As many as 174 skiers and snowboarders in the US state of Colorado were rescued on Sunday (Dec 22) after a ski lift cracked, which forced the evacuations, American media reported.

As many as 174 skiers and snowboarders in the US state of Colorado were rescued on Sunday (Dec 22) after a ski lift cracked, which forced the evacuations, American media reported. The gondola lift at Winter Park Resort, about 113 kilometres west of Denver, automatically stopped when it detected the crack in a structural piece of the lift just after noon on Saturday, resort spokesperson Jen Miller told the news agency Associated Press. Miller said that people riding in the gondolas were lowered down by ropes over about five hours. No injuries reported The Associated Press report said that no injuries were reported in the incident. The incident came at the beginning of the busy holiday ski season in the US. Miller also said that Ski patrolers entered the cabin of each gondola from above and lowered people’s equipment to the ground before using a rope equipped with a seat to lower each of the 174 passengers to the ground. Workers were replacing the section of the lift that cracked Sunday as state regulators and the lift’s manufacturer worked with resort officials to investigate what caused the crack, she added. Speaking to an American media outlet, the resort spokesperson said that the crack was part of the malfunction. 'Is everyone feeling good?' Videos shared on social media shot by bystanders showed the lift at a standstill as the local ski patrol entered each cabin and used the ropes to lower passengers dozens of feet to the ground. A video on TikTok showed the beginning of the incident when a resort employee called out to a cabin full of skiers and snowboarders from the ground to ask if anyone was injured. Another video on the platform showed a ski patrol member asking the stranded passengers, "Is everyone feeling good?" (With inputs from agencies)

Ski lift cracks in Colorado, over 170 stranded skiers and snowboarders rescued

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Monday (Dec 23) formally wrote to India to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing a press conference in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Tauhid Hossain said, "We have clearly informed India of our position. We have conveyed that we want her (Sheikh Hasina) back for judicial process." "We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government," Foreign Minister Hossain added when he was asked about the procedure for requesting Hasina's repatriation. Also read | Sheikh Hasina involved as 'instructor' in enforced disappearances, alleges Bangladesh's inquiry commission Earlier, Dhaka had said that there was no bar to bringing Hasina back following the extradition treaty. Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Anti-govt protests that led to Hasina's ouster Earlier this year, anti-government protests in Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina's government led to her ouster. The crisis precipitated in the country as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas in July. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The agitation was initially peaceful but soon turned violent. More than 240 people were killed in the clashes between student protesters and pro-government supporters. Thousands of people were injured, and scores were detained. Hasina resigned as PM on August 5 and fled to India. Following her ouster, an interim government was formed, which is being led by Muhammed Yunus. Growing demand to repatriate Hasina A report by the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard said on Monday that since Hasina fled to India, there has been a growing demand to get her repatriated to Bangladesh and face trial for the crimes committed by her administration during the July-August uprising. Also watch | Newspoint: Bangladesh extends probe into Hasina Last month, interim leader Yunus said that his government would seek the repatriation of Hasina from India and assured that she would be prosecuted for all the crimes committed over the past 15 years. Will Hasina face extradition? Citing sources, The Business Standard report said that Hasina holds no other passport besides the now-revoked diplomatic one. Under the Indian visa policy, Bangladeshi citizens holding diplomatic or official passports are eligible for visa-free entry and can stay in the country (India) for up to 45 days. However, Hasina has already spent four and a half months in India. The cancellation of her diplomatic passport and its associated visa privileges could lead to the risk of extradition to Bangladesh, the report said. It added that her extradition would fall under the legal framework of the 2013 extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi, which was amended three years later. While the treaty allows for the refusal of extradition if the charges are political, it explicitly excludes crimes such as murder from being considered political. (With inputs from agencies)

'We want her back...': Bangladesh formally writes to India to facilitate return of Sheikh Hasina

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah resumed a year ago when the militant group began firing rockets at Israel in support of Palestinian militants Hamas at the start of the Gaza war.

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah resumed a year ago when the militant group began firing rockets at Israel in support of Palestinian militants Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. In September this year, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon's south, killing 40 people and injuring over 3,000 others. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted that he had okayed the explosions in Lebanon. Now, two former agents of Mossad said that the Israeli spy agency spent years orchestrating the plot. Waging war through deception and trickery According to a report by CBS News early Monday (Dec 23), the two recently retired Mossad agents were among those who spearheaded the years-long operation against Hezbollah. Also read | Netanyahu admits he ‘okayed’ Lebanon pager blasts; talked to US President-elect Trump thrice on Iran threat The report said that Mossad's walkie-talkie operation was waging war through deception and trickery, in line with the spy agency's motto. Work began on weaponizing the walkie-talkies more than a decade before Israel set them off in September, the report added. One of the agents, who identified himself as Michael, said that the walkie-talkie was a weapon, "just like a bullet or a missile or a mortar." Michael said that the battery of the walkie-talkie, which was made in a Mossad facility, included an explosive device. Hezbollah bought more than 16,000 of the exploding devices, some of which were eventually used against them, he added. The report said that the price of the walkie-talkie could not be too low as Israel did not want Hezbollah to be suspicious. Mossad also wanted to hide its identity as the seller and ensure the walkie-talkies couldn't be traced back to Israel. So the spy agency set up shell companies to infiltrate the supply chain. Walkie-talkies were just not enough CBS News reported that the walkie-talkies were designed to go into the chest pocket of a tactical vest for soldiers. However, Mossad wanted to plant a device that Hezbollah members would have on them at all times. Hence, the agency began development on booby-trapped pagers in 2022, the second ex-Mossad agent (who chose to identify himself as Gabriel) said. Gabriel said Mossad learnt that Hezbollah was buying pagers from Gold Apollo, a company based in Taiwan. The Gold Apollo pagers were sleek, and shiny and could fit into pockets. Mossad needed a larger pager to fit explosives inside, he added. Also watch | Gravitas: Hezbollah rebuilds for next conflict with Israel Gabriel said that using dummies, Mossad carried out tests with the pager inside a padded glove, held next to the dummy's face, to calibrate the grammes of powdered explosive needed to be just enough to hurt the fighter, but not the person next to him. The retired Mossad agent said that the plan was to hurt Hezbollah members (with pagers), not people nearby. Shell companies set up After convincing Mossad head Dadi Barnea of the pager's merits, Gabriel pointed out that the pager was advertised in fake ads on YouTube. The device was touted as being robust, dustproof, waterproof, and also having a long battery life. Gabriel said that Mossad did such a good job promoting the pager that people outside of Hezbollah wanted to buy it. He added that Israel set up shell companies to dupe Gold Apollo. Mossad fully manufactured the pagers and had a licensing partnership with Gold Apollo. "When they (Hezbollah) are buying from us, they have zero clue that they are buying from the Mossad...," Gabriel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon blasts: Work began on weaponising walkie-talkies over a decade ago, say ex-Mossad agents

Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.

Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022. Also read | California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80. Prices are much higher in California The wholesale prices for eggs were much higher in California, where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said. Reuters reported that the increased prices were a bonanza for farmers who managed to avoid bird flu outbreaks and were not locked into long-term pricing arrangements that helped control costs at some major retailers. The main factor driving the price rise is the damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in 49 states (of the US) since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022. Also watch | Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic? Data showed that of the 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months. 61 people infected with bird flu so far this year According to the federal government, bird flu has infected 61 people in the US so far this year. The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case last week in Louisiana. The patient from Louisiana was hospitalised in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu crisis in US drives egg prices to an all-time high

Washington
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Pentagon on Thursday (Dec 19) released its annual congressionally mandated report on China's military and security developments. The report talked about China's nuclear arsenal, its air force, its plan to expand its overseas footprint, and the pressure on Taiwan. 
The report said that China's military- which has been working to modernise itself for several decades- has made recent advances. However, its efforts to improve the armed forces have been hampered by corruption that led to the removal of top leaders. 
<h3>Here are some of the key facts of the report:</h3>
&gt; The Pentagon report said that the Chinese Navy has over 370 ships and submarines, up from the approximately 340 that the Pentagon said China had in its 2022 report.  
&gt; China's stockpile of operational nuclear warheads increased from more than 500 last year to more than 600 in 2024, the report said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-warns-communist-party-must-turn-the-knife-inward-to-root-out-corruption-in-party-and-military-784413">China's Xi Jinping says Communist Party must ‘turn the knife inward’ to root out corruption</a>
&gt; China would have more than 1,000 nukes by 2030, the Pentagon said, as Beijing pushes "to modernise, diversify, and expand its nuclear forces rapidly." 
&gt; This, it said, would enable China to "target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict."
&gt; The Pentagon also said that China was developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles that would significantly improve its nuclear-capable missile forces and require increased nuclear warhead production.
&gt; China is looking to expand its overseas infrastructure and logistics to "project and sustain military power at greater distances" beyond its base in Djibouti, the Pentagon said. 
&gt; The PLA (People's Liberation Army) has likely considered having military logistics facilities in countries from Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh to Kenya and Nigeria, among others.
Also watch | World DNA: China rapidly expanding military capabilities
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&gt; When it comes to Taiwan, the Pentagon said that China amplified its diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan last year. 
&gt; China "continued to erode longstanding norms in and around Taiwan by employing a range of pressure tactics", it added.
<h2>China reacts to Pentagon's report</h2>
Reacting to the Pentagon's report, the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to stop issuing "irresponsible reports." 
"This US report, like previous similar reports, ignores facts, is full of bias, and spreads the China threat theory. It is just an excuse to maintain its military hegemony. China is determined to be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. At the same time, we also resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.
“We urge the United States to abandon its Cold War mentality and hegemonic logic, look at China's strategic intentions and national defence construction objectively and rationally, stop publishing such irresponsible reports year after year, and take practical actions to maintain the stability of the relations between the two countries and the two militaries,” Lin added.

Reacting to the Pentagon's report, the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to stop issuing "irresponsible reports." 



Washington Pentagon on Thursday (Dec 19) released its annual congressionally mandated report on China's military and security developments. The report talked about China's nuclear arsenal, its air force, its plan to expand its overseas footprint, and the pressure on Taiwan. The report said that China's military- which has been working to modernise itself for several decades- has made recent advances. However, its efforts to improve the armed forces have been hampered by corruption that led to the removal of top leaders. Here are some of the key facts of the report: > The Pentagon report said that the Chinese Navy has over 370 ships and submarines, up from the approximately 340 that the Pentagon said China had in its 2022 report. > China's stockpile of operational nuclear warheads increased from more than 500 last year to more than 600 in 2024, the report said. Also read | China's Xi Jinping says Communist Party must ‘turn the knife inward’ to root out corruption > China would have more than 1,000 nukes by 2030, the Pentagon said, as Beijing pushes "to modernise, diversify, and expand its nuclear forces rapidly." > This, it said, would enable China to "target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict." > The Pentagon also said that China was developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles that would significantly improve its nuclear-capable missile forces and require increased nuclear warhead production. > China is looking to expand its overseas infrastructure and logistics to "project and sustain military power at greater distances" beyond its base in Djibouti, the Pentagon said. > The PLA (People's Liberation Army) has likely considered having military logistics facilities in countries from Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh to Kenya and Nigeria, among others. Also watch | World DNA: China rapidly expanding military capabilities > When it comes to Taiwan, the Pentagon said that China amplified its diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan last year. > China "continued to erode longstanding norms in and around Taiwan by employing a range of pressure tactics", it added. China reacts to Pentagon's report Reacting to the Pentagon's report, the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to stop issuing "irresponsible reports." "This US report, like previous similar reports, ignores facts, is full of bias, and spreads the China threat theory. It is just an excuse to maintain its military hegemony. China is determined to be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. At the same time, we also resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters. “We urge the United States to abandon its Cold War mentality and hegemonic logic, look at China's strategic intentions and national defence construction objectively and rationally, stop publishing such irresponsible reports year after year, and take practical actions to maintain the stability of the relations between the two countries and the two militaries,” Lin added.

Pentagon releases annual report on China's military developments showing disturbing rise in nukes

Pentagon on Thursday (Dec 19) released its annual congressionally mandated report on China's military and security developments. The report talked about China's nuclear arsenal, its air force, its plan to expand its overseas footprint, and the pressure on Taiwan.

Pentagon on Thursday (Dec 19) released its annual congressionally mandated report on China's military and security developments. The report talked about China's nuclear arsenal, its air force, its plan to expand its overseas footprint, and the pressure on Taiwan. The report said that China's military- which has been working to modernise itself for several decades- has made recent advances. However, its efforts to improve the armed forces have been hampered by corruption that led to the removal of top leaders. Here are some of the key facts of the report: > The Pentagon report said that the Chinese Navy has over 370 ships and submarines, up from the approximately 340 that the Pentagon said China had in its 2022 report. > China's stockpile of operational nuclear warheads increased from more than 500 last year to more than 600 in 2024, the report said. Also read | China's Xi Jinping says Communist Party must ‘turn the knife inward’ to root out corruption > China would have more than 1,000 nukes by 2030, the Pentagon said, as Beijing pushes "to modernise, diversify, and expand its nuclear forces rapidly." > This, it said, would enable China to "target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict." > The Pentagon also said that China was developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles that would significantly improve its nuclear-capable missile forces and require increased nuclear warhead production. > China is looking to expand its overseas infrastructure and logistics to "project and sustain military power at greater distances" beyond its base in Djibouti, the Pentagon said. > The PLA (People's Liberation Army) has likely considered having military logistics facilities in countries from Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh to Kenya and Nigeria, among others. Also watch | World DNA: China rapidly expanding military capabilities > When it comes to Taiwan, the Pentagon said that China amplified its diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan last year. > China "continued to erode longstanding norms in and around Taiwan by employing a range of pressure tactics", it added. China reacts to Pentagon's report Reacting to the Pentagon's report, the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to stop issuing "irresponsible reports." "This US report, like previous similar reports, ignores facts, is full of bias, and spreads the China threat theory. It is just an excuse to maintain its military hegemony. China is determined to be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. At the same time, we also resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters. “We urge the United States to abandon its Cold War mentality and hegemonic logic, look at China's strategic intentions and national defence construction objectively and rationally, stop publishing such irresponsible reports year after year, and take practical actions to maintain the stability of the relations between the two countries and the two militaries,” Lin added.

Zagreb, Croatia
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A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others.
Citing a statement from the interior ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the 19-year-old attacker entered the school at 9.50 am local time and used a sharp object to wound a teacher and several children.
The attacker was detained by the police.
Health Minister Irena Hrstic said the attacker stabbed five people, wounding four and killing one. The suspect later injured himself and was detained.
<h2>'We are horrified'</h2>
Reacting to the tragic incident, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that the government was horrified.
“We are starting a bit late with the government meeting because, just like the entire Croatian public, we’re horrified by this enormous tragedy that happened this morning at the elementary school Precko in Zagreb," Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the start of the government meeting.
"Minister Bozinovic (Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic) and Minister Fuchs (Education Minister Radovan Fuchs) are at the scene currently and they, just like the police and all the other emergency services are trying to determine what exactly happened in this huge incident,” he added.
The news of the attacker being a former student was announced by Interior Minister Bozinovic.
<h2>Worried relatives wait at school</h2>
Relatives of children attending the primary school in Zagreb waited for information following the stabbings.
"My child attends this school, where an assault occurred involving the teacher and reportedly the pupils. We're just now hearing reports that multiple children are hospitalised, but no other information is available. It is disastrous that when I rushed into the school, I had no information regarding my child's whereabouts; no one was willing to provide any details, I really don’t know what to say...," the father of a student told Reuters.
"I'm waiting here now to... Honestly, I don't know what I'm waiting for... I don't know what I'm waiting for, because what's happening in this country is not normal," he added.
Croatian authorities said they planned to hold a national day of mourning on Saturday.
(With inputs from agencies)

Citing a statement from the interior ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the 19-year-old attacker entered the school at 9.50 am local time and used a sharp object to wound a teacher and several children.



Zagreb, Croatia A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others. Citing a statement from the interior ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the 19-year-old attacker entered the school at 9.50 am local time and used a sharp object to wound a teacher and several children. The attacker was detained by the police. Health Minister Irena Hrstic said the attacker stabbed five people, wounding four and killing one. The suspect later injured himself and was detained. 'We are horrified' Reacting to the tragic incident, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that the government was horrified. “We are starting a bit late with the government meeting because, just like the entire Croatian public, we’re horrified by this enormous tragedy that happened this morning at the elementary school Precko in Zagreb," Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the start of the government meeting. "Minister Bozinovic (Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic) and Minister Fuchs (Education Minister Radovan Fuchs) are at the scene currently and they, just like the police and all the other emergency services are trying to determine what exactly happened in this huge incident,” he added. The news of the attacker being a former student was announced by Interior Minister Bozinovic. Worried relatives wait at school Relatives of children attending the primary school in Zagreb waited for information following the stabbings. "My child attends this school, where an assault occurred involving the teacher and reportedly the pupils. We're just now hearing reports that multiple children are hospitalised, but no other information is available. It is disastrous that when I rushed into the school, I had no information regarding my child's whereabouts; no one was willing to provide any details, I really don’t know what to say...," the father of a student told Reuters. "I'm waiting here now to... Honestly, I don't know what I'm waiting for... I don't know what I'm waiting for, because what's happening in this country is not normal," he added. Croatian authorities said they planned to hold a national day of mourning on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

One child killed in Croatia school as former student goes on stabbing spree

Damascus, Syria
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A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."
Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.
Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights.
<h2>Here's a look at the updates from Syria:</h2>
&gt; This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hts-leader-says-syrian-rebel-fighters-to-be-placed-under-defence-ministry-calls-on-west-to-lift-sanctions-784557">HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions</a>
&gt; According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria.
&gt; The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.
&gt; Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities.
&gt; On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS.
Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future?
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&gt; A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission.
&gt; The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. 
&gt; The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members.
(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian leader al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.



Damascus, Syria A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule. Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights. Here's a look at the updates from Syria: > This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. Also read | HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions > According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria. > The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. > Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. > On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future? > A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission. > The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. > The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader

Tajueco, Spain
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Police in the Spanish municipality of Tajueco have arrested two people in connection with a missing persons case, but how they were found has gripped headlines.
A report by CNN late Thursday (Dec 19) said a man and a woman were arrested after Google Maps took a photograph of one of them loading a large object in the trunk of a car.
According to the police, a relative in November 2023 filed a complaint about the victim missing after receiving suspicious messages from his phone. 
<h2>Victim said he was getting rid of his phone</h2>
The police said that although the victim and his relative spoke often, the victim told his relative that he had met a new partner, would be moving to a different part of Spain, and was also getting rid of his phone. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/werewolf-syndrome-emerges-in-infants-after-parents-pop-in-hair-loss-drug-in-spain-781435">'Werewolf syndrome' emerges in infants after parents pop in hair-loss drug in Spain</a>
The relative's missing persons complaint sparked off an investigation during which the police discovered the Google Maps photograph. The car seen in the picture was used in the crime, they added.
<h2>Photograph still shows on Google Maps</h2>
The CNN report said that the photograph, which was taken in the streets of Tajueco, was still showing on Google Maps. 
So who were the man and the woman arrested in connection with the crime?- The report further said that on November 12, the police arrested the former girlfriend of the missing man, as well as another man who had been in a relationship with the woman. 
Also watch | Google Maps helps solve murder mystery in Spain
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Last week, police recovered a badly decomposed torso from a cemetery. The torso has not been identified yet but the police pointed out it could be of the victim's.
(With inputs from agencies)

A report by CNN late Thursday (Dec 19) said a man and a woman were arrested after a Google Maps vehicle took a photograph of one of them loading a large object in the trunk of a car.



Tajueco, Spain Police in the Spanish municipality of Tajueco have arrested two people in connection with a missing persons case, but how they were found has gripped headlines. A report by CNN late Thursday (Dec 19) said a man and a woman were arrested after Google Maps took a photograph of one of them loading a large object in the trunk of a car. According to the police, a relative in November 2023 filed a complaint about the victim missing after receiving suspicious messages from his phone. Victim said he was getting rid of his phone The police said that although the victim and his relative spoke often, the victim told his relative that he had met a new partner, would be moving to a different part of Spain, and was also getting rid of his phone. Also read | 'Werewolf syndrome' emerges in infants after parents pop in hair-loss drug in Spain The relative's missing persons complaint sparked off an investigation during which the police discovered the Google Maps photograph. The car seen in the picture was used in the crime, they added. Photograph still shows on Google Maps The CNN report said that the photograph, which was taken in the streets of Tajueco, was still showing on Google Maps. So who were the man and the woman arrested in connection with the crime?- The report further said that on November 12, the police arrested the former girlfriend of the missing man, as well as another man who had been in a relationship with the woman. Also watch | Google Maps helps solve murder mystery in Spain Last week, police recovered a badly decomposed torso from a cemetery. The torso has not been identified yet but the police pointed out it could be of the victim's. (With inputs from agencies)

Two arrested in Spain after Google Maps gives clue in missing persons case

Moscow/Kyiv
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Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark.
Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week.
<h2>'Moscow used eight missiles in the attack'</h2>
Kyiv's Military Administration Head Serhiy Popko said that the Russian military used eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-kills-russian-general-igor-kirillov-who-was-in-charge-of-nations-nuclear-protection-forces-784646">'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces</a>
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko, meanwhile, said that nine people were injured in the attack.  
A report by the news agency AFP said that heating was cut to a total of 630 residential buildings, along with a dozen medical clinics and schools. 
<h2>'Russians should burn in hell'</h2>
When 35-year-old doctor Victoria read the warnings on social media, she ran to a shelter. "Even in the shelter, bricks fell on my head. It's just horrible when people start running in from the street," Victoria told AFP. 
Also watch | What is Ukraine's endgame?
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The doctor had come out to look at the charred cars and buildings with blown-out windows at the site of an attack. "Russians should burn in hell," the 35-year-old woman further said.
<h2>Six diplomatic missions damaged: Ukraine</h2>
Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Friday that diplomatic missions of Albanian, Argentine, North Macedonian, Palestinian, Portuguese and Montenegrin missions were damaged in the Russian missile attack. 
Separately, the European Union condemned the strike by saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for international law reached new heights. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week.



Moscow/Kyiv Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark. Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week. 'Moscow used eight missiles in the attack' Kyiv's Military Administration Head Serhiy Popko said that the Russian military used eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Also read | 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko, meanwhile, said that nine people were injured in the attack. A report by the news agency AFP said that heating was cut to a total of 630 residential buildings, along with a dozen medical clinics and schools. 'Russians should burn in hell' When 35-year-old doctor Victoria read the warnings on social media, she ran to a shelter. "Even in the shelter, bricks fell on my head. It's just horrible when people start running in from the street," Victoria told AFP. Also watch | What is Ukraine's endgame? The doctor had come out to look at the charred cars and buildings with blown-out windows at the site of an attack. "Russians should burn in hell," the 35-year-old woman further said. Six diplomatic missions damaged: Ukraine Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Friday that diplomatic missions of Albanian, Argentine, North Macedonian, Palestinian, Portuguese and Montenegrin missions were damaged in the Russian missile attack. Separately, the European Union condemned the strike by saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for international law reached new heights. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions

India on Friday (Dec 20) lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by an aide of Muhammad Yunus. Addressing a press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side.

India on Friday (Dec 20) lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by an aide of Muhammad Yunus. Addressing a press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down." "We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal added. Also read | Yunus' key adviser shares Bangladesh map including India's eastern territories; later deletes post While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, he further said. What was the deleted social media post about? A few days back, senior Bangladeshi leader Mahfuj Alam who is serving as an advisor in Yunus' interim government, shared a post on social media that had a map that included India's eastern and northeastern territories of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. However, the post was deleted two hours later. In a post on X shared by Bangladeshi non-profit organisation Bangladesh Watch, Alam alleged that India maintained a "contain" and "ghettoize" policy towards his country. Also watch | Social media post by Yunus aide kicks up row "He clearly states that 1975 (the coup which saw Sheikh Mujib and almost his entire family killed) and the 2024 protests both came to save Bangladesh from Indian reliance and hegemony," the post said. Alam was one of the recent anti-government protesters in Bangladesh which led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. (With inputs from agencies)

Be mindful of your comments: India slams Bangladesh over Yunus aide's social media post

A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others.

A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others. Citing a statement from the interior ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the 19-year-old attacker entered the school at 9.50 am local time and used a sharp object to wound a teacher and several children. The attacker was detained by the police. Health Minister Irena Hrstic said the attacker stabbed five people, wounding four and killing one. The suspect later injured himself and was detained. 'We are horrified' Reacting to the tragic incident, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that the government was horrified. “We are starting a bit late with the government meeting because, just like the entire Croatian public, we’re horrified by this enormous tragedy that happened this morning at the elementary school Precko in Zagreb," Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the start of the government meeting. "Minister Bozinovic (Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic) and Minister Fuchs (Education Minister Radovan Fuchs) are at the scene currently and they, just like the police and all the other emergency services are trying to determine what exactly happened in this huge incident,” he added. The news of the attacker being a former student was announced by Interior Minister Bozinovic. Worried relatives wait at school Relatives of children attending the primary school in Zagreb waited for information following the stabbings. "My child attends this school, where an assault occurred involving the teacher and reportedly the pupils. We're just now hearing reports that multiple children are hospitalised, but no other information is available. It is disastrous that when I rushed into the school, I had no information regarding my child's whereabouts; no one was willing to provide any details, I really don’t know what to say...," the father of a student told Reuters. "I'm waiting here now to... Honestly, I don't know what I'm waiting for... I don't know what I'm waiting for, because what's happening in this country is not normal," he added. Croatian authorities said they planned to hold a national day of mourning on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

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