Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey.&nbsp;

"We are not opposed to aid deliveries to the Syrian people... but we are opposed to double standards," the Kurdish administration said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-restarts-cross-border-aid-to-syria-but-shuts-access-point-312631">UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria but shuts access point</a>

"This decision deepens our humanitarian tragedy by continuing the seige imposed on us from all sides," it added in a statement.

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved an extension of humanitarian aid to a rebel-held part of Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey in the country's northeast.

But a request to reopen for one year a second crossing point at Al-Yarubiyah, which allows supplies to reach northeastern Syria from Iraq, was dropped.

Al-Yarubiyah was closed last year after Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council resolutions authorising it to remain open.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kurdish-forces-arrest-dozens-in-security-sweep-against-is-families-373954">Kurdish forces arrest dozens in security sweep against IS families</a>

Kurdish authorities and international aid groups had lobbied for it to be reopened but their appeal failed, sparking a backlash.&nbsp;

"The Council has... once again failed to address the significant and life-threatening challenges populations in northeast Syria are facing in accessing humanitarian assistance," David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee said in a statement on Friday.

"Needs have increased by nearly 40 per cent, while the IRC and other NGOs have experienced chronic shortages of essential supplies."

Amnesty International also slammed the UNSC vote as a "compromise" that overlooked the humanitarian tragedy in northeast Syria which is home to sprawling displacement camps housing relatives of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-humanitarian-disaster-in-syria-if-cross-border-aid-not-renewed-393880">WHO warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Syria if cross-border aid not renewed</a>

"This compromise resolution is once again an example of Russia ignoring the humanitarian needs of Syrians," Amnesty's Sherine Tadros said in a statement.&nbsp;

For its part, the Syrian government welcomed the UNSC vote that authorised aid deliveries for only six months, down from 12.

On Saturday, Syrian state television quoted Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying that the vote affirmed the unity of Syrian territory.

"External crossings are no longer the main tool for delivering aid," Mekdad said. "Deliveries from within Syria are now the main" channel, he added.

Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey.

Kurdish authorities in Syria on Saturday slammed the UN Security Council for failing to reopen an aid crossing to the northeast despite approving deliveries through the frontier with Turkey. "We are not opposed to aid deliveries to the Syrian people... but we are opposed to double standards," the Kurdish administration said in a statement. Also read | UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria but shuts access point "This decision deepens our humanitarian tragedy by continuing the seige imposed on us from all sides," it added in a statement. The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved an extension of humanitarian aid to a rebel-held part of Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey in the country's northeast. But a request to reopen for one year a second crossing point at Al-Yarubiyah, which allows supplies to reach northeastern Syria from Iraq, was dropped. Al-Yarubiyah was closed last year after Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council resolutions authorising it to remain open. Also read | Kurdish forces arrest dozens in security sweep against IS families Kurdish authorities and international aid groups had lobbied for it to be reopened but their appeal failed, sparking a backlash. "The Council has... once again failed to address the significant and life-threatening challenges populations in northeast Syria are facing in accessing humanitarian assistance," David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee said in a statement on Friday. "Needs have increased by nearly 40 per cent, while the IRC and other NGOs have experienced chronic shortages of essential supplies." Amnesty International also slammed the UNSC vote as a "compromise" that overlooked the humanitarian tragedy in northeast Syria which is home to sprawling displacement camps housing relatives of the Islamic State group. Also read | WHO warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Syria if cross-border aid not renewed "This compromise resolution is once again an example of Russia ignoring the humanitarian needs of Syrians," Amnesty's Sherine Tadros said in a statement. For its part, the Syrian government welcomed the UNSC vote that authorised aid deliveries for only six months, down from 12. On Saturday, Syrian state television quoted Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying that the vote affirmed the unity of Syrian territory. "External crossings are no longer the main tool for delivering aid," Mekdad said. "Deliveries from within Syria are now the main" channel, he added.

Syria Kurds slam UN aid crossing vote as unfair

Detained Moroccan journalist Soulaimane Raissouni was sentenced on Friday to five years in jail for indecent assault against another man.

Raissouni, editor-in-chief of now-defunct newspaper Akhbar Al Yaoum, denies the charge and has been on a hunger strike for 93 days. He was not present in court for the sentencing.

His supporters say the case is politically motivated and part of an official defamation campaign against critical journalists and activists.&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;says its judiciary is independent.

The 49-year-old has been in detention since May 2020 after an LGBT activist accused him of sexual assault.

Raissouni began a hunger strike in April demanding to be provisionally released.

But Moroccan courts have rejected all his release requests, despite a pressure campaign both locally and overseas.

Earlier this week, the judge ordered Raissouni to appear in court to hear Friday's verdict.

The journalist had said he would only come if he was transported there in an ambulance and provided a wheelchair.

Miloud Kandil, his lawyer, termed the verdict "judicial butchery".

"How can you condemn an accused in his absence?" he said.

Raissouni, who has a history of run-ins with the authorities, says he has lost more than 35 kilograms (77 pounds), much of it since he began his hunger strike over the "great injustice" of his detention.

His trial began in February but has been delayed several times, including over health concerns.

The last time Raissouni came to court, on June 10, he appeared skeletally thin.&nbsp;

Human rights groups and press watchdogs have called for his release, while activists have accused the Moroccan government of trying to silence journalists, mostly by using sex-related charges.

Raissouni's niece, Hajar Raissouni, was a reporter at the same newspaper and was sentenced in 2019 to one year in prison for sex outside of marriage and an "illegal abortion" before she was pardoned by King Mohammed VI.

Another journalist, Omar Radi, has been held in solitary confinement on charges of sexual assault and undermining state security, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).&nbsp;

CPJ data show four journalists have been imprisoned in&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;as of December 2020, three on sex crimes.

Detained Moroccan journalist Soulaimane Raissouni was sentenced on Friday to five years in jail for indecent assault against another man. Raissouni, editor-in-chief of now-defunct newspaper Akhbar Al Yaoum, denies the charge and has been on a hunger strike for 93 days.

Detained Moroccan journalist Soulaimane Raissouni was sentenced on Friday to five years in jail for indecent assault against another man. Raissouni, editor-in-chief of now-defunct newspaper Akhbar Al Yaoum, denies the charge and has been on a hunger strike for 93 days. He was not present in court for the sentencing. His supporters say the case is politically motivated and part of an official defamation campaign against critical journalists and activists. Morocco says its judiciary is independent. The 49-year-old has been in detention since May 2020 after an LGBT activist accused him of sexual assault. Raissouni began a hunger strike in April demanding to be provisionally released. But Moroccan courts have rejected all his release requests, despite a pressure campaign both locally and overseas. Earlier this week, the judge ordered Raissouni to appear in court to hear Friday's verdict. The journalist had said he would only come if he was transported there in an ambulance and provided a wheelchair. Miloud Kandil, his lawyer, termed the verdict "judicial butchery". "How can you condemn an accused in his absence?" he said. Raissouni, who has a history of run-ins with the authorities, says he has lost more than 35 kilograms (77 pounds), much of it since he began his hunger strike over the "great injustice" of his detention. His trial began in February but has been delayed several times, including over health concerns. The last time Raissouni came to court, on June 10, he appeared skeletally thin. Human rights groups and press watchdogs have called for his release, while activists have accused the Moroccan government of trying to silence journalists, mostly by using sex-related charges. Raissouni's niece, Hajar Raissouni, was a reporter at the same newspaper and was sentenced in 2019 to one year in prison for sex outside of marriage and an "illegal abortion" before she was pardoned by King Mohammed VI. Another journalist, Omar Radi, has been held in solitary confinement on charges of sexual assault and undermining state security, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). CPJ data show four journalists have been imprisoned in Morocco as of December 2020, three on sex crimes.

Moroccan journalist gets 5-year jail term for 'indecent assault'

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Moise was shot dead early Wednesday morning at his home in Port-au-Prince by gunmen, escalating Haiti's political crisis and potentially worsening hunger, gang violence, and COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute</a>

On Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about security assistance from the United States.

Haitian Elections Minister Mathias Pierre said a request for security assistance from the United States was also raised. Pierre said Haiti also requested forces from the UN Security Council.

At the moment, however, military assistance will not be provided by the United States, according to a senior administration official.

Haiti has requested the dispatch of troops to support the national police in reestablishing security and protecting critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-asks-us-un-to-send-security-forces-to-stabilise-country-minister-397104">Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister</a>

Additionally, ensuring&nbsp;that the scheduled&nbsp;September&nbsp;26&nbsp;presidential and legislative elections can take place, Pierre said extra security reinforcements were requested.

A spokesman for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Jose Luis Diaz, said that the UN security council's dispatch of troops would be decided by the fifteen members.

The Assassination&nbsp;

Police in Haiti has confirmed that 26 Colombian and two Haitian-American mercenaries carried out the assassination. James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian-Americans from Florida, were identified.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-says-26-colombians-two-haitian-americans-among-group-that-killed-president-396838">Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president</a>

In Petionville, a hillside suburb of the capital Port-au-Prince where Moise lived, a gun battle with the Haitian army led to the capture of 17 men, among them Solages and Vincent.

Police confirmed that three other people were killed, while eight gunmen remain on the loose. Authorities are looking for ringleaders of the assassination.

The authorities are yet to disclose how the assassins got past Moise's security detail or the motive behind the assassination.&nbsp;

Since Moise taking office in 2017, he faced widespread protests; first over corruption charges, then for his economic management and eventually his increasing stronghold on power.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-haitian-diaspora-shock-sadness-and-a-fear-of-what-comes-next-396808">In the Haitian diaspora: Shock, sadness and a fear of what comes next</a>

On Thursday, the White House pledged that the United States would send top FBI and Homeland Security officials to Haiti to assess the situation and see what they can do to help.

The State Department acknowledged that two US citizens were arrested in Haiti and said they are closely monitoring the situation.

State of Emergency

As part of the government's effort to apprehend the killers, Haiti declared a 15-day state of emergency on Wednesday. Since then, businesses there have been urged to reopen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-crisis-in-haiti-deepens-over-rival-claims-to-power-397099">Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power</a>

Since the country had postponed legislative elections in 2019 amid unrest, Moise, and ten senators were the only elected officials and as a result of his death, confusion about the country's legitimate leader has spread, enveloping it further in a political crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

In spite of its pledge to assist with the investigation, the United States denied Haiti's request for troops to assist with securing key infrastructure following the suspected mercenary assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Moise was shot dead early Wednesday morning at his home in Port-au-Prince by gunmen, escalating Haiti's political crisis and potentially worsening hunger, gang violence, and COVID-19. Also read | Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute On Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked about security assistance from the United States. Haitian Elections Minister Mathias Pierre said a request for security assistance from the United States was also raised. Pierre said Haiti also requested forces from the UN Security Council. At the moment, however, military assistance will not be provided by the United States, according to a senior administration official. Haiti has requested the dispatch of troops to support the national police in reestablishing security and protecting critical infrastructure. Also read | Haiti asks US, UN to send security forces to stabilise country: Minister Additionally, ensuring that the scheduled September 26 presidential and legislative elections can take place, Pierre said extra security reinforcements were requested. A spokesman for the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Jose Luis Diaz, said that the UN security council's dispatch of troops would be decided by the fifteen members. The Assassination Police in Haiti has confirmed that 26 Colombian and two Haitian-American mercenaries carried out the assassination. James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian-Americans from Florida, were identified. Also read | Haiti says 26 Colombians, two Haitian Americans among group that killed president In Petionville, a hillside suburb of the capital Port-au-Prince where Moise lived, a gun battle with the Haitian army led to the capture of 17 men, among them Solages and Vincent. Police confirmed that three other people were killed, while eight gunmen remain on the loose. Authorities are looking for ringleaders of the assassination. The authorities are yet to disclose how the assassins got past Moise's security detail or the motive behind the assassination. Since Moise taking office in 2017, he faced widespread protests; first over corruption charges, then for his economic management and eventually his increasing stronghold on power. Also read | In the Haitian diaspora: Shock, sadness and a fear of what comes next On Thursday, the White House pledged that the United States would send top FBI and Homeland Security officials to Haiti to assess the situation and see what they can do to help. The State Department acknowledged that two US citizens were arrested in Haiti and said they are closely monitoring the situation. State of Emergency As part of the government's effort to apprehend the killers, Haiti declared a 15-day state of emergency on Wednesday. Since then, businesses there have been urged to reopen. Also read | Political crisis in Haiti deepens over rival claims to power Since the country had postponed legislative elections in 2019 amid unrest, Moise, and ten senators were the only elected officials and as a result of his death, confusion about the country's legitimate leader has spread, enveloping it further in a political crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

US rebuffs Haiti troops request after president's assassination

A study by researchers from Utrecht University finds that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> is common in pet cats and dogs whose owners are infected by the disease.

Pets in 196 households where an infection was present were swabbed for traces of infection.

A PCR test revealed six positive results for cats and seven for dogs, and 54 animals were found to have antibodies for the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-cuddling-uk-warns-people-after-cat-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-379922">‘No cuddling’: UK warns people after cat tests positive for coronavirus</a>

Dr Els Broens from Utrecht University advised that people with Covid should avoid contact with their cats or dogs.

The reason behind this advice lies in the uncertainty of whether pets can transmit the virus or not. While the authors of this study found no evidence of pet to human interaction, they say that detection would be difficult especially when human to human transmission is so swift.&nbsp;

Covid tends to cause mild to no symptoms in most animals infected with it.

As part of the research a mobile veterinary clinic was sent to Netherland households where in the last 200 days, someone had tested positive for Covid.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-to-give-free-covid-19-tests-to-pets-362173">Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets</a>

There they took blood samples to test for antibodies that could suggest past exposure to Covid, as well as swabs of the pet cats and dogs to test for current infection.

Results which were then presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases showed that around 4.2 per cent of the pets had a current infection, while 17.4 per cent tested positive for antibodies.&nbsp;

PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-positive animals were subsequently tested and showed that antibodies were formed.

According to the researchers, the most likely route for transmission of viruses is from humans to animals, but that they can't say that vice versa is zero per cent possible.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-common-in-pet-dogs-and-cats-reveals-study-395073">Covid common in pet dogs and cats, reveals study</a>

Many animals in Russia are being vaccinated against the disease by veterinarians. However, Dr Broens believes that to be unnecessary, as for now there is no evidence supporting the need for it.&nbsp;

Study No. 2

In a separate study, researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found cats sleeping on their owners' beds appeared particularly susceptible to infection.

The owners of 48 cats and 54 dogs from 77 households were interviewed to learn about their interaction with their pets, and the animal immune systems were tested for Covid antibodies.

67 per cent of pet cats and 43 per cent of pet dogs tested positive for Covid, while merely 9 per cent of cats and dogs from an animal shelter and 3 per cent of stray cats tested positive.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-human-to-cat-covid-19-transmission-379717">Scientists find evidence of human-to-cat COVID-19 transmission</a>

Twenty-five per cent of the pets exhibited symptoms, ranging from loss of appetite to difficulty breathing. Despite most cases being mild, three were severe.

The researchers suggest that the biology of cats may make them more susceptible to Covid infection.

Additionally, as cats are more likely than dogs to sleep near their owners' faces, they are at higher risk of catching an infection from their owner's breath.

'Robustly conducted'

Professor James Wood, the head of the veterinary medicine department at Cambridge University, said the two studies provide further indications that cats and dogs may contract the disease from their owners.

He also noted that the Dutch study was robustly conducted and demonstrated that even though 20 per cent of exposed pets may be infected, they eventually clear the infection just like most humans do.

A study by researchers from Utrecht University finds that Covid is common in pet cats and dogs whose owners are infected by the disease. Pets in 196 households where an infection was present were swabbed for traces of infection.

A study by researchers from Utrecht University finds that Covid is common in pet cats and dogs whose owners are infected by the disease. Pets in 196 households where an infection was present were swabbed for traces of infection. A PCR test revealed six positive results for cats and seven for dogs, and 54 animals were found to have antibodies for the virus. Also read | ‘No cuddling’: UK warns people after cat tests positive for coronavirus Dr Els Broens from Utrecht University advised that people with Covid should avoid contact with their cats or dogs. The reason behind this advice lies in the uncertainty of whether pets can transmit the virus or not. While the authors of this study found no evidence of pet to human interaction, they say that detection would be difficult especially when human to human transmission is so swift. Covid tends to cause mild to no symptoms in most animals infected with it. As part of the research a mobile veterinary clinic was sent to Netherland households where in the last 200 days, someone had tested positive for Covid. Also read | Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets There they took blood samples to test for antibodies that could suggest past exposure to Covid, as well as swabs of the pet cats and dogs to test for current infection. Results which were then presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases showed that around 4.2 per cent of the pets had a current infection, while 17.4 per cent tested positive for antibodies. PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-positive animals were subsequently tested and showed that antibodies were formed. According to the researchers, the most likely route for transmission of viruses is from humans to animals, but that they can't say that vice versa is zero per cent possible. Also read | Covid common in pet dogs and cats, reveals study Many animals in Russia are being vaccinated against the disease by veterinarians. However, Dr Broens believes that to be unnecessary, as for now there is no evidence supporting the need for it. Study No. 2 In a separate study, researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found cats sleeping on their owners' beds appeared particularly susceptible to infection. The owners of 48 cats and 54 dogs from 77 households were interviewed to learn about their interaction with their pets, and the animal immune systems were tested for Covid antibodies. 67 per cent of pet cats and 43 per cent of pet dogs tested positive for Covid, while merely 9 per cent of cats and dogs from an animal shelter and 3 per cent of stray cats tested positive. Also read | Scientists find evidence of human-to-cat COVID-19 transmission Twenty-five per cent of the pets exhibited symptoms, ranging from loss of appetite to difficulty breathing. Despite most cases being mild, three were severe. The researchers suggest that the biology of cats may make them more susceptible to Covid infection. Additionally, as cats are more likely than dogs to sleep near their owners' faces, they are at higher risk of catching an infection from their owner's breath. 'Robustly conducted' Professor James Wood, the head of the veterinary medicine department at Cambridge University, said the two studies provide further indications that cats and dogs may contract the disease from their owners. He also noted that the Dutch study was robustly conducted and demonstrated that even though 20 per cent of exposed pets may be infected, they eventually clear the infection just like most humans do.

Study finds that pets are at risk of covid infection from their owners, not the other way around

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;has reached 86, authorities said Saturday, after workers sifting through the debris pile recovered seven more bodies.

"It is a staggering and heartbreaking number that affects all of us very, very deeply," said Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-building-collapse-bodies-of-paraguayan-first-ladys-kin-found-in-the-rubble-396936">Florida building collapse: Bodies of Paraguayan first lady’s kin found in the rubble</a>

She told reporters that 62 of the corpses so far recovered have been identified as part of what Levine Cava called "the largest ever non-hurricane emergency response effort in&nbsp;Florida's history."&nbsp;

A total of 43 people remain listed as missing.&nbsp;

After clinging to hope for two weeks after the June 24 collapse, the authorities on Wednesday finally ended the rescue part of their work to focus on the search for remains.

Teams working around the clock did announce one tiny miracle: they found a cat wandering nearby that had belonged to a family living on the tower's ninth floor.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-of-collapsed-florida-apartment-demolished-ahead-of-storm-search-and-rescue-to-resume-395845">Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of storm, search and rescue to resume</a>

The short-haired black cat, named Binx, was turned over to relatives of the family.

The 12-story Champlain Towers South partially collapsed without warning in the early hours of June 24.

Investigators are continuing to study possible reasons for the disaster, but an earlier engineering report had flagged significant structural problems.

With a still-standing portion of the building posing danger to search teams, the authorities on Sunday brought it down in a controlled implosion.

Since then, bodies have been recovered at a faster pace.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-condo-collapse-israelis-fight-despair-while-aiding-survivors-395978/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're definitely at ground level and a few feet below, so we're continuing our efforts," said Miami-Dade fire chief Alan Cominsky. &nbsp;

He said there was no definite timeline for completing the job, but "we're definitely making progress."

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in Florida has reached 86, authorities said Saturday, after workers sifting through the debris pile recovered seven more bodies.

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in Florida has reached 86, authorities said Saturday, after workers sifting through the debris pile recovered seven more bodies. "It is a staggering and heartbreaking number that affects all of us very, very deeply," said Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County. Also read | Florida building collapse: Bodies of Paraguayan first lady’s kin found in the rubble She told reporters that 62 of the corpses so far recovered have been identified as part of what Levine Cava called "the largest ever non-hurricane emergency response effort in Florida's history." A total of 43 people remain listed as missing. After clinging to hope for two weeks after the June 24 collapse, the authorities on Wednesday finally ended the rescue part of their work to focus on the search for remains. Teams working around the clock did announce one tiny miracle: they found a cat wandering nearby that had belonged to a family living on the tower's ninth floor. Also read | Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of storm, search and rescue to resume The short-haired black cat, named Binx, was turned over to relatives of the family. The 12-story Champlain Towers South partially collapsed without warning in the early hours of June 24. Investigators are continuing to study possible reasons for the disaster, but an earlier engineering report had flagged significant structural problems. With a still-standing portion of the building posing danger to search teams, the authorities on Sunday brought it down in a controlled implosion. Since then, bodies have been recovered at a faster pace. "We're definitely at ground level and a few feet below, so we're continuing our efforts," said Miami-Dade fire chief Alan Cominsky. He said there was no definite timeline for completing the job, but "we're definitely making progress."

Florida condo tower death toll now at 86

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified.

Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China.

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Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal.

The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said.

Taliban gains

On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan.

A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan.

"They will be sent there soon," he told AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue.

With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air.

The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots.

On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country.

"The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan."

Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like.

Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not."

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control.

Afghan authorities on Saturday prepared to try and retake key border crossing seized by the Taliban. The Taliban has been on the offensive across Afghanistan and have large swathes of territory under their control. A Taliban official said on Friday that the terrorist group is in control of 85 per cent of the country. However, this claim is contested by Afghan government and cannot be independently verified. Amid withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban said that it had seized two crossings in western Afghanistan. This completes an arc of territory from Iranian border to the frontier with China. × Meanwhile, China has urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan "as soon as possible". China has criticised US for its hasty withdrawal. The "complex and severe domestic security situation" prompted the evacuation warning, the foreign ministry said. Taliban gains On Friday Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP their fighters had captured the town of Islam Qala on the Iranian frontier and the Torghundi crossing with Turkmenistan. A Herat governor spokesman said on Saturday that the authorities were deploying fresh troops to retake the Islam Qala post. It is the biggest trade crossing between Iran and Afghanistan. "They will be sent there soon," he told AFP. Also Read | Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north The Afghan government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's gains as having little strategic value, but the seizure of multiple border crossings and the taxes they generate will likely fill the group's coffers with new revenue. With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government holds little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must largely be reinforced and resupplied by air. The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots. On Thursday President Joe Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- but he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country. "The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like. Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban

Despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the withdrawal of US troops, many Afghans are disappointed by the new restrictions placed on the local population in some of the districts that are under Taliban control.&nbsp;Reportedly, the Taliban distributed leaflets in some areas ordering people to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001. Restrictions include women having to cover themselves from head to toe and be accompanied by a man when venturing out of their homes.

In other news, Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's chief scientist during an interview expressed concern that the coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down. She also mentioned some factors that might be contributing to the steady rate of infections and deaths worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201779-untitled-design-4.jpg" />Afghanistan's citizens are dismayed at the new restrictions imposed on them by the Taliban in a number of the districts that they have recently taken over, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the march of the US military.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-chief-scientist-lists-four-reasons-for-pandemic-not-slowing-down-397170">COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/03/148008-soumya-swaminathan.jpg" />WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan says the deadly Coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down.&nbsp;Read about the possible reasons that&nbsp;according to her&nbsp;might be affecting the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-ministers-set-to-green-light-global-tax-reform-397168">G20 ministers set to green light global tax reform</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/25589-g20-20170708063701.jpg" />

A historic pact to tax multinational companies more fairly is expected to be agreed upon Saturday by finance ministers of the G20. An agreement by 131 countries earlier this month included the implementation of a minimum global tax rate of 15 percent.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-factory-fire-owner-charged-with-murder-397226">Bangladesh factory fire: Owner charged with murder</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201825-pjimage-2021-07-10t180801707.jpg" />52 people were killed by a fire that broke out at a Bangladesh factory on Sunday. The owner of the factory was arrested and charged with murder.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-citizens-evacuated-from-afghanistan-as-us-troops-withdraw-397206">Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201812-untitled-design-2021-07-10t165517374.jpg" />210 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Afghanistan due to safety concerns, amid United States troop withdrawal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-hits-goal-of-delivering-vaccines-for-70-of-adults-397216">EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201820-untitled-design-2021-07-10t172712118.jpg" />According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union has achieved its goal to deliver enough coronavirus vaccines to cover 70 per cent of the adult population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-warns-vladimir-putin-on-ransomware-attack-from-russia-397152">Joe Biden warns Vladimir Putin on ransomware attack from Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/09/201600-biden1.jpg" />Russia needs to take action against hacking groups behind the ransomware attacks, according to US president Joe Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charlottsville-statue-at-the-centre-of-deadly-2017-protests-removed-397233">US: Charlottsville statue at the centre of deadly 2017 protests removed</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201828-charlottsville.jpg" />Charlottsville, Virginia in the US has removed a statue of US Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which was at the centre of a deadly white supremacist rally in August 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-islamic-body-that-said-man-can-lightly-beat-wife-halts-legislation-on-domestic-violence-bill-397103">Pakistan's Islamic body that said man can ‘lightly beat’ wife halts legislation on Domestic Violence Bill</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/10/201778-untitled-design-3.jpg" />Several flaws have been revealed and reactions have been divided over a bill in Pakistan in which aims to protect women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations from domestic abuse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-rain-hits-southern-japan-over-120000-ordered-to-evacuate-397175">Heavy rain hits southern Japan, over 120,000 ordered to evacuate</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/03/200883-japan.jpg" />On Saturday, Japan evacuated more than 120,000 residents from some southern prefectures because of heavy rain, NHK reported. A few days earlier, deadly landslides had struck Atami, a seaside city southwest of Tokyo.

&nbsp;

Despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the withdrawal of US troops, many Afghans are disappointed by the new restrictions placed on the local population in some of the districts that are under Taliban control.

Despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the withdrawal of US troops, many Afghans are disappointed by the new restrictions placed on the local population in some of the districts that are under Taliban control. Reportedly, the Taliban distributed leaflets in some areas ordering people to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001. Restrictions include women having to cover themselves from head to toe and be accompanied by a man when venturing out of their homes. In other news, Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's chief scientist during an interview expressed concern that the coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down. She also mentioned some factors that might be contributing to the steady rate of infections and deaths worldwide. Click on headlines to read more Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north Afghanistan's citizens are dismayed at the new restrictions imposed on them by the Taliban in a number of the districts that they have recently taken over, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the march of the US military. COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan says the deadly Coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down. Read about the possible reasons that according to her might be affecting the pandemic. G20 ministers set to green light global tax reform A historic pact to tax multinational companies more fairly is expected to be agreed upon Saturday by finance ministers of the G20. An agreement by 131 countries earlier this month included the implementation of a minimum global tax rate of 15 percent. Bangladesh factory fire: Owner charged with murder 52 people were killed by a fire that broke out at a Bangladesh factory on Sunday. The owner of the factory was arrested and charged with murder. Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw 210 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Afghanistan due to safety concerns, amid United States troop withdrawal. EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union has achieved its goal to deliver enough coronavirus vaccines to cover 70 per cent of the adult population. Joe Biden warns Vladimir Putin on ransomware attack from Russia Russia needs to take action against hacking groups behind the ransomware attacks, according to US president Joe Biden. US: Charlottsville statue at the centre of deadly 2017 protests removed Charlottsville, Virginia in the US has removed a statue of US Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which was at the centre of a deadly white supremacist rally in August 2017. Pakistan's Islamic body that said man can ‘lightly beat’ wife halts legislation on Domestic Violence Bill Several flaws have been revealed and reactions have been divided over a bill in Pakistan in which aims to protect women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations from domestic abuse. Heavy rain hits southern Japan, over 120,000 ordered to evacuate On Saturday, Japan evacuated more than 120,000 residents from some southern prefectures because of heavy rain, NHK reported. A few days earlier, deadly landslides had struck Atami, a seaside city southwest of Tokyo.

Top 10 world news: Afghanistan's return to dark ages, WHO expert on the continuing pandemic and more

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there.

The fire at the factory broke out on Thursday and raged for more than a day. A separate inquiry into the use of child labour has been launched.

Jayedul Alam, police chief for Narayanganj district where the factory is located, said the entrance had been padlocked at the time of the blaze and the factory breached multiple safety regulations.

"It was a deliberate murder," the police chief told AFP. All eight people detained face murder charges.

Before his arrest, Hashem told the Daily Star newspaper the fire "may have been a result of workers' carelessness", suggesting a discarded cigarette could have sparked the carnage.

Emergency services found 48 of the bodies on third floor of Hashem Food an Beverage factory outside Dhaka

The fire department said the exit door to the main staircase had been padlocked and highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stored in the building.

Monnujan Sufian, state minister for labour, said inquiries had begun into the use of child workers at the factory.

(With inputs from agencies)

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there.

The owner of the Bangladesh factory, the fire at which killed 52 people was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Seven others have been arrested. It has now emerged that children as young as 11 had been working there. The fire at the factory broke out on Thursday and raged for more than a day. A separate inquiry into the use of child labour has been launched. Jayedul Alam, police chief for Narayanganj district where the factory is located, said the entrance had been padlocked at the time of the blaze and the factory breached multiple safety regulations. "It was a deliberate murder," the police chief told AFP. All eight people detained face murder charges. Before his arrest, Hashem told the Daily Star newspaper the fire "may have been a result of workers' carelessness", suggesting a discarded cigarette could have sparked the carnage. Emergency services found 48 of the bodies on third floor of Hashem Food an Beverage factory outside Dhaka The fire department said the exit door to the main staircase had been padlocked and highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stored in the building. Monnujan Sufian, state minister for labour, said inquiries had begun into the use of child workers at the factory. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh factory fire: Owner charged with murder

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>&nbsp;to cover 70 per cent of the adult population,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member state governments are responsible for administering the&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has kept its word."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-likely-to-vaccinate-70-adult-population-by-end-of-july-379617">EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July</a>

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;joint&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson.

All but the J&amp;J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is home to an estimated 366 million adults.

"This weekend, we delivered enough&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seals-deal-for-more-18-billion-pfizerbiontech-covid-vaccine-doses-383700">EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses</a>

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;-- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe."

When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy,&nbsp;stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members.

Joint approach&nbsp;

This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-asks-astrazeneca-to-catch-up-on-covid-vaccine-deliveries-373240">EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries</a>

But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed&nbsp;vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication.

"The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well."

In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;contributes to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-over-20-million-doses-to-20-nations-368420">Covax plan</a> to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for next year as insurance against the rise of variants.&nbsp;

But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;plan. &nbsp;

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday. The 27 EU member state governments are responsible for administering the vaccines to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The EU has kept its word." Also read | EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July The EU joint vaccine purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-Pfizer shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson & Johnson. All but the J&J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the EU is home to an estimated 366 million adults. "This weekend, we delivered enough vaccine to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said. Also read | EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses "COVID-19 is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying vaccines -- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe." When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy, stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members. Joint approach This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries. Also read | EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication. "The EU is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well." In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the EU contributes to the international Covax plan to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more vaccines for next year as insurance against the rise of variants. But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the EU plan. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults

Armed cattle thieves have killed at least 35 people in five villages in northwest&nbsp;Nigeria's Zamfara state, police said Saturday, in the latest violence in the restive region.

Local residents however said up to 43 villagers were killed in the attack late Thursday.

"Thirty-five people were killed by the bandits in the five villages," state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu told AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnapped-nigerian-students-freed-after-ransom-paid-397176">Kidnapped Nigerian students freed after ransom paid</a>

Motorcycle-riding gunmen launched coordinated attacks on remote villages of&nbsp;Gidan Adamu, Tsauni, Gidan Baushi, Gidan Maidawa and Wari in Maradun district, shooting residents and burning homes.

"The attackers left before security teams arrived because the area is hard to reach due to bad roads," Shehu said.&nbsp;

But residents said 43 people were killed and seven injured in the attack.

"We found a total of 43 bodies from the villages along with seven people with injuries," resident Danladi Sabo told AFP.

He said those killed were buried on Friday while the injured were taken to hospital in Gusau, the state capital.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-150-students-abducted-by-gunmen-from-a-boarding-school-396208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Northwest and central&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;have been regularly terrorised by gangs of cattle thieves and kidnappers who raid villages, killing and seizing residents as well as stealing livestock after looting and burning homes.

On Wednesday, bandits killed 18 people when they raided Tsauwa village in neighbouring Katsina state.

Last month, 53 were killed when bandits raided six villages in Zamfara's Zurmi district.

The gangs are largely motivated by financial gains but some of them have appeared in videos pledging allegiance to jihadists, who are waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-jihadist-ambush-kills-19-troops-says-report-370263">Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report</a>

Military operations and amnesty offers have failed to end the attacks.

In a state broadcast last month, Zamfara state governor Bello Matawalle asked residents to defend themselves against "killer bandits."

The criminals have recently focused on raiding schools and kidnapping students to squeeze ransom payments from parents and the authorities.

On Monday, more than 100 students were kidnapped from a boarding school in neighbouring Kaduna state, in the latest mass abduction targeting schools in&nbsp;Nigeria.

Armed cattle thieves have killed at least 35 people in five villages in northwest Nigeria's Zamfara state, police said Saturday, in the latest violence in the restive region.

Armed cattle thieves have killed at least 35 people in five villages in northwest Nigeria's Zamfara state, police said Saturday, in the latest violence in the restive region. Local residents however said up to 43 villagers were killed in the attack late Thursday. "Thirty-five people were killed by the bandits in the five villages," state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu told AFP. Also read | Kidnapped Nigerian students freed after ransom paid Motorcycle-riding gunmen launched coordinated attacks on remote villages of Gidan Adamu, Tsauni, Gidan Baushi, Gidan Maidawa and Wari in Maradun district, shooting residents and burning homes. "The attackers left before security teams arrived because the area is hard to reach due to bad roads," Shehu said. But residents said 43 people were killed and seven injured in the attack. "We found a total of 43 bodies from the villages along with seven people with injuries," resident Danladi Sabo told AFP. He said those killed were buried on Friday while the injured were taken to hospital in Gusau, the state capital. Northwest and central Nigeria have been regularly terrorised by gangs of cattle thieves and kidnappers who raid villages, killing and seizing residents as well as stealing livestock after looting and burning homes. On Wednesday, bandits killed 18 people when they raided Tsauwa village in neighbouring Katsina state. Last month, 53 were killed when bandits raided six villages in Zamfara's Zurmi district. The gangs are largely motivated by financial gains but some of them have appeared in videos pledging allegiance to jihadists, who are waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state. Also read | Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report Military operations and amnesty offers have failed to end the attacks. In a state broadcast last month, Zamfara state governor Bello Matawalle asked residents to defend themselves against "killer bandits." The criminals have recently focused on raiding schools and kidnapping students to squeeze ransom payments from parents and the authorities. On Monday, more than 100 students were kidnapped from a boarding school in neighbouring Kaduna state, in the latest mass abduction targeting schools in Nigeria.

Bandits kill 35 villagers in northwest Nigeria: Police

A statue of US Confederate General Robert E Lee was removed in the city of Charlottsville, Virginia in the US. The statue had been at the centre of a deadly white supremacist rally in August 2017. There had been protests over plans to remove the statue. During the white supremacist protest four years ago, a woman was run down by a car and killed.

As the statue was removed and driven away in a truck, onlookers cheered. City authorities had welcomed viewers from 6 am to view the removal. The statue stood in the Market Street Park.

Statues of Confederate generals who fought for pro-slavery south during the American Civil War still evoke fierce reactions. Some say that the statues are part of American culture while others say that they are symbols of America's pro-slavery past.

The city's planned removal of the Lee statue in 2017 prompted a rally by neo-Nazis and white nationalists that turned deadly when a car driven into a crowd killed a counter-protester, 32-year-old Heather Heyer.

Weeks later the Charlottesville city council unanimously ordered the Jackson statue to be removed.

Citizens including the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sued Charlottesville over the removal plans. In April, Virginia's highest court ruled the city could remove the two Confederate statues, overturning a state Circuit Court decision that had upheld the citizen lawsuit.

The city installed protective fencing and designated no-parking zones around the parks in anticipation of Saturday's removals, according to a Friday statement.

Asked whether the city was aware of any planned protests, Wheeler said, "an indication of how we feel about this is, we're inviting the public to join us in the park."

"We think a lot of our community members really want to be there to see this happen."

(With inputs from agencies)

A statue of US Confederate General Robert E Lee was removed in the city of Charlottsville, Virginia in the US. The statue had been at the centre of a deadly white supremacist rally in August 2017.

A statue of US Confederate General Robert E Lee was removed in the city of Charlottsville, Virginia in the US. The statue had been at the centre of a deadly white supremacist rally in August 2017. There had been protests over plans to remove the statue. During the white supremacist protest four years ago, a woman was run down by a car and killed. As the statue was removed and driven away in a truck, onlookers cheered. City authorities had welcomed viewers from 6 am to view the removal. The statue stood in the Market Street Park. Statues of Confederate generals who fought for pro-slavery south during the American Civil War still evoke fierce reactions. Some say that the statues are part of American culture while others say that they are symbols of America's pro-slavery past. The city's planned removal of the Lee statue in 2017 prompted a rally by neo-Nazis and white nationalists that turned deadly when a car driven into a crowd killed a counter-protester, 32-year-old Heather Heyer. Weeks later the Charlottesville city council unanimously ordered the Jackson statue to be removed. Citizens including the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sued Charlottesville over the removal plans. In April, Virginia's highest court ruled the city could remove the two Confederate statues, overturning a state Circuit Court decision that had upheld the citizen lawsuit. The city installed protective fencing and designated no-parking zones around the parks in anticipation of Saturday's removals, according to a Friday statement. Asked whether the city was aware of any planned protests, Wheeler said, "an indication of how we feel about this is, we're inviting the public to join us in the park." "We think a lot of our community members really want to be there to see this happen." (With inputs from agencies)

US: Charlottsville statue at the centre of deadly 2017 protests removed

A prominent ethnic rebel group in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;suspended one of its key leaders this week, a spokesman said Saturday, as it investigates an alleged massacre of civilians on its territory.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a February coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, sparking huge protests among civilians and renewing clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in its border regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-on-sedition-charges-393182">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges</a>

The Karen National Union (KNU),&nbsp;one of&nbsp;Myanmar's largest rebel groups in its east, which has tussled with the military for decades,&nbsp;has been locked in renewed conflict with the army since the coup.

In May, state-run media accused fighters from one of the group's armed wings, the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), of a May 31 massacre of 25 construction workers,&nbsp;an allegation the KNU had said it would investigate.

Spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee confirmed Saturday that the KNDO's head, General Ner Dah Bo Mya, and his subordinate Lieutenant Saw Ba Wah have been "suspended temporarily".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-killed-in-myanmar-clashes-between-army-and-anti-junta-fighters-395797">25 killed in Myanmar clashes between army and anti-junta fighters</a>

"According to the Geneva Conventions, even if they are our enemies, we just arrest them, you cannot kill like that," he said.

"We stand firmly on our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and the international community, and we have to deal with this carefully."

The decision, made on Monday by KNU leaders, will inject more discord within the rebel group, whose political divisions over the handling of the junta have spilled out in recent months to the public.&nbsp;

Padoh Saw Taw Nee defended the suspension as "part of our procedures".

'We cannot mingle with the devil'

But General Ner Dah Bo Mya blasted the decision, saying that the KNU's political leaders had refused to hear the KNDO's side.&nbsp;

He alleged that Burmese soldiers had ambushed his troops with mortar artillery as they were arresting military intelligence personnel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rejects-un-resolution-urging-arms-embargo-392640">Myanmar rejects UN resolution urging arms embargo</a>

"During the armed conflict, the soldiers didn’t take care," he told AFP, adding that he did not want to cooperate with the investigation because "they didn't talk to me".

"Our grand leader and politicians should side with us instead of working with the enemies," he said.&nbsp;

"We cannot mingle with the devil."

Myanmar's border regions are a patchwork of territories and alliances held by more than two dozen rebel groups, most of whom have fought with the military for more autonomy and resources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-and-villagers-trade-accusations-after-houses-razed-392008">Myanmar junta and villagers trade accusations after houses razed</a>

Since the coup the KNU has clashed sporadically with the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military along the Thai border.&nbsp;

In March its fighters seized a military post and the army retaliated with air raids, the first in more than 20 years in Karen state.

The group has also condemned the military for the power grab, and provided shelter to dissidents working to oust the State Administration Council, as the junta has dubbed itself.&nbsp;

Nearly 890 people have been killed by the junta's security forces since February 1, according to a local monitoring group.

A prominent ethnic rebel group in Myanmar suspended one of its key leaders this week, a spokesman said Saturday, as it investigates an alleged massacre of civilians on its territory.

A prominent ethnic rebel group in Myanmar suspended one of its key leaders this week, a spokesman said Saturday, as it investigates an alleged massacre of civilians on its territory. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, sparking huge protests among civilians and renewing clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in its border regions. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar's largest rebel groups in its east, which has tussled with the military for decades, has been locked in renewed conflict with the army since the coup. In May, state-run media accused fighters from one of the group's armed wings, the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), of a May 31 massacre of 25 construction workers, an allegation the KNU had said it would investigate. Spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee confirmed Saturday that the KNDO's head, General Ner Dah Bo Mya, and his subordinate Lieutenant Saw Ba Wah have been "suspended temporarily". Also read | 25 killed in Myanmar clashes between army and anti-junta fighters "According to the Geneva Conventions, even if they are our enemies, we just arrest them, you cannot kill like that," he said. "We stand firmly on our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and the international community, and we have to deal with this carefully." The decision, made on Monday by KNU leaders, will inject more discord within the rebel group, whose political divisions over the handling of the junta have spilled out in recent months to the public. Padoh Saw Taw Nee defended the suspension as "part of our procedures". 'We cannot mingle with the devil' But General Ner Dah Bo Mya blasted the decision, saying that the KNU's political leaders had refused to hear the KNDO's side. He alleged that Burmese soldiers had ambushed his troops with mortar artillery as they were arresting military intelligence personnel. Also read | Myanmar rejects UN resolution urging arms embargo "During the armed conflict, the soldiers didn’t take care," he told AFP, adding that he did not want to cooperate with the investigation because "they didn't talk to me". "Our grand leader and politicians should side with us instead of working with the enemies," he said. "We cannot mingle with the devil." Myanmar's border regions are a patchwork of territories and alliances held by more than two dozen rebel groups, most of whom have fought with the military for more autonomy and resources. Also read | Myanmar junta and villagers trade accusations after houses razed Since the coup the KNU has clashed sporadically with the Myanmar military along the Thai border. In March its fighters seized a military post and the army retaliated with air raids, the first in more than 20 years in Karen state. The group has also condemned the military for the power grab, and provided shelter to dissidents working to oust the State Administration Council, as the junta has dubbed itself. Nearly 890 people have been killed by the junta's security forces since February 1, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar rebel group suspends key leader in massacre investigation

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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