, Washington, February 13, 2017. / VCG Photo

February 15: Iraq car bomb: At least 50 people killed by ISIL in explosion in Baghdad

At least 54 people were killed and 63 more wounded after a car bomb exploded in a crowded Shiite Muslim neighborhood in Baghdad, making it the deadliest attack in the city in at least a month. ISIL claimed responsibility for the terror attack in the capital. The bombing took place in the Baya neighborhood of southern Baghdad, where there are a number of parking lots in which people gather to buy and sell used cars, attracting large crowds on weekday afternoons.

Iraqi security forces gather at the site of a suicide car bomb attack in the eastern Habibiya neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq on February 15, 2017. / VCG Photo

February 16: Pakistan suicide bombing: Dozens of worshippers killed in ISIL attack

Dozens of worshippers were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan, mostly women and children. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack. The high death toll at the shrine made it one of the worst attacks in Pakistan in recent years.

Families of victims extended deep grief and sincere condolence on the death of the victims. / VCG Photo

February 21: Libya's migrant crisis: At least 74 people washed ashore on Libyan coast

The bodies of at least 74 people, believed to be migrants fleeing to Europe to escape war and poverty, washed ashore on the Libyan coast. The Libyan Red Crescent said the bodies had been found the previous morning on the coast of the city Zawiya. Aid workers spent six hours recovering them.

Libyan Red Crescent volunteers recovering the bodies of 74 migrants that washed ashore on February 20 near Zawiya on Libya’s northern coast. / VCG Photo