Here are some of the stories we're covering from around the world:

Presidential Candidate in Ecuador Is Assassinated During Rally

Fernando Villavicencio, a presidential candidate in Ecuador who had been outspoken about the link between organized crime and government officials, was assassinated Wednesday evening at a political rally in the capital.

West African Leaders Activate ‘Standby Force’ to Respond to Niger Coup

West African leaders said they have ordered the immediate deployment of a “standby force” ready to intervene in Niger, sticking with their threat of military action against coup leaders who removed the country’s president from power last month.

U.S. Reaches Deal With Iran to Free Americans for Jailed Iranians and Funds

The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to win the freedom of five imprisoned Americans in exchange for several jailed Iranians and eventual access to about $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue, according to several people familiar with the deal.

@nytimes