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Nigeria: Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos’ Orile Iganmu Area

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A two-storey building collapsed in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State, Nigeria, on Monday, causing panic among local residents who fled the scene for safety.

The incident occurred on Amusu Street, with eyewitnesses reporting the sudden collapse of the structure. Social media users quickly shared news of the event, with some posting video footage of the building’s collapse.

As of the time of reporting, the Lagos State government had not yet issued an official statement or response to the incident.

Local residents and social media users expressed concern over the safety of those potentially trapped in the rubble. One X user, @PR4orileboy, called for stricter housing regulations in the area, stating, “LASG needs to wake up and enforce strict laws on housing in this area; as there are lots of houses that needs standard renovations.”

Another user, @OurFavOnlineDoc, described the collapse as a “scary shocking moment” and urged authorities to address the situation promptly.

While some reports indicated fears of casualties, user @Agilitymartin claimed, “Glory be to God, no life was lost in the trending video of a building collapsed in Amusa Orile Igamu area of Lagos state.” However, this information has not been officially confirmed by emergency services or local authorities.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about building safety and urban infrastructure in Lagos, Africa’s largest city. Building collapses are not uncommon in the rapidly expanding metropolis, often attributed to substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes.

As the situation develops, residents await official word from Lagos State authorities regarding rescue efforts, potential casualties, and measures to prevent future incidents in the densely populated Orile Iganmu area.

Afghan Taliban Announce Gradual Implementation of Media Ban on Living Images

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The Taliban government in Afghanistan has revealed plans to gradually implement a ban on images of living things in media, citing strict interpretations of Islamic law. This decision is part of recent legislation formalizing the Taliban’s religious policies since regaining power in 2021.

Saiful Islam Khyber, spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), told AFP, “The law applies to all Afghanistan… and it will be implemented gradually.” Khyber emphasized that officials would focus on persuading people that images of living things contradict Islamic law, stating, “Coercion has no place in the implementation of the law.”

The new legislation outlines rules for news media, including banning the publication of images of all living things, prohibiting mockery or humiliation of Islam, and forbidding content that contradicts Islamic law.

While some aspects of the law have not been strictly enforced yet, such as advising the public against taking or viewing images of living things on personal devices, implementation has begun in certain provinces. Khyber noted that “work has started” in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, neighboring Helmand province, and northern Takhar.

In Ghazni province, PVPV officials summoned local journalists on Sunday, informing them of the gradual implementation of the law. Visual journalists were advised to take photos from a distance and film fewer events “to get in the habit,” according to an anonymous journalist who spoke to AFP.

The ban on images of living things echoes similar restrictions imposed during the Taliban’s previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Since their return to power, Taliban officials have sporadically enforced censorship rules, such as obscuring faces on advertisements and covering mannequin heads in shops.

The media landscape in Afghanistan has changed dramatically since the Taliban’s takeover. Media employees decreased from 8,400 to 5,100, with only 560 women remaining in the profession. Afghanistan has also dropped from 122nd to 178th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom ranking.

Nigeria Football Team Threatens Boycott of Libya Qualifier Amid Travel Chaos

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Nigeria’s national football team has threatened to boycott their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday following a chaotic travel experience that left them stranded for hours at an airport far from their intended destination.

The Super Eagles, scheduled to play in Benghazi, found their charter flight diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, approximately 250 km (155 miles) away from the match venue. The Nigeria Football Federation reported that no alternative transport was offered upon arrival.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong expressed frustration on social media platform X, stating, “Once we landed, they’ve kept us in this abandoned airport for over 12 hours now without any provisions. I have experienced stuff before playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour.” He added, “As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game.”

Striker Victor Boniface echoed these sentiments, reporting being stuck at the airport for nearly 13 hours without food, WiFi, or sleeping accommodations. “Africa, we can do better,” Boniface remarked on X.

The Libyan Football Federation responded to the situation, insisting the incident was not deliberate and urging understanding from their Nigerian counterparts. They stated, “We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill.”

Nigeria currently leads their qualification group with seven points from three games, following a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Friday. The match in Benghazi could secure their place in the finals scheduled for Morocco late next year.

As the situation unfolds, the potential boycott raises questions about the organization of international football events in Africa and the treatment of visiting teams.

Israeli Minister Calls UNIFIL Peacekeepers ‘Useless’ as Tensions Escalate in Lebanon

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Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen on Monday labeled the United Nations’ UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as “useless,” accusing them of failing to protect Israelis from Hezbollah attacks and calling for their withdrawal amid escalating conflict.

“The State of Israel will do everything to ensure the safety of its citizens, and if the UN cannot help, at least it should not interfere, and move its personnel from the combat zones,” Cohen stated on social media platform X.

The criticism comes as Israel pushes its forces through southern Lebanon in an effort to neutralize Iran-backed Hezbollah and its military infrastructure. The UN and Israel have exchanged accusations regarding the peacekeepers’ role in the region.

On Sunday, the UN reported that Israeli tanks had forcibly entered one of its bases, an allegation disputed by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the peacekeepers to withdraw, claiming they provided “human shields” for Hezbollah.

UNIFIL described an incident where two Israeli Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate of a base and entered before dawn on Sunday. The peacekeeping force also reported shells exploding nearby, causing smoke that affected UN personnel.

The Israeli military countered these claims by taking foreign journalists to southern Lebanon, showcasing what they described as a Hezbollah tunnel shaft close to a UNIFIL position and weapon caches allegedly found by troops.

Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin stated, “We are actually standing in a military base of Hezbollah very close to the UN,” pointing out tunnel infrastructure near a UN observation post.

The Israeli military claims to have destroyed numerous Hezbollah tunnel shafts, rocket launchers, and command posts since beginning its ground operation near the border.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized EU member states for their delayed condemnation of Israel’s attacks on UNIFIL soldiers, describing the attacks as “completely unacceptable.”

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in cross-border attacks. Israel maintains its operations in Lebanon are aimed at securing the return of displaced residents in northern Israel.

REUTERS

Four Dead as Tesla Vehicle Crashes and Burns in France-AP

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A Tesla vehicle crash in western France has resulted in four fatalities after the car reportedly struck a road sign and burst into flames, local police reported Monday.

The incident occurred Saturday night near the city of Niort, according to Lt. Eric Hoarau, a local police spokesman. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

“Everything suggests (the vehicle) came off the road,” Hoarau stated, citing evidence of tire marks on the ground and a severed road sign at the scene.

The absence of eyewitnesses is complicating the investigation, Hoarau added. All four occupants of the vehicle were burned beyond recognition in the intense fire that followed the collision.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or the specific model of the Tesla involved in the crash.

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.

The crash adds to a series of high-profile incidents involving Tesla vehicles, which have drawn scrutiny over their safety features and autopilot system. However, it is currently unknown whether any automated driving features were in use at the time of this particular accident.

French authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the factors that led to this tragic event.

China Launches Massive Military Drill Near Taiwan with Record 125 Warplanes

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China deployed a record 125 aircraft and its Liaoning aircraft carrier in large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan on Monday, escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 90 of the aircraft, including warplanes, helicopters, and drones, entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone between 5:02 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The drills simulated the sealing off of key ports around the island.

The exercises come in response to Taiwan’s National Day celebrations and a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who rejected Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the self-governed island. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office called the drills “a resolute punishment” for Lai’s stance on Taiwan independence.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV displayed a map showing six large blocks encircling Taiwan, indicating the locations of the military drills. The exercises involved China’s navy, army air force, and missile corps in an integrated operation.

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported deploying warships and mobile missile and radar groups to monitor the Chinese vessels. As of Monday morning, they had tracked 25 Chinese warplanes, seven warships, and four government ships.

Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for China’s People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, stated that the drill was successfully completed and served as “a major warning to those who back Taiwan independence.”

The United States, Taiwan’s largest unofficial ally, called China’s response “unwarranted” and urged Beijing to exercise restraint.

Despite the tensions, residents in Taipei remained calm. “I don’t worry, I don’t panic either, it doesn’t have any impact on me,” said Chang Chia-rui, a local resident.

China also announced sanctions against two Taiwanese individuals, Puma Shen and Robert Tsao, for promoting Taiwanese independence. The sanctions prohibit them from traveling to China, including Hong Kong.

Heavy Rains Force School Closures as Floods Hit Sri Lankan Capital

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Sri Lanka closed schools in the capital Colombo and surrounding areas Monday as heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding across the island nation.

The country’s Disaster Management Centre reported three drowning deaths and said approximately 134,000 people have been affected by the floods. Nearly 7,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes.

Weekend downpours caused extensive damage, with 240 houses reported damaged. Floodwaters submerged homes, agricultural fields, and roads in many areas. Some suburbs of Colombo saw flood levels reach the roofs of houses and shops.

Authorities have deployed navy and army troops for rescue operations and to distribute food and essential supplies to affected areas. As a precautionary measure, electricity has been cut in some flood-hit regions.

The flooding is part of a broader pattern of severe weather that has impacted Sri Lanka since May. In June, 16 people died due to floods and mudslides caused by heavy monsoon rains.

Local television broadcasts showed images of inundated towns in Colombo’s suburbs, highlighting the extent of the flooding.

The current weather crisis adds to the challenges faced by Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with an economic crisis in recent years.

Tech Consultant’s Murder Trial Begins in Cash App Founder Bob Lee’s Death

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The murder trial of tech consultant Nima Momeni, accused in the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee, began Monday in San Francisco Superior Court.

Lee, 43, was found fatally wounded on a downtown San Francisco street on April 4, 2023. The case shocked the tech community, where Lee was known for his work as chief product officer of cryptocurrency platform MobileCoin.

Prosecutors allege Momeni, 40, planned the attack following a dispute over his younger sister, Khazar. They claim Momeni drove Lee to a secluded area, stabbed him three times with a knife taken from his sister’s condo, and fled.

Defense attorney Saam Zangeneh counters that Lee, allegedly under the influence of drugs, attacked Momeni. “Our theory is that Bob had the knife, and that Nima acted in self-defense,” Zangeneh said.

Surveillance footage shows Lee and Momeni leaving the Millennium Tower, where Momeni’s sister resides, together after 2 a.m. on the night of the incident. Lee was discovered around 2:30 a.m. in the Rincon Hill neighborhood.

A knife recovered at the scene reportedly contains Momeni’s DNA on the handle and Lee’s DNA on the blade, according to prosecutors. The defense argues that police should have tested for Lee’s fingerprints on the handle.

Momeni has pleaded not guilty and faces 26 years to life if convicted. Judge Alexandra Gordon estimates the trial could last until mid-December.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Lee’s prominence in the tech industry and the circumstances surrounding his death.

apnews.com

Pilot Killed, Passenger Injured in Small Plane Crash in Savannah Neighborhood

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A small plane crashed in a residential neighborhood of Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday night, resulting in the death of the pilot and minor injuries to the passenger, local authorities reported. The Savannah Police Department confirmed that no one on the ground was harmed in the incident.

The crash occurred on East 66th Street, approximately 3 miles south of Savannah’s historic landmark district. Police officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident.

According to a statement posted on social media by the Savannah Police Department, “The pilot is deceased, and the passenger has minor injuries. No one on the ground was injured.”

The Savannah Professional Firefighters Association provided additional details, stating that the crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. The union shared a photograph on Facebook showing the mangled remains of the aircraft on the ground in front of a house, illustrating the severity of the impact.

As of now, the cause of the crash remains unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been called in to investigate the incident, which will likely involve examining the aircraft’s maintenance history, the pilot’s background, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital Tent Camp Kills 4, Injures Dozens

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An Israeli airstrike on a hospital courtyard in central Gaza early Monday killed at least four people and ignited a fire that swept through a tent camp for displaced civilians, resulting in severe burns for more than two dozen individuals, according to Palestinian medical sources.

The strike targeted the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, which was already overwhelmed with casualties from an earlier attack on a school-turned-shelter that had killed at least 20 people. Hospital records show four deaths and 40 wounded from the latest strike, with 25 victims transferred to Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza due to severe burns.

Israel’s military claimed the airstrike targeted militants hiding among civilians but did not provide evidence. This incident is part of a pattern of Israeli strikes on crowded shelters and tent camps, with the military alleging Hamas fighters use these locations to stage attacks.

Associated Press footage from the scene showed children among the wounded, with distressing images of injured toddlers receiving emergency care on the hospital floor.

The attack comes as Israel continues its military campaign across Gaza, more than a year into the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. That attack killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages being taken, with around 100 still held in Gaza.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has led to over 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reports that women and children comprise more than half of the fatalities. The conflict has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many multiple times, and has resulted in widespread destruction across the territory.

Concerns are growing about Israel’s military strategy in northern Gaza, where the entire population of about 400,000 has been ordered to evacuate southward. Food aid has been blocked from entering the north since the start of the month, raising fears of a potential “surrender-or-starve” strategy that rights groups warn would violate international law.

As the Gaza conflict continues, tensions are also escalating on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah militants killed four Israeli soldiers in an aerial attack on Sunday. This incident, the deadliest since Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon two weeks ago, has heightened concerns about a potential regional escalation of the conflict.

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