Home Blog Page 384

U.S. Engages in Another Separate Ceasefire Talks with Russia and Ukraine Amid Escalating Attacks

admin
-
0
U.S. Engages in Another Separate Ceasefire Talks with Russia and Ukraine Amid Escalating Attacks

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia  — U.S. negotiators met with Russian representatives on Monday in an effort to broker a partial ceasefire in Ukraine’s three-year-long war, following separate discussions with Ukrainian officials a day earlier. The talks, held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, come as efforts to establish a limited 30-day ceasefire continue to face significant hurdles, with both Moscow and Kyiv engaged in ongoing drone and missile attacks. 

A key sticking point in negotiations is defining which targets should be off-limits. Despite direct conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, disagreements persist. The White House has stated that energy and infrastructure would be covered under the ceasefire agreement, but the Kremlin insists the protection applies only to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for additional safeguards for key transit networks, including railways and ports. 

The negotiations in Riyadh are expected to address these differences, as well as discuss a potential pause in attacks in the Black Sea to protect commercial shipping. 

As discussions unfold, hostilities persist on both sides. Ukraine remains open to Trump’s proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, according to officials. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has tied any agreement to Kyiv halting its military mobilization and Western arms shipments—a demand that Ukraine and its allies have rejected. 

In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the talks, stating he expects “real progress” and that an initial pause in Black Sea attacks could eventually lead to a full ceasefire. 

Amid speculation that China might deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire enforcement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the reports on Monday, calling them “completely false.” Speaking at a press briefing, Guo reaffirmed China’s neutral stance, emphasizing that Beijing continues to support a diplomatic resolution. 

China has provided economic and diplomatic support to Russia, particularly through energy trade, but has refrained from supplying weapons or military personnel. However, China maintains close ties with North Korea, which has deployed troops to aid Russian forces. 

A large-scale cyberattack struck Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia on Sunday, temporarily disrupting its online booking system. The company announced on Telegram that train operations remained unaffected despite the attack. 

“The railway continues to function despite both physical and cyberattacks. These efforts will not stop us,” Ukrzaliznytsia said in a statement. 

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported on Monday that they destroyed four Russian military helicopters in the Belgorod region using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems. The Ukrainian military shared drone footage of the attack on Telegram, stating that the strike targeted a concealed launch site used by Russian aircraft for surprise attacks. 

Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike hit the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy, damaging residential buildings and a school. Regional authorities confirmed that students were being evacuated at the time of the attack, preventing any casualties among children. However, the prosecutor’s office reported that 65 people were injured, including 14 children. 

Ukraine’s air force stated that Russian forces launched 99 drones in overnight attacks, 57 of which were intercepted. 

AP

Dementia-Stricken Mother Mauled to Death by 24 Dogs, Daughter Arrested

admin
-
0
Dementia-Stricken Mother Mauled to Death by 24 Dogs, Daughter Arrested

PUEBLO, Colorado — A 76-year-old woman suffering from dementia was mauled to death by a pack of dogs in her home, leading to the arrest of her daughter, authorities confirmed.

LaVonne Hoff’s body was discovered in February at the home she shared with her daughter, Jessica, in Pueblo, Colorado. Police reported that Jessica had left her mother alone while running errands, despite LaVonne requiring 24-hour care due to her condition.

Upon arrival, officers found multiple dogs running loose inside the property. A total of 24 dogs were found at the scene of the fatal attack, with an additional 30 dogs discovered at a second property owned by Jessica, 47. Authorities noted that some of the dogs were in poor health.

During their search, investigators also seized seven birds. Police linked LaVonne’s death to a dog attack and subsequently arrested Jessica. She faces charges of criminal negligence resulting in the death of an at-risk adult, along with 54 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Jessica is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.

The incident follows a series of fatal dog attacks. In California, Davina Corbin was mauled to death by a pack of 25 Great Danes while hiking in Feather Falls, approximately 90 miles from Sacramento, in August. Authorities confirmed multiple bite marks on her body and forensic evidence linking the dogs to the attack.

A fundraiser was launched to cover Corbin’s funeral expenses, with her family struggling to cope with the tragedy.

In December, a man in San Diego was fatally mauled by his three XL bully dogs in a public park. Witnesses described the animals as “massive muscle.”

The UK has since implemented legislation banning XL bully dogs unless the owner possesses an exemption certificate, a law that took effect in February 2024.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Calls Snap Election Amid Tensions with Donald Trump

admin
-
0
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Calls Snap Election Amid Tensions with Donald Trump

OTTAWA, Canada  — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap general election following repeated remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada should become the 51st state, as well as the imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports.

Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England, announced Sunday that the country will hold a five-week election campaign leading to a vote on April 28. His governing Liberal Party had faced a potential election defeat until Trump escalated trade tensions and made sovereignty-related comments that sparked national outrage.

Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada is not a real country and should be part of the United States, while also imposing tariffs on key exports. These actions have triggered a surge in support for the Liberals.

“We’re facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes due to President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said after requesting the dissolution of Parliament by Canada’s governor-general. “Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada. President Trump wants to break us, but we will not let that happen.”

Carney, who led the Bank of Canada through the 2008 financial crisis before becoming the first non-British governor of the Bank of England, replaced Justin Trudeau as prime minister earlier this month. Trudeau had announced his resignation in January following declining support before Trump’s trade war.

The election will determine the makeup of Canada’s 343-seat House of Commons. While several parties are competing, the race is primarily between the Liberals and the Conservatives. The opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, had initially expected a decisive victory, focusing their campaign on economic concerns such as rising food and housing costs and increased immigration.

However, the election now centers on who is best equipped to counter Trump. The U.S. president has already imposed 25% tariffs on Canada’s steel and aluminum and has threatened broader economic measures against all Canadian exports.

“I will insist the president recognize Canada’s independence and sovereignty,” Poilievre said while launching his campaign. “I will demand that he stops imposing unfair tariffs on our nation.”

Poilievre, a populist politician who has pledged to put “Canada first,” said he does not accept the way Trump has treated the country.

Septic Tank Collapse at Kenyan School Kills Two Students

admin
-
0
Septic Tank Collapse at Kenyan School Kills Two Students

SIAYA, Kenya  — Two Form Four students died after a septic tank collapsed at Ramba Boys High School in Rarieda, Siaya County, Kenya, officials confirmed.

The students were reportedly on top of the septic tank with others when it caved in around 6:00 p.m. Most of the students managed to escape unharmed, according to a junior teacher at the school. However, two students sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, while the deceased fell into the septic tank.

Police and Kenya Red Cross officials responded to the scene and worked overnight to recover the bodies from the collapsed structure.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, in a press statement, extended his condolences to the school community and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of learners across the county. He also urged residents to remain calm during this difficult period.

45 Killed in Sudan Paramilitary Attack in North Darfur: Activists

admin
-
0
45 Killed in Sudan Paramilitary Attack in North Darfur: Activists

At least 45 civilians were killed in a paramilitary attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the North Darfur town of al-Malha, Sudan, activists reported Saturday.

The RSF, locked in conflict with Sudan’s army since April 2023, announced Thursday that it had seized al-Malha, a strategically located town at the base of a mountainous region 200 kilometers (124 miles) northeast of El-Fasher, the North Darfur state capital.

A resistance committee, a local volunteer aid group based in El-Fasher, released a “preliminary list of the victims of the al-Malha massacre,” attributing the casualties to RSF forces. The group stated that 15 of the dead remained unidentified.

The RSF controls most of Darfur, a region approximately the size of France, but has struggled for months to capture El-Fasher. On Friday, the Sudanese army recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, dealing a setback to the paramilitary group.

In a statement, the RSF claimed it had “encircled the enemy… leaving more than 380 dead” in al-Malha.

A coalition of armed groups known as the Joint Forces, aligned with the Sudanese army, has repelled RSF offensives and disrupted supply routes from Chad and Libya. Al-Malha, situated in the vast desert between Sudan and Libya, has been a conflict zone for months between RSF fighters and the Joint Forces.

Following military advances in central Sudan, including key victories in Khartoum, analysts suggest the RSF is working to strengthen its control over Darfur.

The war, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 12 million people, creating the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis, according to the United Nations.

A UN-backed assessment reported famine in three displacement camps near El-Fasher. In the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, home to an estimated one million displaced people, local monitors reported severe shortages of drinking water due to an RSF-imposed siege.

Pope Francis Discharged from Rome Hospital After Health Scare

admin
-
0
Pope Francis Discharged from Rome Hospital After Health Scare

Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday after a five-week stay following a serious health scare. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been admitted on February 14, appeared at the hospital window to offer a blessing before his departure. 

Doctors said Pope Francis experienced “two very critical episodes” during his hospitalization that put his life in danger. However, he was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout his treatment, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his attending physicians. 

Although not fully recovered, the Pope no longer has pneumonia and will continue his recuperation at the Vatican, where doctors recommend at least two months of rest. If his recovery trend continues, he is expected to resume work as soon as possible. 

A large crowd gathered outside the hospital to witness Pope Francis’ departure. Many expressed relief and joy at seeing him well enough to leave. 

“When I saw him, I felt, to be honest, a little relieved,” said Bishop Larry Kulick from the Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania. 

Ilaria Della Bidia, a singer from Rome, described the atmosphere as deeply emotional. “I cried the whole time because the love we breathed in this little square of the hospital was like heaven.” 

Ana Matos, who had just arrived from Brazil, recounted the moment she saw the Pope. “It was an amazing feeling, like when I had my son. I was so happy to see him healthy and smiling.” 

Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has faced multiple health challenges throughout his life. At age 21, he had part of one lung removed, making him more vulnerable to respiratory infections. 

Earlier this month, an audio message from the Pope was played in St. Peter’s Square, in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers. His voice sounded breathless, highlighting the toll of his illness. 

The only previous public sighting of Pope Francis during his hospitalization was in a Vatican-released photograph, showing him praying in a hospital chapel. 

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri described his release as a “great gift to the city and to the world,” adding, “We support him and feel really close to him.” 

6 Police Officers Killed in Kenya by Suspected al Shabaab Fighters

admin
-
0
6 Police Officers Killed in Kenya by Suspected al Shabaab Fighters

At least six police officers were killed and four others injured in an attack on a police camp by suspected Islamist militants in Garissa County, near Kenya’s border with Somalia, police reported Sunday. 

Authorities said the assault was carried out by suspected fighters from Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group. 

The attack began at dawn when militants stormed a camp housing police reservists and “used assorted weapons to overrun the camp,” according to the police report. 

“Six fatalities have been confirmed, with four injured and receiving treatment at the hospital,” the report added. 

Following the attack, the U.S. embassy issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, warning American citizens against traveling to parts of Kenya, including Garissa and other counties near the Somalia border, due to the heightened threat of terrorism. 

Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency for years, aiming to overthrow Somalia’s central government and impose its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. The group has frequently launched cross-border attacks in Kenya, targeting security forces and civilians. 

Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 50,000 as Israel Intensifies Airstrikes

admin
-
0
Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 50,000 as Israel Intensifies Airstrikes

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Sunday. Overnight Israeli airstrikes killed at least 26 Palestinians, including a senior Hamas political leader, women, and children. 

Israeli ground troops have also entered parts of the southern city of Rafah, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee under new evacuation orders. 

Israel ended the latest ceasefire with a series of surprise airstrikes that killed hundreds. Ground incursions have since expanded in northern Gaza. The Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” dozens of militants in recent days. 

Israel’s Cabinet approved a proposal on Saturday to establish a directorate promoting the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians, aligning with a plan previously suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Palestinians have rejected the proposal, and human rights groups warn it could constitute forced expulsion, violating international law. 

The military has ordered residents to evacuate Tel al-Sultan in Rafah on foot along a single route to Muwasi, an overcrowded area filled with makeshift tent camps. More than 2 million Palestinians have been displaced, many multiple times. 

“It’s displacement under fire,” said journalist Mustafa Gaber, who fled with his family. “Tank and drone fire echoed nearby.” 

“The shells are falling among us, and bullets are flying above,” said Amal Nassar, displaced from Rafah. “The elderly have been thrown into the streets. An old woman was telling her son, ‘Go and leave me to die.’ Where will we go?” 

A blast in Gaza City struck near a tent camp designated for evacuees. “My husband is blind and started running barefoot. My children were screaming,” said Nidaa Hassuna, one of the displaced. 

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported losing contact with medics responding to airstrikes in Rafah. Spokesperson Nebal Farsakh confirmed that some were wounded. 

Israel’s military did not immediately comment but maintains that it targets militants, blaming civilian casualties on Hamas for operating in populated areas. 

Hamas confirmed that Salah Bardawil, a senior member of its political bureau, was killed in an Israeli strike in Muwasi, along with his wife. The Israeli military confirmed his death. 

Hospitals in southern Gaza reported receiving 24 additional bodies overnight, including multiple women and children. 

Gaza’s Health Ministry states that 50,021 Palestinians have been killed and more than 113,000 wounded. Among the dead are 15,613 children, including 872 infants under one year old. 

While the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, it reports that women and children account for more than half the fatalities. Israel claims it has killed approximately 20,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided evidence. 

A ceasefire in January temporarily halted over a year of conflict sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages. Most hostages have since been released in prisoner swaps. 

The latest ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages, including 35 believed to be dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and an Israeli withdrawal. However, talks collapsed before they could begin. 

Hundreds of Israelis protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem on Sunday, condemning his handling of the war and his attempts to remove the Shin Bet security chief. 

“I’m worried for the future of this country. This has to stop. We need a change in direction,” said protester Avital Halperin. 

Israel’s Cabinet approved the creation of 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, rezoning existing ones, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. 

Anti-settlement group Peace Now says this brings the total number of settlements, widely deemed illegal by the international community, to 140. These settlements will now receive independent budgets and can elect local governments. 

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at Israel overnight. The Israeli military intercepted it, reporting no casualties or damage. 

The Houthis resumed attacks on Israel after it ended the Gaza ceasefire, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The U.S. renewed airstrikes against the rebels last week in response to their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. 

Most targeted ships have no direct connection to the war. 

Decorated Pilot Killed in Crash at Saldanha Airshow, South Africa

admin
-
0
Decorated Pilot Killed in Crash at Saldanha Airshow, South Africa

SALDANHA BAY – A decorated Air Force pilot lost his life in a fatal crash during a solo aerobatic performance at the West Coast Airshow, South Africa, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The aircraft, believed to be an Impala Mk II, went down at approximately 3 p.m., erupting into flames upon impact. 

Video footage shared on social media captured the jet ascending, spinning mid-air, and plummeting before crashing near the Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“The Impala jet hit the ground, and the pilot died on impact,” said Elowayne Gouws, director of West Coast Medical Rescue. “We found the wreckage engulfed in flames upon arrival.” 

The West Coast Airshow, held over two days from March 21-22, drew thousands of spectators despite challenging weather conditions. Attendees noted that the low cloud cover initially led many to believe the event had been canceled. 

“The clouds were too low, and we were told the event was off,” said Nolitha Adams, a spectator. “The pilot who died took off shortly after 2 p.m., and moments later, his aircraft went down. It was shocking.” 

Witnesses reported seeing no sign of an ejection attempt before the crash. The pilot, a highly experienced Air Force veteran with nearly four decades of flight expertise, was performing the third scheduled display of the day. 

Authorities have secured the crash site for an investigation led by the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID), along with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force accident unit. 

“The AIID will provide a public update if necessary,” the agency stated. “A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website within 30 days.” 

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that law enforcement is also involved. 

“Saldanha police responded to a complaint this afternoon,” Swartbooi said. “Upon arrival at the airstrip, officers found the body of a man believed to be the pilot. He was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.” 

Event organizers have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. 

Congo’s M23 Rebels Announce Withdrawal From Seized Town Amid Peace Efforts

admin
-
0
Congo’s M23 Rebels Announce Withdrawal From Seized Town Amid Peace Efforts

KINSHASA — M23 rebels in eastern Congo announced Saturday they will withdraw from the recently seized town of Walikale to support ongoing peace efforts, despite skepticism from Congolese military officials. 

The Rwanda-backed rebel group, which has been advancing westward in an unprecedented offensive, previously stated it would maintain forces in Walikale while pushing toward the capital. However, in a statement issued by the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, the group said it had “decided to reposition its forces” in accordance with a February ceasefire and regional peace initiatives. 

A senior alliance member, speaking anonymously, described the withdrawal as a move to “give peace a chance” but did not specify where the rebels would relocate. The source also urged for Walikale to remain demilitarized, warning that a return of the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies would indicate an intention to restart hostilities. 

Congo’s Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We are going to see whether M23 will withdraw from Walikale and give priority to dialogue and peace. We hope this will be translated into concrete action.”   

Despite the announcement, Congolese military officials remain doubtful. One officer claimed M23 is instead advancing toward Mubi, another town in the region, after government forces and pro-government militias bombed Walikale’s airport and disrupted the rebels’ supply routes. 

“They now have a provision problem,” the officer said, speaking anonymously. “They will not withdraw. They will move in front of Walikale and behind it.” 

On Thursday, an M23 officer told Walikale residents that while a small group of soldiers would remain to provide security, the rest would continue marching “all the way to Kinshasa.” 

The capture of Walikale marks the furthest west the rebels have advanced, placing them within 400 km (250 miles) of Kisangani, a key trade hub on the Congo River. Kisangani’s strategic location, 1,500 km (930 miles) from Kinshasa, has heightened concerns over M23’s long-term objectives. 

The conflict in eastern Congo has deep historical roots, tied to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over the region’s vast mineral resources. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements and regional peace summits, fighting has continued. 

Congo, the United Nations, and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supplying weapons and troops to the Tutsi-led M23, an allegation Kigali denies. Rwanda insists its military presence is for self-defense against Congo’s army and the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide. 

M23 alliance leader Corneille Naanga on Friday rejected a joint call for an immediate ceasefire from Congo and Rwanda, reiterating that direct negotiations with Kinshasa remain the only viable solution to the conflict. 

1...383384385...967Page 384 of 967