WASHINGTON -- "Due to the recent threats issued by Iranian leaders against President (Donald) Trump and other U.S. government officials, I have ordered the USS Nimitz to halt its routine redeployment. The USS Nimitz will now remain on station in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. No one should doubt the resolve of the United States of America," U.S. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller said late Sunday in a statement.

The statement was contrary to a decision made by Miller just three days ago, in which he ordered the aircraft carrier to transit directly home to complete a nearly 10-month deployment.

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NEW DELHI -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the country's inoculation drive against COVID-19 is set to begin.

"The country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," Modi said while speaking at India's metrology conclave.

The announcement came a day after India's Drugs Controller General of India approved two vaccines for restricted emergency use.

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NIAMEY -- At least 100 civilians were killed and around 20 others wounded on Saturday by attackers in two villages in western Tillabery region in Niger, close to the border with Mali, Nigerien Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said on Sunday.

"We lost 70 people in Tchombangou, while around 30 people were murdered in the village Zaroumdareye," said Brigi Rafini, who travelled to the two villages a day after the attack.

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BUENOS AIRES -- Argentinean President Alberto Fernandez on Sunday expressed concern over the rapid growth of COVID-19 cases in the country and urged citizens, especially young people, to observe prevention measures.

"The vaccine will give us, as the months go by, immunity, but in the meantime, we cannot play with fire, because the virus is circulating," Fernandez said during an event in the town of Chapadmalal.