decision to close the l.a. schools, quote, a significant overreaction. the underpanel of ex -- experts accuses iran of breaching the nuclear deal. i'm david foster, you are watching al jazeera, live from london. also in this program, los angeles closes all of its public schools over what is described as a credible threat. saudi arabia announces a new anti-terror alliance to fight isil and other armed groups from mali to pakistan. and a shaky ceasefire starts in yemen as the warring parties begin a week of peace talks in

switzerland. ♪ a missile test fired by iraq violated international rules. that is the message from the u.n. security council's panel of experts. despite that the agency praised iran for the way it has curtailed its nuclear program. the u.n. security council panel says it was a breach of the nuclear deal. let's go live to gabriel elizondo at the united nations. this was a missile test flight which the u.n. said could have carried a nuclear war head. it didn't, but the potential was there. it sounds pretty serious. >> reporter: it is and that's what the panel of experts basically concluded is it was in

violation of u.n. resolution. and we expect that the security council will be briefed on this in about three hour's time or so, and that's going to be very, very important, because that will be the first time that the u.n. security council hears these particular findings, david. now it's important to point out that this -- a panel of experts only looked at the earlier october 10th ballistic missile test. however, there was another one in november that u.n. -- u.s. ambassador to the u.n. samantha power said that the u.s. is looking into, and they might -- she and her colleagues might also want to question on -- in this meeting on that one as well. now we're not sure if iran will be attending this meeting or not to give their side of it, but we did hear from the british ambassador to the u.n. just a few minutes ago. he told us that as far as he is

concerned, that all potential violations need to be followed up on. >> in terms of the eventual conclusion, is it possible that this could lead to a reexamination of whether the deal is still to go ahead, whether in fact there has been such a serious breach that the sanctions would not be lifted. >> reporter: it's hard to say, but it's unlikely in that sense. we are going to hear from samantha power at this open briefing, so we'll get a better sense in a few hours. but the sense here is it will probably not derail the talksest herbally after what we heard in vienna about the u.n.'s nuclear agency now basically ending their decade-long probe into allegations of iran nuclear tests as well. so unlikely it will go beyond

that. >> gabriel, thank you very much indeed for that. ♪ all of los angeles public schools have been closed down because of what has been described as an undisclosed threat. but though new york received a similar threat, the mayor there, says officials decided it was a hoax. los angeles city authorities made the closure order after receiving what was described again as an unspecified threat targeting the school system and 640,000 students in it. the message came electronically earlier this morn. it is being analyzed, but it was decided, however, to ere on the side of caution. >> we are taking this action in abundance of caution, to make sure that every child in l.a. unified school district and

every employee is absolutely safe. >> we need the cooperation of the whole of los angeles today. we need families and neighbors to work together with our schools and with our employees to make sure our kids are safe throughout the day. >> let's go to rob reynolds live in los angeles. we don't know what it was at the moment, rob, as i understand it. but 640,000-plus children, 900 schools, each one to be searched, they said. this is quite a big deal. >> reporter: this is a very big deal and unprecedented david, and in addition to that, there are teachers and staff, about 30,000 of them, there is also adult education, special needs education, so all together it's probably more than a thousand schools that need to be

thoroughly searched by police from the united school district of los angeles and possibly the l.a. sheriff's office and the l.a. police department. so it's a huge task. now the schools receive threats all the time, and in fact, i know of one school that is not far from where i happen to live, where there was a threat of a suspicious person. in that was not considered enough to close down that particular school, let alone the entire school district, so this threat, must rise to considerably higher level. and the superintendent of schools cited recent events internationally and locally, meaning presumably, the attacks in paris and san bernardino, in deciding in an abundance of caution to shut down the schools. and of course this is also in

addition to this scary security sweep caused a lot of chaos for a lot of families in this town. >> i was reading a few hours ago, rob, before all of this happened, that the san bernardino couple were suspected of planning something much larger possibly involving an attack on a school. and i suppose what will be interesting to fine out is whether the heightened terror alert in los angeles has been linked to what has been happening in the schools, whether there's increased chatter from people, how all of these things fit together. >> reporter: that's one thing, and law enforcement or federal agencies can eavesdrop on suspicious persons. but in the case of the shooters in san bernardino, they completedly missed them. those were the shooters who are

linked to isis, who were responsible for the massacre in san bernardino. so it's possible that this is the result of some chatter, but it does seem more specifically to be a threat that was electronically transmitted to the schools in some way. we don't know if that's a phone call, emails or whatever. i have been talk to parents of school children, and in addition to their networks of -- of contacts lighting up, can you come and pick up my kids or do i have to take the day off of work, just the logistic call matter of getting your child away from school, and seniors are making exams this week, and perhaps the most poignant thing

is -- i talked to the mother of two young children, and she said getting the kids home and safe is one thing, but then how do you explain to them why there was no school today? that there was a threat, that there are dangers out there that effect even children in schools? and that is the big dilemma today, how to explain to kids exactly what is going on, and do that explanation in a way that will make sense for young kids. thank you, rob reynolds in los angeles. the united states has welcomed the saudi arabia announcement that it has ruled together a 34-country coalition to take on groups such as isil and boko haram. in that include miss nations that have suffered attacks from these sort of groups. and the u.s. defense secretary,

says the group appears to be very much in line, his words, with his country's calls for more action from arab nations. ash carter has been sent to the middle east to drum together more military support for the battle against isil. and the top u.s. diplomat happens to be in moscow trying to narrow the differences with russia on how to end the bloody civil war in syria. >> reporter: it was a rare news conference from the saudi crown prince and defense minister, and the announcement of an unprecedented alliance, 34, mainly islamic nations drawn together for a single aim. >> translator: there shall be an operations unit in riyadh for coordinate effect fort to fight

terrorism in the islamic world. it can be a partner as a group of countries in fighting this disease. >> reporter: the disease so-called crosses many borders, but the new alliance is expected to focus on isil with its growing foothold in syria and iraq. speaking in paris the saudi foreign minister hinted at the possibility of direct action on the ground. >> nothing is off of the table. i think it depends on the requests, the need, and the willingness of countries to provide the support necessary. it's time the islamic world took a stand, and they have done so by creating this coalition in order to push back and confront the terrorists, and those who promote their violent ideologies. >> reporter: it also aims to combat militant groups in mali,

pakistan, and afghanistan. 34 nations are part of the coalition, includes established powers like pakistan and egypt, and economic ones including qatar, and the uae. iran is absent from the list. and iraq and syria are also not taking part. so how strong is the new alliance. >> you have got turkey, i think is also significant. they are a very, very significant military power. they are a member of nato, so, yes, i think it sends a very, very crucial signal that the muslim world particularly the sunni muslim world is united against this sunni lead group isil. saudi has been engaged in nine months of warfare in yemen.

the united states thinks that fire power might be better served in fighting isil. this could be the first step. john kerry is in moscow having talks with his russian opposite number, and with the president, vladimir putin. all of them trying to resolve what is going on in syria. ahead of it, john kerry said the two countries share the desire to tackle isil. >> on isil, or daesh, russia and the united states agree that this is a threat to everybody -- to every country; that there is no negotiation. these are the worst of terrorists, they attack culture, and history and all decency. and they leave no choice but for civilized nations to stand together and to fight and push back, and destroy them.

65 iraqi soldiers and government fighters have been killed in isil suicide attacks. at least 12 suicide bombers argued areas throughout northern and eastern ramadi. in the country's anbar province. about 30 died after four car bombs went off close to an air base used by u.s. air forces training iraqi troops. a ceasefire is in force in yemen, where there has been some violence in areas just hours after it started. now the ceasefire is at the same time as u.n.-brokered peace talks begin in switzerland. zana hoda sends us this report. >> reporter: it is progress in it's a. yemen's warring sides are in the same room talking. the u.n. brought them together in the hope that the internationally recognized government and the houthi rebels

and their allies will reach an agreement to end the conflict. negotiations are being held behind closed doors? the swiss town. back in yemen there have been incidents of violence in some areas, but the ceasefire appears to be holding. the agreement to cease hostilities appears to be having a positive effect on the ground. the world health organization announced that desperately needed aid and medical supplies have started to be sent to yemen. >> [ inaudible ] all right moves to ta'izz today, but we are also targeting all of the areas, which we believe they are in desperate need for support in different parts of the country. >> reporter: the needs are huge. the u.n. says millions of yemenis are in the brink of famine.

the yemeni government delegation at the talks says it would be ready to extend the truce beyond negotiations, but they are demanding that the houthi rebels cooperate. >> a seven-day ceasefire is not enough window to get enough supplies in the country. that's what the people on the ground need. for us, if you go on the street, they don't care as much about the ceasefire as much as how much humanitarian aid is coming into the country. is the war ending? >> reporter: there will be hard bargaining before the u.n. can athieve its aim. there seems to be a will from both sides to make progress that we didn't see before. but u.n. officials have said the

talks are xnted to be difficult and complex. the internationally recognized government in krem men, want the houthi rebels and their allies to withdraw from areas they have captured. that is unlikely to happen. for now the houthis and their allies remain in control of the capitol, and much of the north. they don't want to give up power, and have been demanding a power-sharing deal. the talks in switzerland have had a positive start, but it is just the beginning of what is expected to be a long process. >> columbia's government and farc rebels take another step towards a final peace deal with agreement on compensation for victims. and donald trump further ahead in the polls ahead of the latest republican presidential debate. ♪ the only way to get better is to challenge yourself,

and that's what we're doing at xfinity. we are challenging ourselves to improve every aspect of your experience. and this includes our commitment to being on time. every time. that's why if we're ever late for an appointment, we'll credit your account $20. it's our promise to you. we're doing everything we can to give you the best experience possible. because we should fit into your life. not the other way around.

♪ top stories. iran has been accused of violating a u.n. resolution when it test launched a missile in october capable of carrying a nuclear war head. the international atomic agency on the other hand has praised iran for the way it has curtailed its nuclear program. saudi arabia as announced the form ration of a new coalition force to fight terrori terrorism. the 34 countries involved will aim to fight isil as well as other groups that threaten their states. public schools in los angeles have been ordered to close after

police received what they have described as a credible electronic threat. french police have arrested three people suspected of involvement in deadly attacks on the country. a 29-year-old man was invested as part of the investigation into last month's attacks in the capitol that left 130 dead. a shia spokesman in the northern nigerian city says police have opened fire on demonstrators there, killing three people there. they were protesting about raid conducted by the army over the weekend. the raid reportedly targeted a small shia sect. military says the group was plotting to kill the army's

chief of staff. it's leader was arrested. here is our correspondent. >> reporter: the group's leader has been something of a thorn in the side of various governments. he has been arrested by almost every government that has been in power for they say extremist and fundamentalist views. last year, there was some violence in which three of his sons were killed in violence with he military. but the violence that has been playing out over the last 72 hours for many if the somebodies are accurate, is unprecedented. there is international concern growing about what happened. the iran government has apparently summoned its nigeria representative in tehran to find out what went on and call for restraint from the military, various other shia religious

organizations have also voiced their concern, and are calling for an independent investigation into these allegations that the military committed some kind of an atrocity in the area. again, this is something the military vehemently denied. they say what happened was self-defense. two thirds of palestinians who live in the west bank and gaza strip support the violence against israelis. 66% say they want the resignation of the president. there was strong opposition, also to a two-state solution. this comes a day after a driver rammed his car into a bus stop injuring several people. there is an investigation into corruption in brazil. the federal police also searched

the mans home and those of other top political figures. he is a bitter rival of the president, and faces charges for allegedly accepting at least 500 pounds in bribes linked to a kickback scandal at the state-run oil company. the speaker of the nation's lower house started impeachment proceedings against the president earlier this month. let us go to natasha ghoneim who is in rio for us. natasha, if somebody is accused of involvement in a 500 pound bribery scandal, you would expect the police to search his home. but this has been going on for sometime. so i guess the first question is why now? >> reporter: that's the question he just asked as he maintained his innocence. so a couple of things to mention. he is the man -- he is the

speaker of the lower house -- who pushed the impeachment proceedings forward. it's not guaranteed that they are going to move forward, but he did get the ball rolling last week. and he is saying why now? he is saying that he had planned to turn overdocuments to the police. he also said that these raids are coming one day before the supreme court is going to determine whether or not a special committee formed in the congress last week, can proceed with its business. it is worth noting that those lawmakers who were elected to that special committee that will look at whether or not to impeach the president, those members were elected in secrecy, and that's kind of the issue. you mentioned edward is ensnared in this massive corruption scandal that has just rocked brazil this year. it has ensnared politicians and high-level executives. it is involving the state-owned

oil and gas company called petrobras. he is also accused of hiding the existence of swiss bank accounts. >> natasha for now, thank you very much indeed. -- britain's first official astronaut has been fired into space. he blasted off in kazakhstan with a russian and american crew meat. they are on a six-month mission to the international space station. six other british citizens have flown in space. and the rocket has just reached the iss, the space station. live pictures of the docking procedure between the two.

colombia's government has reached an historic agreement with farc rebels to compensate victims of the civil war. both sides are trying to sign a peace deal by the end of march. they still need to discuss disarmament. farc fighters have been involved in an armed campaign against the government since 1964. in the united states, the two early front runners for the republican presidential nomination will go head-to-head later. donald trump will confront ted cruz at the debate involving the top nine republican candidates. our correspondent went to trump's latest rally in las vegas. ♪ >> reporter: he is u.s. republican presidential front runner, still dominates the headlines and attracts bigger and bigger crowds.

this one in las vegas. >> i heard today when they announced the poll 41-14. and i like cruz. but here is how they announced. cruz surging. [ applause ] >> so when i heard cruz surging. i said i don't know that sounds bad to me. then they say the poll was just done, cruz is surging, trump 41, cruz 14. i said wait a minute. [ laughter ] >> reporter: donald trump as changed the political play book in the u.s. the criticized hispanics and his numbers went up. and he called for a complete and total ban of muslims coming into the u.s., he was widely criticized, and his numbers still went up. for his supporters he is the only man who can make america great again. >> at first i didn't take him seriously, but the more he

talked the more i realized he was connected with the base of the republican party and ultimately what the american people want. >> i'm pretty sure he's pretty much trying to tell the >> reporter: several times he was interrupted by protesters on gun control, immigration, and his stance on muslims. and that is part of his problem. he excites republicans, but those who don't like him, really don't like him. >> it was all just hate mongering and just trying to get people excited. >> reporter: why did you come? >> to troll. i'm a troll. >> reporter: trump spoke for more than an hour. >> he speaks from the heart. he is not a politician. this country doesn't need another politician. he is a true leader. >> i love everything about trump. i'm latino, and support him 100%. everything he said is just wonderful. >> reporter: his campaign was expected to flame out in weeks. he is still there, still

fighting, and still the man to beat. allan fisher, al jazeera, las vegas. tune in to the news hour in about 35 minutes time. aljazeera.com for all of the headlines. aljazeera.com. ♪ >> this is a special edition of al jazeera america live from new york city. i'm del walters. >> i'm patricia sabga. more than 1,000 schools are closed after what officials say was an electronic bomb threat. >> the second largest that district has 700,000 students and more than 900 schools and 187 charter schools.