Isis in Iraq: Roughly 3,500 held in slavery according to UN

An estimated 3,500 people, mainly women and children, are believed to be held as slaves in Iraq by Islamic State (Isis) militants who impose a harsh rule marked by gruesome public executions, the United Nations said on 19 January. The militant group, which also controls large parts of neighbouring Syria, is also responsible for over 18,000 deaths in Iraq since January 2014, according to the report. But despite the high numbers the true figures are likely to be much higher, according to a UNHCR spokesperson. Jan 19, 2016

El Chapo: Jail beefs up security over fears of a third escape

Deeply concerned that the worlds most notorious drug kingpin, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, could escape for a third time, Mexico has beefed up security at his prison, reinforcing the floor of his cell and placing a guard on his door 24/7. Guzman, captured some six months after a brazen prison break via a mile-long tunnel that burrowed right up into his cell, is now being held in isolation in another part of the prison Altiplano. Jan 19, 2016

Peru: Vultures fitted with GoPros to crack down on illegal dumping

Vultures in Lima are being equipped with GPS tracking devices and GoPro cameras to help environment officials crack down on illegal waste dumps surrounding the Peruvian capital. Ten trained vultures wearing purpose-designed vests have already started to monitor the city from above with the help of GPS trackers as part of the Vultures Detect programme. Jan 19, 2016