Ten people were killed and three others were injured in an armed attack in the Ecuadorean port city of Guayaquil, authorities said on Sunday (April 30). According to the police, the injured included a five-year-old girl. The girl is in stable condition and was going to be operated for shrapnel, the police said. Taking to Twitter, the Ecuadorean Prosecutor's Office said that a rifle and 9-millimetre calibre guns were found at the crime scene. There were no immediate arrests.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, National Police Commander William Villaroel said the armed attack had to do with a struggle between organised criminal groups over the fight for territorial control.&nbsp;

"At the moment, our investigation and intelligence units are carrying out operational actions in order to identify those responsible," Villaroel added.&nbsp;

Describing the attack, the top police official said several people drove up in a black truck, stepped out without saying a word, and opened fire using long weapons. &nbsp; 
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a resident said, "I don't feel comfortable living like this. We can't go out with our families, with our children."

On April 1, the government declared a state of emergency in Guayaquil and surrounding areas to curb surging violence in the Pacific port city. The measure included a curfew from 1 am until 5 am.

Guayaquil has become one of Ecuador's increasingly bloody centres of the turf war between rival drug-trafficking gangs. The port city's position on the Pacific coast makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe.

This latest attack comes as Ecuador has seen a recent surge in violence, &nbsp;including gang- and cartel-related murders and multiple prison riots and massacres. And as the fight against criminal gangs continues, the number of drug seizures has risen but so have violent deaths.&nbsp;

Two weeks back, nine people were killed after &nbsp;30 gunmen opened fire in a fishing port in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ten people were killed and three others were injured in an armed attack in the Ecuadorean port city of Guayaquil, authorities said on Sunday (April 30). According to the police, the injured included a five-year-old girl.

Ten people were killed and three others were injured in an armed attack in the Ecuadorean port city of Guayaquil, authorities said on Sunday (April 30). According to the police, the injured included a five-year-old girl. The girl is in stable condition and was going to be operated for shrapnel, the police said. Taking to Twitter, the Ecuadorean Prosecutor's Office said that a rifle and 9-millimetre calibre guns were found at the crime scene. There were no immediate arrests. Speaking to reporters, National Police Commander William Villaroel said the armed attack had to do with a struggle between organised criminal groups over the fight for territorial control. "At the moment, our investigation and intelligence units are carrying out operational actions in order to identify those responsible," Villaroel added. Describing the attack, the top police official said several people drove up in a black truck, stepped out without saying a word, and opened fire using long weapons. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a resident said, "I don't feel comfortable living like this. We can't go out with our families, with our children." On April 1, the government declared a state of emergency in Guayaquil and surrounding areas to curb surging violence in the Pacific port city. The measure included a curfew from 1 am until 5 am. Guayaquil has become one of Ecuador's increasingly bloody centres of the turf war between rival drug-trafficking gangs. The port city's position on the Pacific coast makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe. This latest attack comes as Ecuador has seen a recent surge in violence, including gang- and cartel-related murders and multiple prison riots and massacres. And as the fight against criminal gangs continues, the number of drug seizures has risen but so have violent deaths. Two weeks back, nine people were killed after 30 gunmen opened fire in a fishing port in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuador: 10 killed, 3 injured in armed attack in port Guayaquil

A total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed as Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday (April 28). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest strikes and vowed a response. "Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Friday's attacks included a strike on a residential block in Ukraine's Uman city, where rescue workers were seen extracting victims' remains from a destroyed residential building. According to authorities, 23 people, including four children, were killed in the block.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-nations-reach-deal-in-principle-to-transit-grain-from-ukraine-587170">EU nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine</a>

Russian missiles also targeted the central city of Dnipro, killing a 31-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter in their sleep. AFP reported that the woman's parents were hospitalised. Dnipro is already grief-stricken after over 40 people were killed in a missile strike on a tower block in January.&nbsp;

Separately, authorities in Kherson said on Friday that Russian forces shelled the village of Bilozerka, killing a 57-year-old woman and wounding three others. Meanwhile, there were no casualties reported in Ukraine's capital Kyiv which was one of the targeted cities.

The fresh&nbsp;attacks by Russian forces were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months.&nbsp;

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The absolute and only possible "Russian peace"... 
Take a careful look. And look again. If you don't want THIS spread around the world, then give us weapons. Lots of weapons. And add sanctions. And begin, finally, the expulsion of "Russian political witches" from international… <a href="https://t.co/Qm5iusR8hA">pic.twitter.com/Qm5iusR8hA</a>
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Condemning the attacks, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak demanded "lots of weapons" and more sanctions on Russia. Tweeting visuals of the destruction caused by Russian strikes, Podolyak said, "The absolute and only possible "Russian peace"... Take a careful look. And look again. If you don't want THIS spread around the world, then give us weapons. Lots of weapons. And add sanctions. And begin, finally, the expulsion of "Russian political witches" from international organizations..."

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the government's preparations to push back against entrenched Russian positions were almost complete.&nbsp;

"Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready. Preparations are coming to an end," Defence Minister Reznikov said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed as Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday (April 28). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest strikes and vowed a response.

A total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed as Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday (April 28). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest strikes and vowed a response. "Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday. Friday's attacks included a strike on a residential block in Ukraine's Uman city, where rescue workers were seen extracting victims' remains from a destroyed residential building. According to authorities, 23 people, including four children, were killed in the block. ALSO READ | EU nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine Russian missiles also targeted the central city of Dnipro, killing a 31-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter in their sleep. AFP reported that the woman's parents were hospitalised. Dnipro is already grief-stricken after over 40 people were killed in a missile strike on a tower block in January. Separately, authorities in Kherson said on Friday that Russian forces shelled the village of Bilozerka, killing a 57-year-old woman and wounding three others. Meanwhile, there were no casualties reported in Ukraine's capital Kyiv which was one of the targeted cities. The fresh attacks by Russian forces were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months. The absolute and only possible "Russian peace"... Take a careful look. And look again. If you don't want THIS spread around the world, then give us weapons. Lots of weapons. And add sanctions. And begin, finally, the expulsion of "Russian political witches" from international… pic.twitter.com/Qm5iusR8hA — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) April 28, 2023 × Condemning the attacks, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak demanded "lots of weapons" and more sanctions on Russia. Tweeting visuals of the destruction caused by Russian strikes, Podolyak said, "The absolute and only possible "Russian peace"... Take a careful look. And look again. If you don't want THIS spread around the world, then give us weapons. Lots of weapons. And add sanctions. And begin, finally, the expulsion of "Russian political witches" from international organizations..." Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the government's preparations to push back against entrenched Russian positions were almost complete. "Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready. Preparations are coming to an end," Defence Minister Reznikov said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children; Zelensky vows response

Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius.

And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district.&nbsp;

April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-earth-day-temperature-rising-in-europe-15700-deaths-due-to-heatwave-in-2022-says-un-585320">World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN</a>

The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic.

Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay.&nbsp;

Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people.

Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- &nbsp;have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires.

In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain.&nbsp;

The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year.

In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out.

Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius. And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district. April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks. ALSO READ | World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days. At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic. Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay. Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people. Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires. In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche. On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain. The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year. In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand sees record-breaking heat, two dead

The European Commission said on Friday (April 28) that it secured an "in principle" agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member countries. According to the European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, the safeguard measures for four products—wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seed—were included in the agreement. 
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that Saudi Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days." However, Amirabdollahian did not give specific dates for the reopening of the embassies.

And even as the war in Ukraine rages on, a total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday. The fresh attacks by Russian forces were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-nations-reach-deal-in-principle-to-transit-grain-from-ukraine-587170">EU nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine</a>

The European Commission said Friday that it has secured an 'in principle' agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member nations.&nbsp;This comes after concerns were raised earlier by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia that grain from Ukraine intended for export to other nations had wound up in their domestic markets, driving down prices for local farmers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-iran-to-reopen-embassies-in-each-others-capitals-within-days-587162">Saudi Arabia, Iran to reopen embassies in each other's capitals 'within days'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/29/348413-untitled-design-55.png?imwidth=1920" />

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days", Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday (April 28) as the restoration of ties&nbsp;due to&nbsp;a China-brokered peace starts taking up an independent bilateral shape between Tehran and Riyadh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-missile-strikes-kill-26-including-five-children-zelensky-vows-response-587174">Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children; Ukraine's Zelensky vows response</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/29/348420-00033dz7yx.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

A total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed as Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday (April 28). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest strikes and vowed a response. "Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/first-republic-bank-nearing-collapse-shares-tank-amid-dim-hopes-of-survival-587131">First Republic Bank nears collapse as US regulator prepares for takeover</a>

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First Republic Bank’s shares plunged nearly 40 per cent on Friday as the California-based bank closed on to yet another week of the loss of the financial heft it once bossed over.&nbsp;

WATCH | Sri Lanka’s inflation drops further to 35.3% amid economic crisis in the month of April

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The European Commission said on Friday (April 28) that it secured an "in principle" agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member countries.

The European Commission said on Friday (April 28) that it secured an "in principle" agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member countries. According to the European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, the safeguard measures for four products—wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seed—were included in the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that Saudi Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days." However, Amirabdollahian did not give specific dates for the reopening of the embassies. And even as the war in Ukraine rages on, a total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday. The fresh attacks by Russian forces were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months. Click on the headlines to read more EU nations reach deal 'in principle' to transit grain from Ukraine The European Commission said Friday that it has secured an 'in principle' agreement to lift the ban on the transit of Ukrainian grain via five EU member nations. This comes after concerns were raised earlier by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia that grain from Ukraine intended for export to other nations had wound up in their domestic markets, driving down prices for local farmers. Saudi Arabia, Iran to reopen embassies in each other's capitals 'within days' Saudi Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days", Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday (April 28) as the restoration of ties due to a China-brokered peace starts taking up an independent bilateral shape between Tehran and Riyadh. Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children; Ukraine's Zelensky vows response A total of 26 people, including five children, have been killed as Russian missile strikes battered cities across Ukraine on Friday (April 28). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest strikes and vowed a response. "Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday. First Republic Bank nears collapse as US regulator prepares for takeover First Republic Bank’s shares plunged nearly 40 per cent on Friday as the California-based bank closed on to yet another week of the loss of the financial heft it once bossed over. WATCH | Sri Lanka’s inflation drops further to 35.3% amid economic crisis in the month of April × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morning brief: EU nations secure 'in principle' agreement to lift ban on transit of Ukrainian grain, & more

Montana on Friday (April 29) has become the latest American state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids. The ban is set to take effect on October 1. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Montana is one of at least 15 states to ban such medical care despite protests from the families of transgender kids that the care is important.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-montana-transgender-democrat-leader-barred-from-house-floor-for-586585">Zooey Zephyr, a transgender lawmaker, decried the signing of the bill</a> by saying that it was unconscionable to deprive Montanans of "the care that we need."

“I know that this is an unconstitutional bill. It is as cruel as it is unconstitutional. And it will go down in the courts,” Zephyr said. On Monday, the lawmaker stood defiantly on the House floor with her microphone raised as protesters shouted “Let her speak,” disrupting House proceedings for at least half an hour.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kansas-imposes-sweeping-anti-transgender-bathroom-law-586767">Kansas imposes sweeping anti-transgender bathroom law</a>

She was then banned from the House and its gallery and voted on bills from a bench in the hallway outside the House on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;

House Speaker Matt Regier refused to let Zephyr speak on the House floor until she apologised and she has not, the report said. And the Montana Freedom Caucus deliberately misgendered Zephyr using male pronouns in a letter saying the lawmaker should be censured.

Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Montana, meanwhile, said they would file a court challenge against the ban. The Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics said the bill is an "overly broad blanket ban" that takes decisions that should be made by families and physicians and put them in the hands of politicians.&nbsp;

As per the new law, health professionals who provide care banned by the measure could have their medical licences suspended for at least a year. Such professionals could be sued in the 25 years following the banned procedure if the patient suffers physical, psychological, emotional or physiological harm. The law states that physicians cannot hold malpractice insurance against such lawsuits. It also prohibits public property and employees from being involved in gender-affirming treatment.

The parents of transgender children in Montana testified the bill infringed on their parental rights to seek medical care for their children.

On April 17, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signaled his willingness to sign the bill when he offered some amendments to make it clear that public funds could not be used to pay for hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures. In a letter accompanying the amendments, Gianforte said the bill protects Montana's children from permanent, life-altering medical procedures until they are adults, mature enough to make such serious decisions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Montana on Friday (April 29) has become the latest American state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids. The ban is set to take effect on October 1.

Montana on Friday (April 29) has become the latest American state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids. The ban is set to take effect on October 1. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Montana is one of at least 15 states to ban such medical care despite protests from the families of transgender kids that the care is important. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender lawmaker, decried the signing of the bill by saying that it was unconscionable to deprive Montanans of "the care that we need." “I know that this is an unconstitutional bill. It is as cruel as it is unconstitutional. And it will go down in the courts,” Zephyr said. On Monday, the lawmaker stood defiantly on the House floor with her microphone raised as protesters shouted “Let her speak,” disrupting House proceedings for at least half an hour. ALSO READ | Kansas imposes sweeping anti-transgender bathroom law She was then banned from the House and its gallery and voted on bills from a bench in the hallway outside the House on Thursday and Friday. House Speaker Matt Regier refused to let Zephyr speak on the House floor until she apologised and she has not, the report said. And the Montana Freedom Caucus deliberately misgendered Zephyr using male pronouns in a letter saying the lawmaker should be censured. Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Montana, meanwhile, said they would file a court challenge against the ban. The Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics said the bill is an "overly broad blanket ban" that takes decisions that should be made by families and physicians and put them in the hands of politicians. As per the new law, health professionals who provide care banned by the measure could have their medical licences suspended for at least a year. Such professionals could be sued in the 25 years following the banned procedure if the patient suffers physical, psychological, emotional or physiological harm. The law states that physicians cannot hold malpractice insurance against such lawsuits. It also prohibits public property and employees from being involved in gender-affirming treatment. The parents of transgender children in Montana testified the bill infringed on their parental rights to seek medical care for their children. On April 17, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signaled his willingness to sign the bill when he offered some amendments to make it clear that public funds could not be used to pay for hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures. In a letter accompanying the amendments, Gianforte said the bill protects Montana's children from permanent, life-altering medical procedures until they are adults, mature enough to make such serious decisions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Montana becomes latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids

A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped.&nbsp;

"There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help.&nbsp;

"I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in.&nbsp;

He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000.&nbsp;

"Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC.&nbsp;

Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started.&nbsp;

"My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added.&nbsp;

Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically.&nbsp;

Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. 
 
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood."

Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29).

A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped. "There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help. "I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in. He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000. "Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC. Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started. "My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added. Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically. Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood." Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: Bus drivers demanding $40,000 to help people cross Egypt border, says report

A huge fire broke out at a fuel depot in Russia-annexed Crimea's port city of Sevastopol on Saturday (April 29), with authorities saying it was the result of a drone strike.

A huge fire broke out at a fuel depot in Russia-annexed Crimea's port city of Sevastopol on Saturday (April 29), with authorities saying it was the result of a drone strike. The Russian-installed governor of the peninsula, Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram, "A fuel reserve is on fire in the Kazachya Bay district of Crimea's port city Sevastopol. According to preliminary information, it was caused by a drone strike." No one was hurt in the fire, Razvozhayev said. "The situation is under the control of our firefighters and all operative services. Since the volume of fuel is large, it will take time to localise the fire," the governor further said and urged residents to remain calm. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children; Zelensky vows response Sevastopol, on the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, has come under repeated air attacks since Russia sent its troops to its neighbour in February last year. Saturday's drone strike comes after Russia said on Monday that it repelled a drone attack on Sevastopol. "An attempted attack on Sevastopol was repelled from 3:30 am," Razvozhayev wrote on Telegram, adding that one unmanned surface vehicle, or drone ship, was destroyed while a second exploded. There was no damage or casualties. The ongoing war in Ukraine has intensified further after Russian missile strikes battered Ukrainian cities on Friday, killing 26 people, including five children. These were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months. Friday's missile attacks included a strike on a residential block in Uman where 23 people, including four children, were killed. The central city of Dnipro was also targeted, killing a 31-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter in their sleep. And in Kherson, Russian forces shelled the village of Bilozerka, killing a 57-year-old woman and wounding three others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes and vowed a response. Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday. The Ukrainian government has said that its preparations to push back against entrenched Russian positions were almost complete. "Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready. Preparations are coming to an end," Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Friday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Huge fire breaks out at fuel depot in Russian-occupied Crimea after drone strike: Official

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Wednesday. It was the centerpiece of the first state visit by a South Korean president to the United States since Lee Myung-bak’s in 2011. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports.

WION-VOA: Yoon and Biden announce 'Washington Declaration'

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held talks with his Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu, a first since troops of the two nations clashed in Ladakh's Galwan valley in 2020. The talks were held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting in Delhi.

SCO meet : Chinese defence minister in India amid border tensions

The Spanish parliament on Thursday (April 27) banned bullfighting events featuring dwarves dressed in costumes. The move was welcomed by disability groups but opposed by a few surviving performers.

The Spanish parliament on Thursday (April 27) banned bullfighting events featuring dwarves dressed in costumes. The move was welcomed by disability groups but opposed by a few surviving performers. According to a report by the news agency AFP early Friday, the law approved in Parliament prohibits shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities, or this circumstance, are used to provoke mockery or ridicule from the public. The law aligns Spain with the European Union (EU) directives on discrimination against disabled people. For years, groups of people with dwarfism dressed as clowns or firefighters have entertained audiences by chasing bulls without killing them, in shows considered humorous. Spain's Royal Board on Disabilities, which advises the social rights ministry, said on Thursday that the government advanced human rights by banning public shows that humiliated disabled people. Jesus Martin, the board's director general, said that such shows "passed the idea to so many girls and boys who go with adults to see these shameful performances that it is ok to laugh at difference". Performers oppose ban The surviving dwarf "toreros" (bullfighters) opposed the government's ban on dwarf bullfighting shows. The performers said that without the shows, their livelihoods are at stake. Amusement in the Arena, a group of dwarf bullfighters, posted on Facebook, "We are bullfighters, we are artists, enough prohibitions, we don't want handouts." On Thursday, the performers staged a protest in front of the Spanish parliament ahead of the vote to express their condemnation of the ban. Daniel Calderón, a dwarf bullfighter, told the EFE news agency that authorities take it for granted "that people are being denigrated or laughed at, and it’s the opposite: the respect they have for us is impressive." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain bans 'dwarf bullfighting', surviving performers oppose move

China said on Friday (April 28) that the near-collision in the South China Sea between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists was caused by the latter's "premeditated and provocative action.

China said on Friday (April 28) that the near-collision in the South China Sea between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists was caused by the latter's "premeditated and provocative action." The Chinese foreign ministry said that Philippine vessels intruded without Beijing's permission. "The Chinese coast guard vessel safeguarded China's territorial sovereignty and maritime order, in accordance with the law, while taking timely measures to avoid the dangerous approach of Philippine vessels and to avoid a collision," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters on Friday, the news agency AFP reported. Ning said that it was a "premeditated and provocative" action for the Philippine vessel to barge into the waters Ren'aiJiao with journalists on board, adding the aim was to deliberately find fault and take the opportunity to hype up the incident. Following the Chinese response, the Philippines said it would continue patrols in its "own waters." "Routine patrols in our own waters can neither be premeditated nor provocative. It is a legal right that we exercised and will continue to exercise," Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza The incident The near-collision between the Chinese coast guard ship and the Philippine patrol vessel in the South China Sea happened last Sunday (April 23). This was the latest incident between the two countries in the contested waterway. It happened when Philippine coast guard boats- Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo- approached Second Thomas Shoal, also known Ren'aiJiao in China. As one boat neared the shoal, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel more than twice its size sailed into its path. The Philippine coast guard had invited journalists to join the patrol as a part of Manila's new strategy aimed at exposing China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The boats received radio warnings in Chinese and halting English, ordering them to immediately leave what the Chinese Coast Guard claimed were Beijing’s “undisputable territories.” Malapascua's skipper Captain Rodel Hernandez said that when the boat manoeuvred toward the mouth of the shoal, the Chinese Coast Guard ship suddenly shifted to block it. And to avoid a collision, Captain Hernandez abruptly reversed Malapascua’s direction and then shut off its engine to bring the boat to a full stop. Addressing a press conference later, Hernandez said the sudden manoeuvre by the Chinese ship disregarded international rules on collision avoidance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China slams Philippines over near-collision of vessels in South China sea, Manila responds

At least 14 people were killed in lightning strikes in five districts of West Bengal which witnessed moderate rainfall on Thursday, officials said. 
Lightning strikes claimed four lives in Purba Bardhaman district and two each in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas, a disaster management department official said.

West Bengal police officials said six more deaths were reported from Paschim Midnapore and Howrah Rural districts.

"Three deaths each were reported from Paschim Midnapore and Howrah rural," an official said.

According to officials, the victims were mostly farmers who were struck by lightning while working in agricultural fields.

Thunderstorms with lightning occurred in several south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman and Murshidabad, on Thursday evening.

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At least 14 people were killed in lightning strikes in five districts of West Bengal which witnessed moderate rainfall on Thursday, officials said. Lightning strikes claimed four lives in Purba Bardhaman district and two each in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas, a disaster management department official said.

At least 14 people were killed in lightning strikes in five districts of West Bengal which witnessed moderate rainfall on Thursday, officials said. Lightning strikes claimed four lives in Purba Bardhaman district and two each in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas, a disaster management department official said. West Bengal police officials said six more deaths were reported from Paschim Midnapore and Howrah Rural districts. "Three deaths each were reported from Paschim Midnapore and Howrah rural," an official said. According to officials, the victims were mostly farmers who were struck by lightning while working in agricultural fields. Thunderstorms with lightning occurred in several south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman and Murshidabad, on Thursday evening. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: At least 14 killed in lightning strikes in five districts of West Bengal

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