Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, March 1

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Saturday that his government will deny visas to a number of United States officials whom he called "terrorists", including former president George W. Bush and senators Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez.

Speaking at an anti U.S. rally, Maduro said these measures were taken to ease the "imperialist aggression" coming from Washington which has increased in the last few weeks. (Venezuela-US-Sanction)

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ARISH, Egypt -- At least 28 extremists were killed and 16 suspects arrested in a security campaign south of Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid cities in the restive North Sinai province, a security source told Xinhua.

"The raid destroyed 15 huts, seven vehicles and 24 motorbikes and seized a truck carrying a ton of oil, which all belonged to the extremists," the source said. (Egypt-Sinai-Raid)

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TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that the nuclear talks with the six world powers has entered a crucial stage.

Zarif made the remarks at a joint press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni, saying that Iran and the United States held detailed and fruitful bilateral talks in the Swiss city of Geneva from Feb. 21 to 23. (Iran-Nuclear Deal)

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DHAKA -- Stray incidents of violence are flaring up in parts of Bangladesh capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country, as ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's opposition alliance is all set to enforce another round of strike from Sunday morning.

A Dhaka Metropolitan (DMP) official who preferred to be unnamed said miscreants torched at least eight vehicles at different parts of Dhaka and Narayanganj town on the outskirts of capital city. (Bangladesh-Opposition Strike) Endi