Home Blog Page 321

Putin Tells Trump Russia Will Respond to Ukrainian Strike on Warplanes, Peace Remains Elusive

admin
-
0
Putin Tells Trump Russia Will Respond to Ukrainian Strike on Warplanes, Peace Remains Elusive

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged “very strongly” to retaliate after Ukraine’s weekend drone assault on Russian airfields, warning of further escalation in the nearly three-and-a-half-year-old war, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stall.

Speaking Wednesday after a one-hour, 15-minute phone call with Putin, Trump described the conversation as “good,” though he acknowledged it would not lead to immediate peace between Moscow and Kyiv.

“We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”

The weekend assault — dubbed Operation Spider’s Web — marked a significant Ukrainian strike deep into Russian territory. According to Ukraine’s Security Service, the attack involved highly automated drones targeting five Russian airfields, damaging or destroying at least 41 military aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160 strategic bombers and A-50 surveillance planes. Footage released Wednesday appeared to show several aircraft on fire, though the Kremlin has not independently confirmed the full extent of the damage.

The White House said the United States had no prior knowledge of the attack. A Russian foreign policy adviser later confirmed that Trump emphasized this point to Putin during their call. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly oversaw the operation, which officials say was over 18 months in the making.

In a separate action, Ukraine’s security agency claimed responsibility for an underwater explosion beneath the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to annexed Crimea, though Russian officials denied any damage.

Despite ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, peace negotiations remain stalled. Monday’s second round of talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations ended with little progress. The sides agreed only to facilitate the exchange of thousands of dead and wounded troops.

Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow’s latest ceasefire proposal as a political stunt and “spam,” accusing Russia of trying to manipulate international perception by pretending to engage in meaningful dialogue.

“They voiced the same ultimatums they gave us two weeks ago — this time, just on paper,” Zelenskyy said. “This document looks like spam … designed to buy time, avoid sanctions, and trick the U.S. into believing that real negotiations are taking place.”

Putin, who did not attend the Istanbul talks, expressed frustration with Zelenskyy’s response. Speaking via video to top Russian officials, he accused Ukraine of orchestrating recent “terrorist attacks” on infrastructure in the Kursk and Bryansk regions near the border.

“How can any such (summit) meetings be conducted in such circumstances? What shall we talk about?” Putin asked.

Trump has consistently called for peace negotiations to end the war and has promised a swift resolution if reelected. However, recent comments show his patience with Putin may be wearing thin.

Last month, Trump criticized Putin directly, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” for prolonging the war. Still, Trump has not endorsed bipartisan congressional efforts to impose additional sanctions on Russia.

During Wednesday’s call, Trump also raised the issue of Iran’s nuclear program. He said he told Putin that “time is running out” and emphasized that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” Trump added that Putin appeared receptive to helping facilitate discussions with Tehran and expressed hope for a “rapid conclusion” to the matter.

“I believe we were in agreement,” Trump wrote, warning that Iran has been “slowwalking their decision” and that a final answer is needed soon.

While leaders exchanged statements over the phone and through diplomatic channels, fighting along the front line has continued. Ukrainian and Russian forces are reportedly maintaining offensive operations across the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) battlefield.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Wednesday that its forces had captured another village in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, part of what Putin recently described as a buffer zone strategy to deter further cross-border raids.

The ongoing hostilities and competing ultimatums underscore the entrenched positions on both sides, despite international pressure to de-escalate. A summit involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin remains only a hypothetical prospect as diplomatic ground remains frozen.

Pakistani Forces Kill 14 Militants in North Waziristan Raid Amid Rising Tensions with India

admin
-
0
Pakistani Forces Kill 14 Militants in North Waziristan Raid Amid Rising Tensions with India

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani security forces killed 14 militants in a targeted overnight raid on a hideout in the country’s restive northwest, the military said Wednesday, amid a fresh wave of cross-border tensions with neighboring India.

The operation took place in North Waziristan, a volatile district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghanistan border, following intelligence about the presence of Pakistani Taliban fighters allegedly linked to what Islamabad described as an Indian proxy group.

In a statement, Pakistan’s military said the suspected insurgents opened fire during the raid, prompting a shootout that ended in the deaths of 14 militants. A post-raid “sanitization operation” was ongoing in the region to root out remaining threats, according to the military.

The Pakistani government has increasingly accused India of fueling instability within its borders by supporting banned insurgent outfits, including the Pakistani Taliban — known locally as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), both of which have carried out deadly attacks in recent years.

While New Delhi did not immediately respond to the latest allegations, Pakistani military officials maintain that such groups receive logistical and financial backing from Indian intelligence services. The military claims these efforts aim to destabilize Pakistan internally, particularly in its volatile tribal and Baloch regions.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals have escalated since May, driven in part by renewed confrontations along the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but control only parts of it. Armed skirmishes and diplomatic accusations have continued to strain relations.

The TTP, an umbrella group of Islamist militants seeking to impose strict Shariah law in Pakistan, has been emboldened since the return to power of its ideological allies, the Afghan Taliban, in Kabul in 2021. Many of its senior leaders are believed to be operating from sanctuaries within Afghanistan, adding complexity to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take action against the TTP, but cooperation between the two has remained limited.

The military did not release the names of the militants killed in Wednesday’s operation or provide further details about the Indian proxy group it alleges was involved.

The raid highlights the growing instability along Pakistan’s western frontier, where militant groups have carried out frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. The government’s latest accusations against India further raise the stakes in an already volatile regional security environment.

In recent months, Pakistan has intensified counterterrorism operations in tribal areas that were once strongholds of various jihadist factions. Wednesday’s raid is part of what military officials describe as a broader strategy to neutralize threats ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections.

With Islamabad blaming New Delhi for sponsoring proxy wars and India remaining largely silent on the allegations, the situation threatens to deepen the long-standing hostility between the two neighbors — a relationship already marred by decades of war, mistrust, and unresolved territorial disputes.

Elon Musk Slams Trump’s Tax and Spending Bill as a ‘Disgusting Abomination’

admin
-
0
Elon Musk Slams Trump’s Tax and Spending Bill as a ‘Disgusting Abomination’

WASHINGTON — Elon Musk publicly rebuked President Donald Trump’s marquee tax-and-spending proposal Tuesday, calling the legislation a “disgusting abomination” and igniting a rare confrontation between the tech billionaire and Republican leadership over the party’s core legislative priority.

Musk, who recently concluded his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, unleashed the blistering critique on his social media platform X, just days after receiving an Oval Office send-off from the president.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Musk wrote. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”

The legislation, which passed the House and is under debate in the Senate, would renew and expand Trump-era tax cuts while cutting federal subsidies, including those supporting electric vehicles — a move that directly threatens Tesla, Musk’s flagship company.

In another post, Musk warned, “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”

Musk’s broadside marks a striking departure from his previous support for Trump and Republican candidates. He reportedly spent over $250 million backing Trump’s re-election last year and had vowed to unseat GOP lawmakers disloyal to the president. Now, he’s threatening to turn on Republicans who push forward Trump’s fiscal agenda.

Still, Musk has indicated he may scale back political contributions moving forward. “I’ll spend a lot less,” he recently told a tech conference, though he added, “unless I see a reason.”

Musk’s business interests are likely fueling his outrage. The proposed legislation slashes funding for electric vehicles and green technology initiatives — sectors crucial to Tesla’s long-term growth. Additionally, the bill would enact new budget caps, raising concerns about future defense spending that could impact SpaceX, Musk’s other major venture with deep Pentagon ties.

The bill aims to extend tax cuts passed in 2017 and add more — a centerpiece of Trump’s 2025 platform — while committing $350 billion to border security, deportation efforts, and national defense. To help offset the cost, Republicans propose work requirements for recipients of safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces mounting pressure as the July 4 deadline to deliver Trump a legislative victory draws closer. With a narrow 53-seat GOP majority, any fracture within the party could derail the bill.

Musk’s comments have emboldened fiscally conservative senators. “We can and must do better,” Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky posted on X. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah called federal spending “excessive” and blamed it for inflation and government overreach.

However, GOP strategists downplayed Musk’s long-term influence. “It’s not helpful,” said Republican adviser Alex Conant, “but in the end, Senate Republicans are not going to side with Musk over Trump.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia echoed that sentiment. “No matter what Elon Musk or anybody else says, it’s still going to be second fiddle to President Trump,” she said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed aside the controversy, stating, “The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. His post doesn’t change the president’s opinion.”

Democrats were quick to capitalize on the GOP’s internal tensions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stood beside a poster-sized copy of Musk’s X post during a Capitol Hill press conference, declaring, “We’re in complete agreement.”

Democrats are fiercely opposing the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and renewable energy investments, framing the GOP plan as a $4.5 trillion giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable Americans.

Musk’s involvement in legislative fights is not new. During last year’s budget standoff, he posted repeatedly against a bipartisan spending deal, prompting Trump to eventually side with him and pressure GOP lawmakers to walk away from the agreement.

Now, with his fortunes potentially on the line, Musk has returned to the political battlefield — but this time, he’s taking aim at the very president he helped reelect.

Over 200 Inmates Flee Karachi Prison After Earthquake Triggers Chaos

admin
-
0
Over 200 Inmates Flee Karachi Prison After Earthquake Triggers Chaos

KARACHI, Pakistan — A massive manhunt is underway in Pakistan after over 200 inmates escaped from a prison in Karachi when a series of mild earthquakes struck the city and triggered widespread panic among prisoners and guards alike, local officials confirmed Tuesday.

The jailbreak occurred at Malir prison on Monday night after tremors forced prison staff to begin moving inmates for safety reasons. During the emergency transfer, dozens of prisoners seized the opportunity to flee, according to Sindh Province Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar.

“More than 600 inmates were being shifted to another block when, amid the confusion, over 200 attempted to escape,” Lanjar said at a press briefing in Karachi.

So far, 80 escapees have been rearrested, jail superintendent Arshad Shah reported. “Efforts are underway to recapture the remaining 136 prisoners,” he added, noting that search operations had been launched across the city and surrounding areas.

In the ensuing turmoil Monday night, one inmate was killed and at least 22 people — including both police officers and prison staff — were injured, Lanjar confirmed.

Authorities said most of the escaped inmates were facing charges related to narcotics and other non-violent crimes. “We have complete records of all those who escaped and we are confident they will be apprehended,” said Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon.

Memon also announced that an internal inquiry had been launched to determine how the escape was possible and whether negligence played a role in the breakdown of prison security.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon appealed to the escapees to return voluntarily, offering leniency to those who surrender within 24 hours. “Those who come back on their own will be treated fairly. But after the deadline, strict legal action will be taken against anyone still at large,” he warned.

The escape followed a series of shallow earthquakes in Karachi on Monday, the strongest of which reached a magnitude of 3.4, according to the Pakistan National Seismic Monitoring Center. Though no major structural damage was reported across the city, the tremors caused significant fear and disruption.

While jailbreaks in Pakistan are uncommon, the incident has revived concerns about the readiness of the country’s correctional facilities to handle emergencies. Security at prisons nationwide has been significantly strengthened since a 2013 Taliban-led attack freed over 200 inmates from a prison in another province.

This latest escape is one of the most serious in recent years and has prompted renewed scrutiny of prison protocols, particularly in disaster scenarios.

Ukraine Claims Explosive Strike on Kerch Bridge as Putin Ally Threatens Retaliation Over Drone Raids

admin
-
0
Ukraine Claims Explosive Strike on Kerch Bridge as Putin Ally Threatens Retaliation Over Drone Raids

KYIV, Ukraine — Tensions escalated sharply in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia on Monday as Kyiv claimed responsibility for a fresh explosive attack on the strategically vital Kerch Bridge, while a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened “inevitable retribution” following Ukrainian drone raids targeting Russian bombers.

The latest developments come amid intensified aerial assaults from both sides and mounting civilian casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a scathing condemnation of Moscow following a deadly strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, calling it a deliberate assault on innocent people.

Ukraine’s security services said they carried out a “successful” underwater drone strike on the Kerch Bridge, which links mainland Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. While Kyiv did not provide specifics, the bridge—often used by Russian military convoys—has been the target of multiple attacks since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began.

Ukrainian officials framed the strike as part of a broader effort to disrupt Russian logistics and military resupply lines in Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 and central to the Kremlin’s war operations.

The Kremlin has yet to confirm damage to the structure, but Russian state media acknowledged “security incidents” in the area, prompting increased patrols and partial traffic restrictions on the bridge.

In response to the drone raids and bridge strike, a senior Putin ally warned that “retribution is inevitable,” signaling a possible intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. The rhetoric echoes earlier threats made by Moscow after high-profile assaults on its military infrastructure, including airbases deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian drone operations have increasingly penetrated into Russian territory in recent weeks, reportedly targeting long-range bomber bases used to launch missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Speaking Monday, President Zelenskyy denounced a deadly Russian strike on the city of Sumy that killed at least three civilians and injured 25 others, including three children. The casualty count was updated from two earlier in the day.

Describing the bombardment as a “savage strike” and a “fully deliberate attack on civilians,” Zelenskyy shared details from the scene, including an artillery shell that pierced the ninth floor of an apartment building but failed to detonate.

“Many people have been wounded. A rescue operation is underway,” Zelenskyy said in a video address. “That alone says everything one needs to know about Russia’s so-called ‘desire’ to end this war.”

The Ukrainian president again called for greater international pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and diplomatic isolation. “It is obvious: without global pressure – without decisive actions from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who has the power – Putin will not agree even to a ceasefire,” he warned.

The renewed focus on critical infrastructure and intensified strikes comes as Ukraine continues to press Western allies for more weapons, sanctions enforcement, and humanitarian aid. With no end in sight to the conflict, the destruction of the Kerch Bridge, if confirmed, would mark another symbolic and strategic blow to Moscow’s grip on Crimea.

Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to rise as more Ukrainian cities face attacks. Zelenskyy’s appeal for global solidarity and tougher penalties on Russia underscores Kyiv’s growing impatience with what it sees as insufficient international resolve.

10-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies in Bihar Hospital Amid Treatment Delay Allegations

admin
-
0
10-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies in Bihar Hospital Amid Treatment Delay Allegations

PATNA, India — The death of a 10-year-old rape victim at a government hospital in Bihar has triggered widespread outrage across India, with her family alleging that delayed medical treatment contributed to her death.

The child died Sunday morning at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in the state capital, following what her family describes as hours of waiting for admission while her condition deteriorated in an ambulance.

The girl, who belonged to the Dalit community at the bottom of India’s caste hierarchy, was brutally assaulted on May 26 in Muzaffarpur district. She was allegedly raped and stabbed multiple times by a man living near her aunt’s residence. Police have arrested the suspect and are investigating the crime.

According to her uncle, the child went missing while playing outside her home. Family members later discovered her lying injured near a roadside with multiple knife wounds to her chest and neck.

She was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), approximately 85 kilometers from Patna. Kumari Vibha, SKMCH superintendent, confirmed the child had stabilized but required specialized windpipe reconstruction surgery, necessitating her transfer to PMCH.

The family’s allegations center on what happened after the child arrived at PMCH on Saturday. Her uncle claimed hospital staff made them wait in the ambulance for approximately four hours, moving between departments before finally admitting her to the gynecology ward.

“They made us run around for four hours from one hospital department to another one,” the uncle alleged, describing the ordeal that preceded the child’s death.

PMCH authorities have categorically denied the delay allegations. IS Thakur, a senior hospital official, explained that the child was initially admitted to pediatrics but transferred to the Ear, Nose and Throat department due to her specific injuries.

“Since we do not have an ICU in ENT, the child was shifted to the ICU of the gynecology department,” Thakur stated. He emphasized that the child arrived in an Advanced Life Support ambulance equipped for critical care and that “allegations of a delay in getting a hospital bed are baseless.”

The case gained national attention after a viral video showed Congress party members confronting hospital staff and demanding the child’s immediate admission. The incident has since become a political flashpoint in Bihar, with opposition parties organizing protests and demanding accountability from the ruling BJP-JD(U) coalition government.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the death as “extremely shameful” and called for strict action against negligent officials. The main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal questioned the effectiveness of Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure, asking on social media: “What is the use of the big buildings being built in the name of hospitals when there is chaos, corruption, misbehavior, lack of resources and insensitivity all around?”

Government representatives have defended their response. BJP spokesperson Anamika Singh Patel called the death “unfortunate” but insisted that hospital admission procedures require time and that government officials are working responsibly.

The National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women have both intervened, criticizing the incident and demanding investigations into the hospital’s handling of the case.

The tragedy has highlighted broader concerns about Bihar’s healthcare system months before scheduled state assembly elections. Recent reports indicate that only half of ventilators in government hospitals are functional, while Patna has just one government doctor for every 11,541 residents, with ratios significantly worse in rural areas.

The case also underscores ongoing challenges faced by India’s Dalit community, who continue to experience discrimination despite legal protections. Dalits frequently encounter barriers to accessing quality healthcare and justice, making this case emblematic of broader systemic issues.

A recent editorial in the Times of India, titled “Bihar’s Shame,” criticized the state’s hospital conditions, referencing another incident where a patient reported being bitten by a rat while hospitalized at a government facility in Patna.

Under Indian law, rape victims cannot be publicly identified, and authorities have maintained this protocol throughout the case coverage.

Australian Woman on Trial Over Fatal Mushroom Lunch Tells Court Wild Fungi Have ‘More Flavour’

admin
-
0
Australian Woman on Trial Over Fatal Mushroom Lunch Tells Court Wild Fungi Have ‘More Flavour’

MELBOURNE, Australia — Erin Patterson, the woman at the center of a high-profile murder trial in Australia over a deadly mushroom lunch, told a Victorian court Tuesday she began foraging wild fungi during the COVID-19 pandemic because they offered “more flavour” than store-bought varieties. Patterson, 49, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder stemming from a July 2023 lunch that left three family members dead and a fourth critically ill.

During her second day of testimony, Patterson admitted to the presence of death cap mushrooms in the beef Wellington dish she served but insisted their inclusion was accidental. She described a long-standing interest in mushrooms and said she had cooked wild fungi for years without incident.

“I mainly picked field mushrooms,” Patterson said, noting she would often forage with her two children in places like local botanic gardens, nearby trails, and her own property. Recalling her first attempt at eating wild fungi, she told jurors she sampled a small portion cooked in butter. “It tasted good and I didn’t get sick,” she said.

The fatal meal took place at Patterson’s home in Leongatha, southeast of Melbourne. Among the guests were her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. All three died in the days following the lunch. A fourth guest, 68-year-old Ian Wilkinson—Heather’s husband and the uncle of Patterson’s estranged husband Simon—survived after a lengthy hospital stay.

The prosecution alleges Patterson knowingly served the toxic mushrooms in an effort to kill the victims. Her defense team maintains the incident was a tragic accident, pointing to her history of mushroom consumption and preservation.

Under questioning, Patterson testified that “the vast majority” of the mushrooms used in the meal were purchased at a Leongatha supermarket. She said additional mushrooms may have come from an Asian grocery store in Melbourne months prior, though she could not recall exact purchases. She noted she often bought “wild mushroom mix” or “forest mushrooms” with unspecified contents and stored them alongside foraged varieties in the same container.

Patterson also explained her purchase of a food dehydrator in April 2023, which she said was intended to preserve seasonal wild mushrooms for later use.

Addressing her relationships with the victims, Patterson recounted a generally positive dynamic with her in-laws despite separating from Simon Patterson in 2015. “I was just their daughter-in-law—they just continued to love me,” she said, adding that her bond with Don and Gail Patterson remained strong until tensions arose over financial matters in late 2022.

The court was shown private, profanity-laced Facebook messages in which Patterson criticized her ex-husband and in-laws. She described them as an emotional outburst in a chat with her close friends, whom she referred to as her “cheer squad.” “I needed to vent… to get my frustration off my chest,” she told the court tearfully. “I wish I had never said that.”

Patterson also detailed her health anxiety, telling jurors she often researched medical symptoms online, leading her to mistakenly believe she had conditions like multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and ovarian cancer. She acknowledged she had never been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, despite allegedly inviting guests to the fatal lunch to discuss such a diagnosis. She defended the claim by pointing to a family history of the disease.

Following the lunch, Patterson said she discharged herself early from the hospital against medical advice due to a deep-seated mistrust of the healthcare system, which she said stemmed from past experiences involving her children’s health being dismissed by clinicians.

The trial, which has gripped public attention across Australia and beyond, is expected to continue Wednesday with further testimony from Patterson.

Suspected Bomb Plot Foiled Near Uganda Shrine; 2 Killed in Apparent Premature Explosion

admin
-
0
Suspected Bomb Plot Foiled Near Uganda Shrine; 2 Killed in Apparent Premature Explosion

KAMPALA, Uganda — Two people were killed Tuesday in Uganda’s capital before they could carry out a suspected bomb attack near a major Catholic shrine, according to military officials. The explosion occurred just hours before crowds gathered to mark Martyrs’ Day, a national religious holiday that draws thousands of pilgrims to the Kampala area.

Uganda’s military said in a statement that security forces “intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists” traveling on a passenger motorcycle in Munyonyo, a suburb south of central Kampala. The suspects—a man and a woman—were reportedly under surveillance by security forces tracking potential threats linked to the holiday.

Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said the woman appeared to detonate an explosive device as security personnel approached the motorcycle. Both suspects died at the scene, Rusoke confirmed, but he declined to share further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

The blast occurred not far from the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, where thousands had gathered for Mass to honor Christian converts executed in the late 19th century under the orders of King Mwanga II. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and other dignitaries attended the ceremony under heightened security.

Martyrs’ Day is one of the most significant religious observances in Uganda, commemorating the deaths of Christian martyrs killed between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to renounce their faith. The event routinely draws pilgrims from across East Africa and abroad.

Tuesday’s attempted attack cast a shadow over the celebrations, though authorities maintained tight security at major worship sites, and events proceeded without further incident. It was not immediately clear if the suspects were targeting the shrine or another location.

Explosive attacks in Uganda are rare, but the country has faced intermittent threats from extremist groups opposed to Museveni’s administration. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with suspected ties to the Islamic State, has carried out attacks in the past, including a deadly bombing spree in 2021 that killed several people in Kampala.

Authorities have occasionally issued warnings around national holidays and high-profile events, citing intelligence reports of possible plots by armed extremists. However, security officials say most threats are disrupted before they can be executed.

The premature explosion in Munyonyo is the latest reminder of the security challenges Uganda faces, even during peaceful religious observances. Investigators are expected to release more information once forensic teams complete their assessment of the blast site.

Israeli Forces Kill 27 Near Gaza Aid Site, Sparking UN Condemnation Amid Rising Tensions

admin
-
0
Israeli Forces Kill 27 Near Gaza Aid Site, Sparking UN Condemnation Amid Rising Tensions

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — At least 27 Palestinians were killed Tuesday after Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution point in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident marked the third fatal shooting near such sites in as many days, as international criticism grows over Israel’s militarized aid system and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Witnesses said the victims were among a group of displaced Palestinians heading toward the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)’s aid site near the Flag Roundabout in Rafah when the shooting erupted around 4 a.m. Many were killed or wounded before reaching the distribution point, where survivors later reported no aid remained.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged firing “near a few individual suspects” who had deviated from a designated humanitarian corridor and approached Israeli troops, allegedly ignoring warning shots. The army denied targeting civilians directly and said it was investigating Tuesday’s incident, as well as similar deadly events reported on Sunday and Monday.

In total, at least 61 Palestinians have been killed in the past three days while attempting to reach aid convoys, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The GHF, which coordinates aid operations within IDF-controlled zones, confirmed the military was reviewing whether civilians were injured after crossing into what it described as a “closed military zone” beyond its secure site.

Testimonies from survivors painted a harrowing picture. “There was gunfire from all directions,” said Rasha al-Nahal, who described seeing more than a dozen bodies along the road to the aid point. “We’d rather die than deal with this. Death is more dignified than what’s happening to us.”

Another witness, Neima al-Aaraj from Khan Younis, called the shooting “indiscriminate” and said she found no aid when she finally arrived. “After the martyrs and wounded, I won’t return,” she added. “Either way we will die.”

Yasser Abu Lubda, 50, said he saw several people shot at close range as they attempted to flee the area.

An Associated Press journalist at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) field hospital in Rafah reported a steady stream of wounded arriving by ambulance. Bloodstained flour sacks lay scattered outside as desperate residents returned empty-handed from the aid site.

Hisham Mhanna, an ICRC spokesperson, confirmed that the hospital received 184 wounded, with 27 ultimately pronounced dead. Mohammed Saqr, head nurse at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, said the dead included three children and two women, with most victims suffering gunshot wounds.

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, confirmed the casualty count and denounced the killings. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk issued a scathing statement: “Palestinians have been presented the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israel’s militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism.”

The UN has rejected Israel’s new aid distribution model—established in coordination with the U.S. and private groups—which channels humanitarian deliveries through military zones. The UN argues that the approach fails to address Gaza’s urgent hunger crisis and allows Israel to exert political leverage over aid access.

The GHF reported it had distributed 21 truckloads of food in Rafah on Tuesday, while its two other sites remained closed. Before the collapse of a recent ceasefire, Gaza was receiving up to 600 aid trucks per day. Now, humanitarian access is severely limited.

Amid the escalating humanitarian toll, the Israeli military announced the deaths of three soldiers in northern Gaza on Monday, reportedly from an explosion in Jabaliya. Israeli media said the soldiers, all in their early 20s, were killed in the deadliest incident involving IDF troops since the last ceasefire ended in March.

Since October 7, 2023—when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in a cross-border attack—Israel has launched a full-scale military campaign in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry, which reports to the Hamas-run government, says over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children. U.N. agencies and independent analysts consider the figures broadly credible, though Israel disputes the civilian toll.

Israel claims it has killed around 20,000 militants but has not provided supporting evidence. The IDF reports that more than 860 Israeli soldiers have died since the war began, including over 400 in ground operations inside Gaza.

Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza for two and a half months, halting food and fuel imports and prompting warnings of imminent famine. Restrictions were partially eased in May, but aid remains sporadic and inadequate, international organizations say.

Israel maintains that its restrictions are intended to prevent Hamas from seizing humanitarian supplies. The UN, however, says there is no evidence of systematic diversion and that access is primarily hindered by Israeli roadblocks, looting, and widespread insecurity.

As desperate civilians continue to risk their lives in search of food, global scrutiny over Israel’s conduct in Gaza grows. Humanitarian groups and rights advocates warn that the militarization of aid could have deadly consequences far beyond Tuesday’s massacre.

AP

UK Threatens Legal Action Against Roman Abramovich Over Frozen Chelsea Sale Proceeds

admin
-
0
UK Threatens Legal Action Against Roman Abramovich Over Frozen Chelsea Sale Proceeds

LONDON — The British government has threatened to take legal action against Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich over £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) in frozen proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club, warning that the funds must be used exclusively for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Abramovich, sanctioned by the UK following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, initially expressed his desire for the sale proceeds to assist victims of the war. However, London and the former Chelsea owner remain at odds over how the money should be allocated. While the UK insists the funds be spent solely inside Ukraine, Abramovich has reportedly requested more flexibility, seeking to assist victims beyond Ukrainian borders.

In a rare joint statement issued Tuesday, British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the government’s growing frustration with the stalemate and its readiness to escalate the matter.

“The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion,” the statement read. “We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.”

Reeves and Lammy said the UK remained open to negotiations but was “fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required.”

The threat marks a significant escalation in the dispute over the fate of one of the largest frozen assets linked to a Russian oligarch since the war began. A lawyer representing Abramovich in Britain did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Abramovich was among several high-profile Russian figures sanctioned by the UK in the wake of Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Those sanctions triggered an urgent sale of Chelsea FC, which was completed in May 2022 to a consortium led by U.S. businessman Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.

While Abramovich publicly vowed not to profit from the sale, the proceeds — totaling £2.5 billion — remain frozen in a British bank account and cannot be disbursed without a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of the UK Treasury tasked with enforcing sanctions.

Reuters reported in March that British officials were considering legal avenues to unlock the funds, frustrated by the lack of a resolution nearly two years after the sale was finalized.

The UK has taken a hardline stance alongside European allies in pushing for Russia to bear the financial burden of the destruction it has caused in Ukraine. British ministers argue that redirecting the Chelsea sale proceeds to Ukrainian humanitarian relief aligns with that principle.

Although Abramovich has supported allocating the funds to victims of the war, sources familiar with the negotiations say he has pushed for broader distribution to include those affected outside Ukraine — a condition that London has firmly opposed.

The dispute has become a symbolic test case in the West’s effort to repurpose frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery. While some officials across Europe and the U.S. have advocated seizing such assets outright, legal and diplomatic complexities have slowed those efforts.

As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, pressure is mounting to unlock frozen Russian wealth for reconstruction efforts. Britain’s ultimatum to Abramovich underscores its commitment to ensuring that these assets do not return to sanctioned individuals — and that they serve a clear humanitarian purpose.

1...320321322...966Page 321 of 966