July 24 in history: SS Eastland capsizes in the Chicago River, kills more than 840 and more

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday.

"President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday. "President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

Indian Prez calls Maharashtra governor, expresses concern over loss of life due to rains, floods

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources.

The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said.

"Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday.

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. 
At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict.

Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year.

The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office.&nbsp;

Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report. The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources. The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said. "Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict. Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year. The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office. Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.

Pak NSA, ISI chief likely to visit US next week for talks on Afghanistan: Report 

Thousands of Hungarians planned to join the annual Budapest Pride march on Saturday in a show of support for LGBT people and to protest against a law banning the use of materials in schools seen as promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment.

Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, has grown increasingly radical on social policy in what he portrays as a fight to safeguard traditional Christian values from Western liberalism.

The European Commission has launched legal action against Orban's government over the new law, which came into force this month, saying it is discriminatory and contravenes European values of tolerance and individual freedom.

Orban's government, which faces a tough election next year, says matters such as LGBT rights are for national governments to decide and says it will call a referendum on the reform. It says the law is not about targeting homosexuals but about protecting Hungary's children.

Organisers of Saturdays'&nbsp;march have called on supporters to stand up against hatred and resist attempts by what they called "power-hungry politicians" to intimidate LGBT people.

"The recent past has been very demanding, distressing and frightening for the LGBTQ community," they said in a statement.

"Instead of protecting minorities, the Fidesz-Christian Democrat government is using laws to make members of the LGBTQ community outcasts in their own country."

Several civil rights groups have criticised Orban`s reforms and a survey last month by the Ipsos polling organisation found that 46% of Hungarians support same-sex marriage.

On Monday, more than 40 foreign cultural institutions and embassies in Hungary, including those of the United States, Britain and Germany, published a joint statement in support of the Budapest Pride Festival.

"Concerned by recent developments that threaten the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, we encourage steps in every country to ensure the equality and dignity of all human beings irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity," they said.

Thousands of Hungarians planned to join the annual Budapest Pride march on Saturday in a show of support for LGBT people and to protest against a law banning the use of materials in schools seen as promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment.

Thousands of Hungarians planned to join the annual Budapest Pride march on Saturday in a show of support for LGBT people and to protest against a law banning the use of materials in schools seen as promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment. Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, has grown increasingly radical on social policy in what he portrays as a fight to safeguard traditional Christian values from Western liberalism. The European Commission has launched legal action against Orban's government over the new law, which came into force this month, saying it is discriminatory and contravenes European values of tolerance and individual freedom. Orban's government, which faces a tough election next year, says matters such as LGBT rights are for national governments to decide and says it will call a referendum on the reform. It says the law is not about targeting homosexuals but about protecting Hungary's children. Organisers of Saturdays' march have called on supporters to stand up against hatred and resist attempts by what they called "power-hungry politicians" to intimidate LGBT people. "The recent past has been very demanding, distressing and frightening for the LGBTQ community," they said in a statement. "Instead of protecting minorities, the Fidesz-Christian Democrat government is using laws to make members of the LGBTQ community outcasts in their own country." Several civil rights groups have criticised Orban`s reforms and a survey last month by the Ipsos polling organisation found that 46% of Hungarians support same-sex marriage. On Monday, more than 40 foreign cultural institutions and embassies in Hungary, including those of the United States, Britain and Germany, published a joint statement in support of the Budapest Pride Festival. "Concerned by recent developments that threaten the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, we encourage steps in every country to ensure the equality and dignity of all human beings irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity," they said.

Thousands to join Budapest Pride march in protest over new anti-LGBT law

The Pakistan army has started to man the front-line positions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. The decision has been taken in wake of the volatile situation across the border.&nbsp;

Pakistan has moved the Frontier Constabulary, Levies Force and other militias from the positions. The FC Balochistan and other militias, who were working under the interior ministry, have been called back. They used to conduct border patrolling.&nbsp;

“Now, regular army troops are manning the border after replacing the paramilitary forces,” the minister said, according to a Dawn report.&nbsp;

The situation not only demands containment of influx of Afghan refugees from across the border but also the entry of armed security personnel and militants into Pakistan, Ahmed said.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" cross into Afghanistan through its border. The strategic town across the border in Afghanistan is held by Taliban. AFP quoted a border official as saying that the move was taken on "humanitarian grounds".&nbsp;

Pakistan partially opened its southern crossing on Saturday. Thousands of Afghans were left stranded in the Pakistani town of Chaman after militants captured Spin Boldak from Kabul's forces on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We have opened the Chaman border... allowing crowds of up to 4,000 Afghans including women and children to cross over to Afghanistan to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families, purely on humanitarian grounds," a border official, who did not want to be named, told AFP.&nbsp;

People would be allowed to cross until the evening, with the possibility the border would open again tomorrow, the official added.&nbsp;

Muhammad Tayyab, a local paramilitary official, said the decision was taken because of "relative calm on the other side", but said the crossing would remain closed to trade.&nbsp;

An AFP photographer said the gates were rushed by families as soon as they opened.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Pakistan army has started to man the front-line positions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. The decision has been taken in wake of the volatile situation across the border.

The Pakistan army has started to man the front-line positions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. The decision has been taken in wake of the volatile situation across the border. Pakistan has moved the Frontier Constabulary, Levies Force and other militias from the positions. The FC Balochistan and other militias, who were working under the interior ministry, have been called back. They used to conduct border patrolling. “Now, regular army troops are manning the border after replacing the paramilitary forces,” the minister said, according to a Dawn report. The situation not only demands containment of influx of Afghan refugees from across the border but also the entry of armed security personnel and militants into Pakistan, Ahmed said. Earlier, Pakistan allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" cross into Afghanistan through its border. The strategic town across the border in Afghanistan is held by Taliban. AFP quoted a border official as saying that the move was taken on "humanitarian grounds". Pakistan partially opened its southern crossing on Saturday. Thousands of Afghans were left stranded in the Pakistani town of Chaman after militants captured Spin Boldak from Kabul's forces on Wednesday. "We have opened the Chaman border... allowing crowds of up to 4,000 Afghans including women and children to cross over to Afghanistan to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families, purely on humanitarian grounds," a border official, who did not want to be named, told AFP. People would be allowed to cross until the evening, with the possibility the border would open again tomorrow, the official added. Muhammad Tayyab, a local paramilitary official, said the decision was taken because of "relative calm on the other side", but said the crossing would remain closed to trade. An AFP photographer said the gates were rushed by families as soon as they opened. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, Pakistan Army troops man front-line positions on Afghan border 

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department.&nbsp;

After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. &nbsp;

US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” &nbsp;

“A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. &nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. &nbsp;

The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed.&nbsp;

A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”.

The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, said a spokesperson of US State Department. After the Taliban insisted it will not agree on ceasefire and peace unless there is an agreement on a new government in Afghanistan, the United States has called on the group “to engage in serious negotiations”. US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter said, “We call on the Taliban to engage in serious negotiations to determine a political roadmap for Afghanistan's future that leads to a just and durable settlement.” “A negotiated settlement between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban is the only way to end 40 years of war and bring Afghans to peace that they seek and deserve,” spokesperson added. The world will not accept the imposition by force of a government in Afghanistan, she said. And also added that legitimacy and assistance for any Afghan government can only be possible if that government has a basic right, basic respect excuse me for human rights. The violence should also end against the Afghans, who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war, Porter stressed. A report on Friday said, the Taliban beheaded an Afghan interpreter for US Army in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Engage in ‘serious negotiations’, US tells Taliban 

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House,&nbsp;US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some&nbsp;people familiar with the matter told CNN.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;Obama administration,&nbsp;the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy,&nbsp;had&nbsp;served as ambassador to Japan.&nbsp;

Kennedy is an&nbsp;ally, donor&nbsp;and longtime friend of&nbsp;Biden,&nbsp;who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign.&nbsp;She also&nbsp;spoke last summer at the Democratic convention.&nbsp;

A spokesperson of&nbsp;White House declined to comment on the matter. He said,&nbsp;after the completion of the&nbsp;vetting process and the notification to host countries,&nbsp;more ambassadors would be announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;appointment of&nbsp;Kennedy to Australia shows&nbsp;Biden administration is placing&nbsp;Asia-Pacific on a&nbsp;high priority as&nbsp;it deals with an increasingly assertive China on the world stage.&nbsp;

The US and Australia&nbsp;have been&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;close trade ties and a robust military relationship&nbsp;for a long time.&nbsp;These two countries are also a part of&nbsp;'Five Eyes alliance’. It is an intelligence sharing arrangement between the English-speaking democracies of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some people familiar with the matter told CNN.

In one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia, some people familiar with the matter told CNN. In the Obama administration, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, had served as ambassador to Japan. Kennedy is an ally, donor and longtime friend of Biden, who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign. She also spoke last summer at the Democratic convention. A spokesperson of White House declined to comment on the matter. He said, after the completion of the vetting process and the notification to host countries, more ambassadors would be announced. The appointment of Kennedy to Australia shows Biden administration is placing Asia-Pacific on a high priority as it deals with an increasingly assertive China on the world stage. The US and Australia have been sharing close trade ties and a robust military relationship for a long time. These two countries are also a part of 'Five Eyes alliance’. It is an intelligence sharing arrangement between the English-speaking democracies of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

Caroline Kennedy to get nominated as US ambassador to Australia by Biden  

Former US President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;longtime aide&nbsp;Tom Barrack,&nbsp;who was indicted&nbsp;on charges of illegal foreign lobbying&nbsp;earlier this week,&nbsp;was&nbsp;released from jail pending trial,&nbsp;after&nbsp;an&nbsp;order&nbsp;of&nbsp;a federal magistrate judge on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He was&nbsp;freed&nbsp;on a bail package, which&nbsp;includes a $250 million bond secured by $5 million in cash.&nbsp;

Barrack was&nbsp;also ordered to wear a GPS location monitoring bracelet by the&nbsp;judge.&nbsp;He&nbsp;has also been&nbsp;barred from transferring any funds overseas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;judge also&nbsp;restricted his travel to parts of Southern California and New York. He will have a curfew to be determined by pretrial services.&nbsp;

Barrack&nbsp;must appear in&nbsp;Brooklyn&nbsp;federal court on Monday, where he will be arraigned.&nbsp;He intends to plead not guilty, a spokesman has said.&nbsp;

Thomas Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

Barrack and two other defendants are accused of failing to register as lobbyists and using their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States.&nbsp;

"The defendants repeatedly&nbsp;capitalised&nbsp;on Barrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected president, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances," US Department of Justice official Mark Lesko in a press release.&nbsp;

Barrack is also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE.&nbsp;He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Barrack, 74, is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the large private equity firm Colony Capital. Barrack stepped down as Colony Capital's chief executive in 2020. In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former US President Donald Trump’s longtime aide Tom Barrack, who was indicted on charges of illegal foreign lobbying earlier this week, was released from jail pending trial, after an order of a federal magistrate judge on Friday.

Former US President Donald Trump’s longtime aide Tom Barrack, who was indicted on charges of illegal foreign lobbying earlier this week, was released from jail pending trial, after an order of a federal magistrate judge on Friday. He was freed on a bail package, which includes a $250 million bond secured by $5 million in cash. Barrack was also ordered to wear a GPS location monitoring bracelet by the judge. He has also been barred from transferring any funds overseas. The judge also restricted his travel to parts of Southern California and New York. He will have a curfew to be determined by pretrial services. Barrack must appear in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, where he will be arraigned. He intends to plead not guilty, a spokesman has said. Thomas Barrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. Barrack and two other defendants are accused of failing to register as lobbyists and using their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States. "The defendants repeatedly capitalised on Barrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected president, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances," US Department of Justice official Mark Lesko in a press release. Barrack is also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Barrack, 74, is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the large private equity firm Colony Capital. Barrack stepped down as Colony Capital's chief executive in 2020. In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm. (With inputs from agencies)

$250 million bail deal helps Trump’s ally Tom Barrack get out of jail 

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp. 
 
In a solemn speech that capped a day of remembrance, King Harald said Norway must teach future generations about the events of July 22, 2011. 
 
Breivik, a white supremacist, who wanted to bring about a fascist revolution through violent means, detonated a car bomb outside the prime minister's office in Oslo, killing eight, before driving to Utoeya island and shooting 69 people at a Labour Party youth camp. 
 
"Certain dates are written into our country's story as defining days. Days, which in different ways, have contributed to making us who we are today," the king said at a televised memorial concert. 
 
The nation owed it to all those killed, to their relatives and to itself to pass on the lessons of July 22 to future generations, he added. 
 
"At the same time, we must acknowledge that we as a society have not done nearly enough to see, to help, to carry the burden together - and to counteract the dark forces." 
 
Events started outside what was once the prime minister`s office - now still an empty shell. People passing by beyond the secured perimeter stopped to listen and some hugged as the names of the victims were read out. 
 
"It hurts to think back to that dark day in July ten years ago. Today, we mourn together. Today, we remember the 77 that never came home," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at that event. 
 
Breivik, 42, is serving a 21-year sentence, which can be prolonged indefinitely if he is deemed a continued threat to society. 
 
Debate over the attacks has shifted over the years. Survivors, many of whom were teenagers at the time, are now determined to confront the far-right ideology which was a catalyst for the attack. 
 
This is a departure from Norway's response at the time, which emphasised unity and consensus.

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp.

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp. In a solemn speech that capped a day of remembrance, King Harald said Norway must teach future generations about the events of July 22, 2011. Breivik, a white supremacist, who wanted to bring about a fascist revolution through violent means, detonated a car bomb outside the prime minister's office in Oslo, killing eight, before driving to Utoeya island and shooting 69 people at a Labour Party youth camp. "Certain dates are written into our country's story as defining days. Days, which in different ways, have contributed to making us who we are today," the king said at a televised memorial concert. The nation owed it to all those killed, to their relatives and to itself to pass on the lessons of July 22 to future generations, he added. "At the same time, we must acknowledge that we as a society have not done nearly enough to see, to help, to carry the burden together - and to counteract the dark forces." Events started outside what was once the prime minister`s office - now still an empty shell. People passing by beyond the secured perimeter stopped to listen and some hugged as the names of the victims were read out. "It hurts to think back to that dark day in July ten years ago. Today, we mourn together. Today, we remember the 77 that never came home," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at that event. Breivik, 42, is serving a 21-year sentence, which can be prolonged indefinitely if he is deemed a continued threat to society. Debate over the attacks has shifted over the years. Survivors, many of whom were teenagers at the time, are now determined to confront the far-right ideology which was a catalyst for the attack. This is a departure from Norway's response at the time, which emphasised unity and consensus.

Bells toll in Norway to mark 10 years since neo-Nazi Breivik killed 77

Colombia has arrested 10 people accused of involvement in attacks on a helicopter carrying President Ivan Duque and a military base last month that officials said on Thursday were planned by former FARC rebel leaders based in Venezuela. 
 
The car bombing at the base in the northeastern city of Cucuta, home to the army's 30th Brigade, wounded 44 people, including two US&nbsp;military advisers. Later in June, a helicopter approaching the city with Duque and other officials aboard was strafed by bullets. 
 
The 10 people captured in Norte de Santander province are former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa said in a news conference broadcast via social media, and belong to the dissidents' 33rd front. 
 
Three of them took part in the planning and execution of both attacks and have been detained and charged, while another is a retired army captain, Barbosa said. 
 
Orders to carry out the attacks came from former FARC leaders who are operating from Venezuela, Defense Minister Diego Molano said during the news conference. 
 
Molano said the attacks demonstrated that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sheltered FARC dissidents, referring to them as "terrorists." 
 
"It's clear that this attack against the president, against the 30th Brigade, was planned from Venezuela," Molano said. 
 
Colombia`s government has long accused Maduro of turning a blind eye to the presence of Colombian rebels on his country`s territory. Maduro, in turn, has said Venezuela is a victim of criminals from Colombia. 
 
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded on Twitter, accusing Molano of pointing at Venezuela in an effort to distract from Colombia`s internal problems. 
 
"Once again they use Venezuela to try to hide the tragedy of their country," he said, adding that Colombia was riddled with violence and armed groups, with an economy reliant on drug trafficking.

Colombia has arrested 10 people accused of involvement in attacks on a helicopter carrying President Ivan Duque and a military base last month that officials said on Thursday were planned by former FARC rebel leaders based in Venezuela.

Colombia has arrested 10 people accused of involvement in attacks on a helicopter carrying President Ivan Duque and a military base last month that officials said on Thursday were planned by former FARC rebel leaders based in Venezuela. The car bombing at the base in the northeastern city of Cucuta, home to the army's 30th Brigade, wounded 44 people, including two US military advisers. Later in June, a helicopter approaching the city with Duque and other officials aboard was strafed by bullets. The 10 people captured in Norte de Santander province are former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa said in a news conference broadcast via social media, and belong to the dissidents' 33rd front. Three of them took part in the planning and execution of both attacks and have been detained and charged, while another is a retired army captain, Barbosa said. Orders to carry out the attacks came from former FARC leaders who are operating from Venezuela, Defense Minister Diego Molano said during the news conference. Molano said the attacks demonstrated that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sheltered FARC dissidents, referring to them as "terrorists." "It's clear that this attack against the president, against the 30th Brigade, was planned from Venezuela," Molano said. Colombia`s government has long accused Maduro of turning a blind eye to the presence of Colombian rebels on his country`s territory. Maduro, in turn, has said Venezuela is a victim of criminals from Colombia. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded on Twitter, accusing Molano of pointing at Venezuela in an effort to distract from Colombia`s internal problems. "Once again they use Venezuela to try to hide the tragedy of their country," he said, adding that Colombia was riddled with violence and armed groups, with an economy reliant on drug trafficking.

Colombia arrests 10 over attacks on Duque's helicopter, military base

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;Iraqi officials discussing US military presence on Washington visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;US House approving bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans,&nbsp;we have it all.&nbsp;

We also bring live updates from&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics, where&nbsp;Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off.&nbsp;You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;the&nbsp;Afghan military overhauling war strategy to limit losses&nbsp;as Taliban advances. And also see report&nbsp;on&nbsp;Algeria launching probe into Pegasus spyware claim.&nbsp;

Also read about more US Republicans are urging for vaccinations&nbsp;as COVID-19 surges in the country.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-day-1-live-updates-olympic-flame-has-been-lit-as-games-kick-off-in-japan-399834">Tokyo Olympics Live: Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off in Japan</a>

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Tokyo Olympics 2021 LIVE Score:&nbsp;Follow along as Indian archers Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Jadhav compete in the Yumenoshima Ranking Field's individual ranking round.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-officials-discuss-us-military-presence-on-washington-visit-399848">Iraqi officials discuss US military presence on Washington visit</a>

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US President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi at the White House on Monday, and Kadhemi is expected to push for a concrete timetable of foreign troop withdrawal.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-bid-to-add-8000-visas-for-at-risk-afghans-399858">US House approves bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans</a>

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As US&nbsp;troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after a 20-year war,&nbsp;the US&nbsp;House of Representatives approved a plan on Thursday&nbsp;to allow an extra 8,000 special immigration visas for Afghans, who helped the United States and are at risk of retaliation.&nbsp;The bipartisan bill, which passed with a vote of 407 to 16, will now be considered by the Senate.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-taliban-advances-afghan-military-overhauls-war-strategy-to-limit-losses-399856">As Taliban advances, Afghan military overhauls war strategy to limit losses</a>

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Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure.&nbsp;The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-launches-probe-into-pegasus-spyware-claim-399844">Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim</a>

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The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an &nbsp;"inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens".

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-19-surges-more-us-republicans-urging-vaccinations-399869">As COVID-19 surges, more US Republicans urging vaccinations</a>

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COVID-19&nbsp;deaths and hospitalisation rates are rising nationwide, with the vast majority of new fatalities and serious cases among the unvaccinated.

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Watch |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020: Opening ceremony Director fired over Holocaust joke

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Iraqi officials discussing US military presence on Washington visit to US House approving bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Iraqi officials discussing US military presence on Washington visit to US House approving bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans, we have it all. We also bring live updates from Tokyo Olympics, where Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off. You can also read about the Afghan military overhauling war strategy to limit losses as Taliban advances. And also see report on Algeria launching probe into Pegasus spyware claim. Also read about more US Republicans are urging for vaccinations as COVID-19 surges in the country. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Tokyo Olympics Live: Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off in Japan Tokyo Olympics 2021 LIVE Score: Follow along as Indian archers Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Jadhav compete in the Yumenoshima Ranking Field's individual ranking round. Iraqi officials discuss US military presence on Washington visit US President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi at the White House on Monday, and Kadhemi is expected to push for a concrete timetable of foreign troop withdrawal. US House approves bid to add 8,000 visas for at-risk Afghans As US troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan after a 20-year war, the US House of Representatives approved a plan on Thursday to allow an extra 8,000 special immigration visas for Afghans, who helped the United States and are at risk of retaliation. The bipartisan bill, which passed with a vote of 407 to 16, will now be considered by the Senate. As Taliban advances, Afghan military overhauls war strategy to limit losses Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an "inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens". As COVID-19 surges, more US Republicans urging vaccinations COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisation rates are rising nationwide, with the vast majority of new fatalities and serious cases among the unvaccinated. Watch | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Opening ceremony Director fired over Holocaust joke ×

Morning news brief: Olympic flame has been lit as games kick off in Japan and more

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US&nbsp;officials say. 
 
The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. 
 
The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US&nbsp;military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August&nbsp;31, on orders from President Joe Biden. 
 
Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. 
 
US&nbsp;intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters. 
 
One Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the "reorientation" of troops would help Kabul hold strategic territory and defend infrastructure, including a dam built with India's assistance, and major highways. 
 
But consolidating troops also means leaving other areas unguarded, a hard sell to Afghan communities or ethnic groups who will feel they are being abandoned to the Taliban. 
 
"How do you communicate this to a public that has been jittery - and understandably so - over the past few weeks in which the Taliban have been taking over districts?" the Afghan official asked. 
 
"Because a major part of this reorientation would entail, at least in the short term, the Taliban filling in the vacuum that we're leaving behind." 
 
US&nbsp;Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strategy would involve "giving up district centers" to protect larger population centers, like the capital Kabul. He said the Taliban appeared to have "strategic momentum." 
 
"There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or a possibility of any number of other scenarios," Milley told a news conference on Wednesday, adding: "I don't think the endgame is yet written." 
 
US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US&nbsp;Central Command, which oversees US&nbsp;forces in Afghanistan and support to Afghan troops, said after being briefed on the plan this month the Afghans knew they had to pick their battles. 
 
"You can't defend everything. If you defend everywhere, you defend nowhere. So I think the Afghans realize they need to consolidate," McKenzie said, without offering details. 
 
He noted years-old US&nbsp;concerns about how Afghan forces were manning checkpoints, including in remote or hostile areas that are particularly vulnerable or serve little strategic value. 
 
"So, I think now they're now in the process of recognizing you got to pull back, you got to consolidate, you got to defend those areas that are absolutely critical," McKenzie said. 
 
The Afghan ministry of defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. 
 
Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. 
 
But the Taliban have not responded to calls from 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Afghanistan on Monday to halt their military offensives. The insurgents and the Afghan government also failed to agree on a ceasefire at talks in Doha for this week's Eid holidays. 
 
In the past, the Taliban have called short ceasefires for Eid, saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. 
 
US&nbsp;military officials believe the Taliban are seeking to end the war with a battlefield victory, instead of at the negotiating table.

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say.

Reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say. The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. US intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, US officials told Reuters. One Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the "reorientation" of troops would help Kabul hold strategic territory and defend infrastructure, including a dam built with India's assistance, and major highways. But consolidating troops also means leaving other areas unguarded, a hard sell to Afghan communities or ethnic groups who will feel they are being abandoned to the Taliban. "How do you communicate this to a public that has been jittery - and understandably so - over the past few weeks in which the Taliban have been taking over districts?" the Afghan official asked. "Because a major part of this reorientation would entail, at least in the short term, the Taliban filling in the vacuum that we're leaving behind." US Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strategy would involve "giving up district centers" to protect larger population centers, like the capital Kabul. He said the Taliban appeared to have "strategic momentum." "There's a possibility of a complete Taliban takeover or a possibility of any number of other scenarios," Milley told a news conference on Wednesday, adding: "I don't think the endgame is yet written." US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, which oversees US forces in Afghanistan and support to Afghan troops, said after being briefed on the plan this month the Afghans knew they had to pick their battles. "You can't defend everything. If you defend everywhere, you defend nowhere. So I think the Afghans realize they need to consolidate," McKenzie said, without offering details. He noted years-old US concerns about how Afghan forces were manning checkpoints, including in remote or hostile areas that are particularly vulnerable or serve little strategic value. "So, I think now they're now in the process of recognizing you got to pull back, you got to consolidate, you got to defend those areas that are absolutely critical," McKenzie said. The Afghan ministry of defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. But the Taliban have not responded to calls from 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Afghanistan on Monday to halt their military offensives. The insurgents and the Afghan government also failed to agree on a ceasefire at talks in Doha for this week's Eid holidays. In the past, the Taliban have called short ceasefires for Eid, saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. US military officials believe the Taliban are seeking to end the war with a battlefield victory, instead of at the negotiating table.

As Taliban advances, Afghan military overhauls war strategy to limit losses

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