"Events August 2016"

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1 August
Civil war in Syria
Russian military helicopter Mil Mi-8 carrying humanitarian aid is shot down by rebels in northern Syria, resulting in all 5 crew members being killed. (BBC) (AP)
The US launches air attacks against ISIL in Syria, Libya, at the request of the African country's interim government. Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al Sharaj, in his television address, says the attacks caused "heavy losses for ISIL". (BBC)

Law and crime
In Malaysia the National Security Act is in place, which gives Prime Minister Najib Razak many new powers. (ABC News PM)

2 August

War and attacks
In a suicide attack in Benghazi, Libya, 22 people are killed and 20 others are injured. (skai.gr)

Accidents and disasters
At least 5 people are killed and dozens injured in a bus accident near Livingston, California. (NBC News) (Los Angeles Times)

Politics and elections
In the aftermath of last month's coup attempt, the Turkish government takes control of the country's factories and shipyards. (in.gr)

3 August

International relations
Sweden refuses to issue to Turkey people considered to be linked to the recent coup, creating an international precedent. (in.gr)
North Korea launches two ballistic missiles with one of them ending up in the Japanese Sea. (iefimerida.gr)

Disasters and accidents
Investigations continue to find survivors from the collapse of a bridge on the Mumbai - Goa motorway over the flooded Savitri River in western India. There are fears that 22 people and 2 buses are missing. (AP via The Washington Post) , (Times of India)

4 August

Economy
The Bank of England reduces its basic interest rates by 0.25, in the first reduction since 2009. (Reuters)

Politics and elections
In Nepal, Puspa Kamal Dahal swears as the 39th Prime Minister. (The Himalayan Times)
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa receives election defeat in the regional elections after 20 years of omnipotence. (Press TV) (Financial Times)

5 August
War and attacks
Armed men open fire in a market in Asham State, India killing 13 people and injuring 18 others. (India Today)
Lil's annual bazaar is cancelled in northern France, one of the largest in Europe, due to fears of terrorist attacks. (News)

Sports
Summer Olympics 2016:
With the simple opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium, the Summer Olympics begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the participation of a total of 206 countries. The Olympic Flame is lit by the 3rd Brazilian Olympic champion of 2004 at the 2004 marathon, Valderlay Cordero de Lima. (ERT)
Archery: World performance in the individual succeeds South Korean Kim Woo-jin with 72 shots and gathering 700 ba