At least nine people, including four children, were killed, while a woman was wounded on Wednesday (Sept 27), after a rocket launcher’s ordnance exploded in a house in Pakistan's Mehwal Shah area situated in Kashmore district’s Kandhkot tehsil, as per Dawn reports.

The police said that the deceased included five children, two women and two men.

Kashmore-Kandhkot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohail Khoso said that the injured woman was rushed to a Larkana hospital from Kandhkot, whereas the bodies of the victims who had lost their lives, were brought to the Kandhkot Civil Hospital.

Further sharing details about the deceased victims, the official said that the house in which the rocket launcher's ordnance exploded belonged to Ali Nawaz Sabzoi.&nbsp;

The people who died in the incident and the woman who sustained injuries belonged to the same family.

SSP Khoso then said that the police had surrounded the area, reported Dawn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-greenlights-plan-to-deport-over-1-million-afghans-report-639902">Pakistan greenlights plan to deport over 1 million Afghans</a>

According to Dawn, the incident took place when the children found the rocket while playing and brought it home when it exploded. The SSP said that a probe was initiated into the matter and that an emergency had been declared at the Kandhkot Civil Hospital.

Sindh Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar released a statement in which he sought a report from the provincial inspector general on “how a rocket launcher reached the Zangi Subzwai Goth”.

“Was any stock of weapons being smuggled to the kutcha (riverine) areas? Are there enablers of the dacoits present in the goth (village)?,”&nbsp;the statement quoted him asking.

He questioned how the rocket launcher shell exploded which led to the death of nine people.

He then directed the IG to submit a detailed report of the incident while expressing grief.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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At least nine people, including four children, were killed, while a woman was wounded on Wednesday (Sept 27), after a rocket launcher’s ordnance exploded in a house in Pakistan's Mehwal Shah area situated in Kashmore district’s Kandhkot tehsil, as per Dawn reports.

At least nine people, including four children, were killed, while a woman was wounded on Wednesday (Sept 27), after a rocket launcher’s ordnance exploded in a house in Pakistan's Mehwal Shah area situated in Kashmore district’s Kandhkot tehsil, as per Dawn reports. The police said that the deceased included five children, two women and two men. Kashmore-Kandhkot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohail Khoso said that the injured woman was rushed to a Larkana hospital from Kandhkot, whereas the bodies of the victims who had lost their lives, were brought to the Kandhkot Civil Hospital. Further sharing details about the deceased victims, the official said that the house in which the rocket launcher's ordnance exploded belonged to Ali Nawaz Sabzoi. The people who died in the incident and the woman who sustained injuries belonged to the same family. SSP Khoso then said that the police had surrounded the area, reported Dawn. Also read: Pakistan greenlights plan to deport over 1 million Afghans According to Dawn, the incident took place when the children found the rocket while playing and brought it home when it exploded. The SSP said that a probe was initiated into the matter and that an emergency had been declared at the Kandhkot Civil Hospital. Sindh Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar released a statement in which he sought a report from the provincial inspector general on “how a rocket launcher reached the Zangi Subzwai Goth”. “Was any stock of weapons being smuggled to the kutcha (riverine) areas? Are there enablers of the dacoits present in the goth (village)?,” the statement quoted him asking. He questioned how the rocket launcher shell exploded which led to the death of nine people. He then directed the IG to submit a detailed report of the incident while expressing grief. (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.

Pakistan: Rocket launcher ordnance explodes in Sindh’s Kandhkot tehsil, claims 9 lives

Moscow claimed on Wednesday that Washington and London helped Ukraine orchestrate an unprecedented strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea last week.

"There is not the slightest doubt that the attack was planned in advance using Western intelligence assets, NATO satellite equipment, and reconnaissance aircraft," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.&nbsp;

The missile strike was carried out "in close coordination with the American and British intelligence services," she added.

Ukraine claimed responsibility for a missile attack that on Friday struck the headquarters of Moscow's Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea, sparking a huge fire.

Moscow said that the attack left one Russian serviceman missing, while Kyiv claimed that the strike killed 34 officers, including the fleet commander, Viktor Sokolov.

Moscow has however denied the claim.

Undated footage broadcast Wednesday by the Russian defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel showed Sokolov saying that the Black Sea Fleet was "fulfilling the tasks the command has set."

Since sending troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has accused Western powers of de-facto fighting against Moscow by providing financial and military support to Kyiv.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 
 
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Moscow claimed on Wednesday that Washington and London helped Ukraine orchestrate an unprecedented strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea last week.

Moscow claimed on Wednesday that Washington and London helped Ukraine orchestrate an unprecedented strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea last week. "There is not the slightest doubt that the attack was planned in advance using Western intelligence assets, NATO satellite equipment, and reconnaissance aircraft," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. The missile strike was carried out "in close coordination with the American and British intelligence services," she added. Ukraine claimed responsibility for a missile attack that on Friday struck the headquarters of Moscow's Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea, sparking a huge fire. Moscow said that the attack left one Russian serviceman missing, while Kyiv claimed that the strike killed 34 officers, including the fleet commander, Viktor Sokolov. Moscow has however denied the claim. Undated footage broadcast Wednesday by the Russian defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel showed Sokolov saying that the Black Sea Fleet was "fulfilling the tasks the command has set." Since sending troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has accused Western powers of de-facto fighting against Moscow by providing financial and military support to Kyiv. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 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.

Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval headquarters

At least three people were killed in Sweden in separate incidents after deadly violence, which was linked to a rivalry between criminal gangs, aggravated. &nbsp;

In one of the incidents, an 18-year-old man was shot dead in a Stockholm suburb late on Wednesday (Sept 27). Hours later, another man was killed and one was injured in a shooting that occurred in Jordbro, south of the Swedish capital.

Early on Thursday (Sept 28), an explosion, that took place in the Uppsala area, in the west of Stockholm, claimed the life of a woman who was in her 20s. As per Swedish media reports, the blast damaged five houses and is being treated as a murder. It further said that the woman who died in the incident was likely not the target.

According to Swedish broadcaster SVT, the recent incidents of fatal shootings bring the toll of people who lost their lives to gun violence in the month of September to 11. So far, September has been recorded as the deadliest month for shootings since police started maintaining statistics in the year 2016.

It is not yet clear if the incident of the shooting and the explosion were related to each other, but as per Swedish media reports, at least two of the three incidents were linked to a feud between criminal gangs

As per Associated Press reports, two gangs, one of which is led by a Swedish-Turkish dual national who lives in Turkey and the other by his former lieutenant, are reportedly engaged in a conflict over drugs and weapons.&nbsp;

Three people, who were suspected of hatching a fatal shooting conspiracy in Jordbro have reportedly been detained. Police released a statement saying that two people have been arrested over the Uppsala blast, which was so strong that it blew away the facades of two houses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/travis-king-us-soldier-expelled-from-north-korea-returns-to-texas-640520">Travis King: US soldier expelled from North Korea returns to Texas</a>

Earlier this week, two explosions, one of them in the capital Stockholm, rocked central Sweden during the intervening night of Sept 25 and Sept 26.

One of the blasts occurred late on Monday (Sep 25) in Hasselby, a suburb of Swedish capital Stockholm. The second one took place in Linkoping, about 175 kilometres (110 miles) to the southwest. The blast in Linkoping ripped the facade off a three-storey building.

The gang feuds are fast becoming a growing problem in Sweden.

This year, there have been 261 shootings in which a total of 36 people were killed while 73 others were injured.

As per the Swedish news agency TT, the national government is planning to hold a meeting to decide on measures to fight gang violence.

“We are now bringing together all relevant actors to jointly identify what can be done in the short and long term,” said Gunnar Strömmer, Sweden's Minister for Justice and Civil Defense.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least three people were killed in Sweden in separate incidents after deadly violence, which was linked to a rivalry between criminal gangs, aggravated. In one of the incidents, an 18-year-old man was shot dead in a Stockholm suburb late on Wednesday (Sept 27).

At least three people were killed in Sweden in separate incidents after deadly violence, which was linked to a rivalry between criminal gangs, aggravated. In one of the incidents, an 18-year-old man was shot dead in a Stockholm suburb late on Wednesday (Sept 27). Hours later, another man was killed and one was injured in a shooting that occurred in Jordbro, south of the Swedish capital. Early on Thursday (Sept 28), an explosion, that took place in the Uppsala area, in the west of Stockholm, claimed the life of a woman who was in her 20s. As per Swedish media reports, the blast damaged five houses and is being treated as a murder. It further said that the woman who died in the incident was likely not the target. According to Swedish broadcaster SVT, the recent incidents of fatal shootings bring the toll of people who lost their lives to gun violence in the month of September to 11. So far, September has been recorded as the deadliest month for shootings since police started maintaining statistics in the year 2016. It is not yet clear if the incident of the shooting and the explosion were related to each other, but as per Swedish media reports, at least two of the three incidents were linked to a feud between criminal gangs As per Associated Press reports, two gangs, one of which is led by a Swedish-Turkish dual national who lives in Turkey and the other by his former lieutenant, are reportedly engaged in a conflict over drugs and weapons. Three people, who were suspected of hatching a fatal shooting conspiracy in Jordbro have reportedly been detained. Police released a statement saying that two people have been arrested over the Uppsala blast, which was so strong that it blew away the facades of two houses. Also read: Travis King: US soldier expelled from North Korea returns to Texas Earlier this week, two explosions, one of them in the capital Stockholm, rocked central Sweden during the intervening night of Sept 25 and Sept 26. One of the blasts occurred late on Monday (Sep 25) in Hasselby, a suburb of Swedish capital Stockholm. The second one took place in Linkoping, about 175 kilometres (110 miles) to the southwest. The blast in Linkoping ripped the facade off a three-storey building. The gang feuds are fast becoming a growing problem in Sweden. This year, there have been 261 shootings in which a total of 36 people were killed while 73 others were injured. As per the Swedish news agency TT, the national government is planning to hold a meeting to decide on measures to fight gang violence. “We are now bringing together all relevant actors to jointly identify what can be done in the short and long term,” said Gunnar Strömmer, Sweden's Minister for Justice and Civil Defense. (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.

Deadly violence continues in Sweden, claims lives of three in separate overnight attacks

The Armenian government on Thursday (Sep 28) announced more than 65,000 Armenians had fled the conflict-ridden zone of Nagorno-Karabakh for Yerevan after Azerbaijan recaptured the territory last week. In another news, ahead of the hotly anticipated 2024 US presidential elections as well as the general elections in India, X (formerly known as Twitter) has fired its election team working to prevent disruptions during the polls.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-65000-armenians-flee-nagorno-karabakh-after-azerbaijans-victory-640586">Over 65,000 Armenians flee Nagorno Karabakh after Azerbaijan's victory</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/24/381707-untitled-design-2023-09-24t182235255.png?imwidth=1920" />

Armenian government spokeswoman, Nazeli Baghdasaryan in a statement said,&nbsp;"65,036 forcefully displaced persons crossed into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh". "The state is providing suitable housing to all those who do not have a predetermined place of residence," she added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yeah-theyre-gone-musk-fires-election-integrity-team-ahead-of-2024-election-season-640609">'They’re gone...': Musk fires election integrity team ahead of 2024 elections</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/31/376584-new-wion-14.jpg?imwidth=256" />

Former X CEO Elon Musk took to the platform and confirmed that the 'election integrity' team was 'gone'. Responding to a post that said X had reportedly cut half of its team, Musk said:&nbsp;“Oh you mean the ‘Election Integrity’ Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone.” According to a&nbsp;Guardian&nbsp;report, a number of staff members working out of the Dublin office, including Aaron Rodericks, the co-lead of the election disinformation team have left the company.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/travis-king-us-soldier-expelled-from-north-korea-returns-to-texas-640520">Travis King: US soldier expelled from North Korea returns to Texas</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382557-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-09-28t143315776.jpg?imwidth=256" />

US&nbsp;Army Private Travis King has returned to a US&nbsp;military facility in Texas following his expulsion from North Korea, reported CNN. After his daring crossing of the heavily fortified border two months ago, King arrived at Kelly Field on a US&nbsp;military flight on Thursday (Sept 28).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-chinese-scientist-disputes-indias-chandrayaan-3-landing-on-moons-south-pole-640439">Chinese scientist says India’s Chandrayaan-3 didn't land on Moon’s south pole</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382502-chandrayaan.jpg?imwidth=640" />

A top Chinese scientist has claimed that India’s Chandrayaan-3, the country’s lunar mission, didn’t land on the Moon’s south pole, disputing New Delhi’s historic achievement.&nbsp;The startling claim comes at a time when Indian scientists are trying to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover from hibernation after the two-week frosty lunar night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-processes-1-million-visas-to-indian-in-2023-garcetti-says-more-to-come-640571">US processes 1 million visas to Indians in 2023, Garcetti says more to come</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354285-untitled-design-2023-05-25t155034416.png?imwidth=640" />

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti informed on Thursday (Sep 28) that the country's embassy and other consulates had processed a million visa applications this year.&nbsp;According to an official release from the US Embassy in India, the mission has already surpassed the total number of cases that were processed in 2022. It added that&nbsp;almost 20 per cent more applications were being processed compared to&nbsp;pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-replaces-axar-patel-in-indias-final-15-for-world-cup-2023-640615">Ravi Ashwin replaces Axar Patel in India's final 15 for World Cup 2023</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382607-untitled-design-2023-09-28t195027228.png?imwidth=640" />

India dealt with a blow ahead of the commencement of ODI World Cup 2023 as their spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel got ruled out, while veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin is included in his place in the final 15. Following the latest scans, Axar needs approximately three weeks to completely recover from the quadriceps strain he sustained during the Asia Cup 2023, meaning he would have to sit out for at least the first half of the tournament had he been picked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-arrests-top-karabakh-leader-amid-ongoing-hunt-for-war-crime-suspects-640485">Separatist state Nagorno-Karabakh will cease to exist next year, declares top leader</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382538-untitled-design-67.png?imwidth=1920" />

A separatist leader from&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday (Sep 28)&nbsp;that the breakaway region will cease&nbsp;to exist from January 1, 2024, as Azeri authorities plan to annex the region in its entirety.&nbsp;"Dissolve all state institutions and organisations under their departmental subordination by January 1, 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist," said the decree, which was issued as tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians fled in the wake of Azerbaijan's assault&nbsp;last&nbsp;week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-claiming-to-have-indian-allegiances-target-canadian-military-website-640549">Hackers claiming to have Indian allegiance target Canadian military website</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382533-oc4y6i2qe5mhnlscorfakjtvia.jpg?imwidth=640" />

Amid the ongoing bitterness between India and Canada over claims made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hackers calling themselves the Indian Cyber Force have claimed to have targeted&nbsp;the Canadian Armed Forces' official website.&nbsp;The group which does not have any formal links to New Delhi claimed on Telegram that it had taken down the&nbsp;www.forces.ca&nbsp;website. One of the messages shared showed a screenshot of an error page with the message "#f---Canada".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-within-3-days-twin-fire-accidents-hit-taiwanese-and-japanese-factories-640602">Tamil Nadu: Within 3 days, twin fire accidents hit Taiwanese and Japanese factories&nbsp;</a>\

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382597-new-wion-2023-09-28t185953879.jpg?imwidth=640" />

In the&nbsp;span of three days, fire accidents have affected the Apple iPhone assembly unit run by Taiwanese firm Pegatron and the Japanese firm Yazaki that makes automobile wiring, both of which are situated nearly 60 kilometres from the southern Indian metropolis of Chennai. Located in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district, the Pegatron and Yazaki facilities are situated a few kilometres apart from each other. In both cases, the blaze was reported at night and is said to have started from an electric short circuit.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-michael-gambon-the-actor-who-played-dumbledore-in-harry-potter-films-dead-at-82-640575">Michael Gambon, the actor who played Dumbledore in Harry Potter films, dies at 82</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/28/382583-your-paragraph-text-2023-09-28t173429610.jpg?imwidth=640" />

Michael Gambon, who famously played Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 82. The news of his death was announced by his family on Thursday.&nbsp;Publicist Clair Dobbs issued a statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Armenian government on Thursday (Sep 28) announced more than 65,000 Armenians had fled the conflict-ridden zone of Nagorno-Karabakh for Yerevan after Azerbaijan recaptured the territory last week.

The Armenian government on Thursday (Sep 28) announced more than 65,000 Armenians had fled the conflict-ridden zone of Nagorno-Karabakh for Yerevan after Azerbaijan recaptured the territory last week. In another news, ahead of the hotly anticipated 2024 US presidential elections as well as the general elections in India, X (formerly known as Twitter) has fired its election team working to prevent disruptions during the polls. Click on the headlines to read more: Over 65,000 Armenians flee Nagorno Karabakh after Azerbaijan's victory Armenian government spokeswoman, Nazeli Baghdasaryan in a statement said, "65,036 forcefully displaced persons crossed into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh". "The state is providing suitable housing to all those who do not have a predetermined place of residence," she added. 'They’re gone...': Musk fires election integrity team ahead of 2024 elections Former X CEO Elon Musk took to the platform and confirmed that the 'election integrity' team was 'gone'. Responding to a post that said X had reportedly cut half of its team, Musk said: “Oh you mean the ‘Election Integrity’ Team that was undermining election integrity? Yeah, they’re gone.” According to a Guardian report, a number of staff members working out of the Dublin office, including Aaron Rodericks, the co-lead of the election disinformation team have left the company. Travis King: US soldier expelled from North Korea returns to Texas US Army Private Travis King has returned to a US military facility in Texas following his expulsion from North Korea, reported CNN. After his daring crossing of the heavily fortified border two months ago, King arrived at Kelly Field on a US military flight on Thursday (Sept 28). Chinese scientist says India’s Chandrayaan-3 didn't land on Moon’s south pole A top Chinese scientist has claimed that India’s Chandrayaan-3, the country’s lunar mission, didn’t land on the Moon’s south pole, disputing New Delhi’s historic achievement. The startling claim comes at a time when Indian scientists are trying to revive the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover from hibernation after the two-week frosty lunar night. US processes 1 million visas to Indians in 2023, Garcetti says more to come US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti informed on Thursday (Sep 28) that the country's embassy and other consulates had processed a million visa applications this year. According to an official release from the US Embassy in India, the mission has already surpassed the total number of cases that were processed in 2022. It added that almost 20 per cent more applications were being processed compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Ravi Ashwin replaces Axar Patel in India's final 15 for World Cup 2023 India dealt with a blow ahead of the commencement of ODI World Cup 2023 as their spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel got ruled out, while veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin is included in his place in the final 15. Following the latest scans, Axar needs approximately three weeks to completely recover from the quadriceps strain he sustained during the Asia Cup 2023, meaning he would have to sit out for at least the first half of the tournament had he been picked. Separatist state Nagorno-Karabakh will cease to exist next year, declares top leader A separatist leader from Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday (Sep 28) that the breakaway region will cease to exist from January 1, 2024, as Azeri authorities plan to annex the region in its entirety. "Dissolve all state institutions and organisations under their departmental subordination by January 1, 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist," said the decree, which was issued as tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians fled in the wake of Azerbaijan's assault last week. Hackers claiming to have Indian allegiance target Canadian military website Amid the ongoing bitterness between India and Canada over claims made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hackers calling themselves the Indian Cyber Force have claimed to have targeted the Canadian Armed Forces' official website. The group which does not have any formal links to New Delhi claimed on Telegram that it had taken down the www.forces.ca website. One of the messages shared showed a screenshot of an error page with the message "#f---Canada". Tamil Nadu: Within 3 days, twin fire accidents hit Taiwanese and Japanese factories \ In the span of three days, fire accidents have affected the Apple iPhone assembly unit run by Taiwanese firm Pegatron and the Japanese firm Yazaki that makes automobile wiring, both of which are situated nearly 60 kilometres from the southern Indian metropolis of Chennai. Located in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district, the Pegatron and Yazaki facilities are situated a few kilometres apart from each other. In both cases, the blaze was reported at night and is said to have started from an electric short circuit. Michael Gambon, the actor who played Dumbledore in Harry Potter films, dies at 82 Michael Gambon, who famously played Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 82. The news of his death was announced by his family on Thursday. Publicist Clair Dobbs issued a statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.”

Top 10 world news: Over 65,000 Armenians flee Nagorno Karabakh, Travis King returns to Texas, and more

A 14-year-old student, on Thursday (Sep&nbsp;28), launched a violent attack at a school in southern Spain, stabbing three teachers and two students before being caught, said police.

The teenager, who has not yet been named, allegedly stabbed the five victims repeatedly briefly after classes began at the school in Jerez de la Frontera, news agency AFP reported citing police spokesman Adrian Dominguez. He was described as hot-headed by his fellow pupils.

"Police located the suspect on the third floor. He had in his possession the two knives used to attack three teachers and two students," Dominguez said, adding the suspect had been taken to a police station.

The spokesman did not elaborate on the seriousness of the injuries at the moment. However, as per Spanish media reports, one teacher had sustained critical injuries and was in serious condition after being attacked in the eye, while the rest suffered light injuries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-claiming-to-have-indian-allegiances-target-canadian-military-website-640549">Hackers claiming to have Indian allegiance target Canadian military website</a>

The parents of children studying in the school rushed to the spot and gathered outside the gates which were cordoned off by police, images broadcast on Spanish TV showed.

"It was devastating and dramatic because all the parents were on the outside of the school wishing they could hug their children," Jerez de la Frontera mayor Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo told reporters, adding that the teachers managed to disarm the suspect.

As per Spanish media reports, several students said that the teenager often got into fights and was short-tempered.

"I saw the guy with two knives with a look on his face like he wanted to stab everyone," one student who declined to be named told Canal Sur television.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A 14-year-old student, on Thursday (Sep 28), launched a violent attack at a school in southern Spain, stabbing three teachers and two students before being caught, said police.

A 14-year-old student, on Thursday (Sep 28), launched a violent attack at a school in southern Spain, stabbing three teachers and two students before being caught, said police. The teenager, who has not yet been named, allegedly stabbed the five victims repeatedly briefly after classes began at the school in Jerez de la Frontera, news agency AFP reported citing police spokesman Adrian Dominguez. He was described as hot-headed by his fellow pupils. "Police located the suspect on the third floor. He had in his possession the two knives used to attack three teachers and two students," Dominguez said, adding the suspect had been taken to a police station. The spokesman did not elaborate on the seriousness of the injuries at the moment. However, as per Spanish media reports, one teacher had sustained critical injuries and was in serious condition after being attacked in the eye, while the rest suffered light injuries. Also read: Hackers claiming to have Indian allegiance target Canadian military website The parents of children studying in the school rushed to the spot and gathered outside the gates which were cordoned off by police, images broadcast on Spanish TV showed. "It was devastating and dramatic because all the parents were on the outside of the school wishing they could hug their children," Jerez de la Frontera mayor Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo told reporters, adding that the teachers managed to disarm the suspect. As per Spanish media reports, several students said that the teenager often got into fights and was short-tempered. "I saw the guy with two knives with a look on his face like he wanted to stab everyone," one student who declined to be named told Canal Sur television. (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: Teenager stabs three teachers, two fellow pupils at school; one critical

The infamous Italian mafia figure Matteo Messina Denaro, who spent three decades evading capture, was laid to rest on Wednesday (Sept 27), in his hometown with only his close family members allowed to bid farewell, said local media reports.

The Italian police arrested the country’s most-wanted mafia boss in the Sicilian capital, Palermo, in January this year. At the age of 61, Messina Denaro was grappling with cancer when he was apprehended in January. His health deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to his transfer from a maximum-security prison in central Italy to a hospital. He passed away on Monday (Sept 25).

Late on Tuesday, his coffin was driven in a hearse from the hospital and arrived in his hometown of Castelvetrano in Sicily in the early hours of Wednesday, as per media reports.

A handful of his family members were present at his burial which included his two sisters, a brother and his daughter, who was born during his fugitive years.

A group of mourners walked behind the hearse with one of his sisters carrying a bouquet of yellow roses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-officials-kept-immigration-jails-despite-internal-cost-concerns-640315">Biden officials kept immigration jails despite high costs, staff scarcity concerns</a>

Denaro was buried in the family tomb, according to the Palermo Today Daily. There was no religious service.

<h2>Convicted of heinous crimes</h2>

Denaro was convicted of numerous crimes, including his involvement in the planning of the 1992 murders of anti-mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. It was part of a series of crimes that sent shockwaves across Italy and prompted a crackdown on the Sicilian mafia.

He was also held responsible for bombings in Rome, Florence, and Milan in 1993 that claimed 10 lives, in addition to orchestrating the kidnapping of 12-year-old Giuseppe Di Matteo to dissuade the boy's father from testifying against the mafia. Tragically, the young boy was held captive for two years before being murdered.

Referred to by the Italian press as "the last Godfather," Messina Denaro was captured outside a private health clinic in Palermo, Sicily, on January 16. Leaked medical records revealed that he had undergone surgery for colon cancer in 2020 and 2022 under a fake name.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The infamous Italian mafia figure Matteo Messina Denaro, who spent three decades evading capture, was laid to rest on Wednesday (Sept 27), in his hometown with only his close family members allowed to bid farewell, said local media reports.

The infamous Italian mafia figure Matteo Messina Denaro, who spent three decades evading capture, was laid to rest on Wednesday (Sept 27), in his hometown with only his close family members allowed to bid farewell, said local media reports. The Italian police arrested the country’s most-wanted mafia boss in the Sicilian capital, Palermo, in January this year. At the age of 61, Messina Denaro was grappling with cancer when he was apprehended in January. His health deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to his transfer from a maximum-security prison in central Italy to a hospital. He passed away on Monday (Sept 25). Late on Tuesday, his coffin was driven in a hearse from the hospital and arrived in his hometown of Castelvetrano in Sicily in the early hours of Wednesday, as per media reports. A handful of his family members were present at his burial which included his two sisters, a brother and his daughter, who was born during his fugitive years. A group of mourners walked behind the hearse with one of his sisters carrying a bouquet of yellow roses. Also read: Biden officials kept immigration jails despite high costs, staff scarcity concerns Denaro was buried in the family tomb, according to the Palermo Today Daily. There was no religious service. Convicted of heinous crimes Denaro was convicted of numerous crimes, including his involvement in the planning of the 1992 murders of anti-mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. It was part of a series of crimes that sent shockwaves across Italy and prompted a crackdown on the Sicilian mafia. He was also held responsible for bombings in Rome, Florence, and Milan in 1993 that claimed 10 lives, in addition to orchestrating the kidnapping of 12-year-old Giuseppe Di Matteo to dissuade the boy's father from testifying against the mafia. Tragically, the young boy was held captive for two years before being murdered. Referred to by the Italian press as "the last Godfather," Messina Denaro was captured outside a private health clinic in Palermo, Sicily, on January 16. Leaked medical records revealed that he had undergone surgery for colon cancer in 2020 and 2022 under a fake name. (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.

Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro laid to rest with only close family members in attendance

France's ambassador to Niger, on Wednesday (Sept 27), landed in Paris weeks after the post-coup regime in the West African country demanded the diplomat's expulsion.

As per news agency AFP reports, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met Sylvain Itte "to thank him and his teams for his work in the service of our country under difficult conditions," the ministry said in a written statement.

Itte left Niamey along with six colleagues "around 4:00 am" (0300 GMT), a diplomatic source told AFP.

President Emanuel Macron, on Sunday (Sept 24), in a TV interview had announced that “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador.”

“In the coming hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” he added.

The French president further said that the military cooperation with the Niger was over and the troops would be withdrawn in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout by the end of the year.

“We will consult the putschists because we want this to be done peacefully,” he added.

Macron said that the junta “no longer wanted to fight against terrorism”.

Born in the Malian capital Bamako in 1959, Itte had been serving in the position of ambassador to Niger for a year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-week-after-diluting-net-zero-targets-uk-greenlights-north-sea-oil-drilling-640265">A week after diluting net-zero targets, UK greenlights North Sea oil drilling</a>

His diplomatic career spans 35 years and he was previously ambassador to Uruguay and Angola.

<h2>Niger junta welcomed Macron's announcement</h2>

Hours after the statement, Niger’s junta said that the announcement signals a “new step towards the sovereignty” of the country. &nbsp;

“This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” said the statement from the military rulers.

“This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people,” the Niger statement added.

The military leaders ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26— a third such putsch in the region in as many years—citing persistent insecurity in the region.

Macron said that he still acknowledges Bazoum—currently in detention—as the "sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision.

The development stems from years of anti-French sentiment running in the country, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neo-colonialist policies - a charge denied by France.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France's ambassador to Niger, on Wednesday (Sept 27), landed in Paris weeks after the post-coup regime in the West African country demanded the diplomat's expulsion.

France's ambassador to Niger, on Wednesday (Sept 27), landed in Paris weeks after the post-coup regime in the West African country demanded the diplomat's expulsion. As per news agency AFP reports, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met Sylvain Itte "to thank him and his teams for his work in the service of our country under difficult conditions," the ministry said in a written statement. Itte left Niamey along with six colleagues "around 4:00 am" (0300 GMT), a diplomatic source told AFP. President Emanuel Macron, on Sunday (Sept 24), in a TV interview had announced that “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador.” “In the coming hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” he added. The French president further said that the military cooperation with the Niger was over and the troops would be withdrawn in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout by the end of the year. “We will consult the putschists because we want this to be done peacefully,” he added. Macron said that the junta “no longer wanted to fight against terrorism”. Born in the Malian capital Bamako in 1959, Itte had been serving in the position of ambassador to Niger for a year. Also read: A week after diluting net-zero targets, UK greenlights North Sea oil drilling His diplomatic career spans 35 years and he was previously ambassador to Uruguay and Angola. Niger junta welcomed Macron's announcement Hours after the statement, Niger’s junta said that the announcement signals a “new step towards the sovereignty” of the country. “This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” said the statement from the military rulers. “This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people,” the Niger statement added. The military leaders ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26— a third such putsch in the region in as many years—citing persistent insecurity in the region. Macron said that he still acknowledges Bazoum—currently in detention—as the "sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision. The development stems from years of anti-French sentiment running in the country, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neo-colonialist policies - a charge denied by France. (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.

France's ambassador to Niger lands in Paris weeks after junta demands diplomat's expulsion

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Wednesday (Sept 27), detained several people after a multi-state crackdown on the nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers at 53 locations across six states in India.

In these raids, other than Arsh Dalla, the gangsters that were under the NIA scanner were Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The NIA seized pistols, ammunition, large numbers of digital devices and incriminating materials during the raids that spanned across six states of Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, said reports of news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Some of the locations where raids were conducted included Amritsar, Moga, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Mohali, Faridkot, Barnala, Bhatinda, Ferozpur, SAS Nagar, Amritsar, and Jalandhar districts of Punjab; Rohtak, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Faridabad districts of Haryana; Sri Ganga Nagar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan; Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Dehradun and Udhamsingh Nagar districts of Uttarakhand; besides South-east district of Delhi and NCR and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-chemical-factory-in-punjabs-mohali-several-wounded-640250">Massive fire breaks out at chemical factory in Punjab's Mohali, several wounded</a>

This is the seventh in the series of such crackdowns launched by the NIA amid strained diplomatic ties between Ottawa and New Delhi over the death of Khalistan terror organisation leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

<h2>Conspiracies hatched in jails</h2>

The NIA released a statement saying that the raids that were conducted on Wednesday, were aimed at dismantling the terror-gangster-drug smuggler nexus.&nbsp;

"These gangs are working with drug smugglers and terrorists based out of other countries, including Pakistan, UAE, Canada and Portugal."

It further said that its probes into the matter revealed that the conspiracies of targeted killings, and terror funding activities of pro-Khalistan outfits, were being hatched in prisons of different states and were being executed by an organised network of operatives based abroad.

Among such conspiracies, were the killing of Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab last year, the anti-terror agency stated.

"Many of the criminals and gangsters, who were earlier leading gangs in the country, have fled abroad in recent years and are now carrying out their terror and violence-related activities from there," the NIA stated

"These criminals have been engaged in planning and commissioning serious crimes, including contract and revenge killings, in association with criminals lodged in jails across India. These groups have been carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for attacks and other nefarious activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons, hawala and extortions," the agency added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Wednesday (Sept 27), detained several people after a multi-state crackdown on the nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers at 53 locations across six states in India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Wednesday (Sept 27), detained several people after a multi-state crackdown on the nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers at 53 locations across six states in India. In these raids, other than Arsh Dalla, the gangsters that were under the NIA scanner were Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu. The NIA seized pistols, ammunition, large numbers of digital devices and incriminating materials during the raids that spanned across six states of Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, said reports of news agency ANI. Some of the locations where raids were conducted included Amritsar, Moga, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Mohali, Faridkot, Barnala, Bhatinda, Ferozpur, SAS Nagar, Amritsar, and Jalandhar districts of Punjab; Rohtak, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Faridabad districts of Haryana; Sri Ganga Nagar, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan; Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Dehradun and Udhamsingh Nagar districts of Uttarakhand; besides South-east district of Delhi and NCR and Union Territory of Chandigarh. Also read: Massive fire breaks out at chemical factory in Punjab's Mohali, several wounded This is the seventh in the series of such crackdowns launched by the NIA amid strained diplomatic ties between Ottawa and New Delhi over the death of Khalistan terror organisation leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Conspiracies hatched in jails The NIA released a statement saying that the raids that were conducted on Wednesday, were aimed at dismantling the terror-gangster-drug smuggler nexus. "These gangs are working with drug smugglers and terrorists based out of other countries, including Pakistan, UAE, Canada and Portugal." It further said that its probes into the matter revealed that the conspiracies of targeted killings, and terror funding activities of pro-Khalistan outfits, were being hatched in prisons of different states and were being executed by an organised network of operatives based abroad. Among such conspiracies, were the killing of Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab last year, the anti-terror agency stated. "Many of the criminals and gangsters, who were earlier leading gangs in the country, have fled abroad in recent years and are now carrying out their terror and violence-related activities from there," the NIA stated "These criminals have been engaged in planning and commissioning serious crimes, including contract and revenge killings, in association with criminals lodged in jails across India. These groups have been carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for attacks and other nefarious activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons, hawala and extortions," the agency added. (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.

NIA detains several suspects, seizes weapons and ammunition in raids across 53 locations

A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in India's northern state of Punjab on Wednesday (Sept 27) leaving several people with burn injuries.

The chemical plant was situated in Kurali village of Mohali district of Punjab.&nbsp;

As per news agency ANI,&nbsp;five labourers were injured in the incident and were&nbsp;rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

Out of the injured, two have been admitted to Mohali Civil Hospital and three to nearby Civil Hospital.

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Five fire brigade teams from Mohali and Ropar districts have been deployed at the scene to douse the blaze, said the officials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-14-terrorists-arrested-in-two-weeks-in-5-operations-by-security-forces-640206">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: 14 terrorists arrested in two weeks in 5 operations by security forces</a>

According to the people present on the spot, the fire broke out at around 11:00 am on Wednesday (Sept 27) and efforts to douse it were still ongoing at the time of the writing of this report.

As a precautionary measure, the area close to the factory was cordoned off by authorities and the residents in the immediate surroundings were asked to stay indoors.

Sandeep Garg, SSP Sas Nagar Mohali said, "We would like to appeal to everyone not to come close to this area until the fire is completely under control...As per the preliminary information, a total of seven people are injured out of which five have sustained minor burns and are under treatment and two have sustained major burns and referred to Sector 32(hospital). We pray for their speedy recovery."

The officials in a statement said that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in India's northern state of Punjab on Wednesday (Sept 27) leaving several people with burn injuries. The chemical plant was situated in Kurali village of Mohali district of Punjab.

A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in India's northern state of Punjab on Wednesday (Sept 27) leaving several people with burn injuries. The chemical plant was situated in Kurali village of Mohali district of Punjab. As per news agency ANI, five labourers were injured in the incident and were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Out of the injured, two have been admitted to Mohali Civil Hospital and three to nearby Civil Hospital. #WATCH | Five labourers injured in fire in a chemical factory in Industrial Focal Point at Chanalon, in Punjab's Mohali Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/eIdqurP8bG — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2023 × Five fire brigade teams from Mohali and Ropar districts have been deployed at the scene to douse the blaze, said the officials. Also read: Jammu & Kashmir: 14 terrorists arrested in two weeks in 5 operations by security forces According to the people present on the spot, the fire broke out at around 11:00 am on Wednesday (Sept 27) and efforts to douse it were still ongoing at the time of the writing of this report. As a precautionary measure, the area close to the factory was cordoned off by authorities and the residents in the immediate surroundings were asked to stay indoors. Sandeep Garg, SSP Sas Nagar Mohali said, "We would like to appeal to everyone not to come close to this area until the fire is completely under control...As per the preliminary information, a total of seven people are injured out of which five have sustained minor burns and are under treatment and two have sustained major burns and referred to Sector 32(hospital). We pray for their speedy recovery." The officials in a statement said that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. (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.

India: Massive fire breaks out at chemical factory in Punjab’s Mohali, several wounded

Biden administration officials last year recommended closing or downsizing nine immigration detention centres because of high costs and staffing shortages, a move that could have saved $235 million, a draft U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo reviewed by Reuters shows.

But ICE ultimately only ended contracts with two of the detention centres flagged in the memo.

Six of the nine detention centres identified in the August 2022 memo were operated by private companies. Among the for-profit detention centres was the Torrance County Detention Facility in New Mexico, where a government watchdog earlier had called for the relocation of all detainees due to "critical staffing shortages that have led to safety risks and unsanitary living conditions."

A finalised version of the memo dated September&nbsp;1, 2022, and reviewed by Reuters, omitted the recommendation to close Torrance. The finalised memo was shared with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' office, one current and one former U.S. official said, requesting anonymity to discuss the internal process.

U.S. President Joe Biden promised during the 2020 campaign to reform immigration detention and cut out for-profit companies. But with record numbers of migrants attempting to illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022, some officials argued Torrance - about an hour southeast of Albuquerque - was needed due to its proximity to the border, the current and former officials said.

The failed detention reform effort shows the challenges Biden will face to deliver on his earlier campaign promises as he seeks another term in 2024.

"There's always perpetual fear about losing beds, that we'll look bad and get jammed," the current U.S. official told Reuters.

Following a Reuters request for comment, an ICE official said Torrance was a key detention centre and that ICE keeps the population lower than capacity to avoid overburdening the staff.

ICE did not comment on the authenticity of the documents reviewed by Reuters or the decision-making process.

"The agency continuously reviews and enhances civil detention operations to ensure non-citizens are treated humanely, protected from harm, provided appropriate medical and mental health care, and receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled," ICE spokesperson Jenny Burke said.

The draft memo stated that CoreCivic, the company that operates Torrance, could not maintain staffing and that the daily cost to house a detainee was more than double the average.

Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesperson, called allegations against Torrance "false and misleading" and said the facility provides "a safe, humane and appropriate environment" for detainees.

ICE ended contracts with two little-used facilities named in both memos: the Berks County Residential Center in Pennsylvania and Yuba County Jail in California. Both were run by the counties.

At Berks, which held families until 2021, each detainee cost about $1,200 per day, according to the draft memo, far beyond the $142 average in fiscal year 2022. At Yuba, the daily cost per detainee was $8,000, the memo said.

On Tuesday night, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico said it filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court on behalf of the estate of Kesley Vial, a 23-year-old Brazilian man who hanged himself in Torrance on Aug. 17, 2022.

The lawsuit cites ICE contracting reports that said Torrance staffing shortages impacted safety, security and care. The suit cites government watchdog inspections that also found the facility failed to meet minimum medical staffing levels.

"That's a recipe for disaster," said Rebecca Sheff, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of New Mexico.

Todd, the CoreCivic spokesperson, said ICE did not identify staffing or access to medical professionals as a factor in Vial's death.

<h2>EXORBITANT COSTS</h2>

The August 2022 draft ICE memo called for renegotiating contracts at Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California and the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, two for-profit detention centers where ICE paid outsize sums to house a handful of detainees.

At the time, court orders intended to halt the spread of COVID-19 kept ICE from sending more detainees to both facilities, but ICE continued to pay for a minimum of nearly 1,500 beds at Adelanto and 500 at Farmville.

Each detainee cost about $2,000 per day at Adelanto, operated by the private prison company GEO Group, according to the memo. At Farmville, run by another private firm, Immigration Centers of America (ICA), it was $8,000 a day.

ICE reduced the minimum beds it paid for at Adelanto, according to ICE data posted in May 2023, but Farmville's minimum remains unchanged.

An ICE official said Adelanto is "a very well-run facility" that could be useful in the future although the court order continues to block new detainees from entering.

A separate U.S. official said Farmville is needed because of limited East Coast detention space. The facility held 70 people as of this week, ICE data shows.

GEO Group spokesperson Christopher Ferreira said the company could not comment on memos it had not reviewed but touted Adelanto as "a modern, state-of-the art facility built to suit ICE's needs."

ICA did not respond to requests for comment.

The Biden administration has held more migrants in ICE detention in recent months following the mid-May implementation of stricter asylum rules.

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Biden administration officials last year recommended closing or downsizing nine immigration detention centres because of high costs and staffing shortages, a move that could have saved $235 million, a draft U.

Biden administration officials last year recommended closing or downsizing nine immigration detention centres because of high costs and staffing shortages, a move that could have saved $235 million, a draft U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo reviewed by Reuters shows. But ICE ultimately only ended contracts with two of the detention centres flagged in the memo. Six of the nine detention centres identified in the August 2022 memo were operated by private companies. Among the for-profit detention centres was the Torrance County Detention Facility in New Mexico, where a government watchdog earlier had called for the relocation of all detainees due to "critical staffing shortages that have led to safety risks and unsanitary living conditions." A finalised version of the memo dated September 1, 2022, and reviewed by Reuters, omitted the recommendation to close Torrance. The finalised memo was shared with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' office, one current and one former U.S. official said, requesting anonymity to discuss the internal process. U.S. President Joe Biden promised during the 2020 campaign to reform immigration detention and cut out for-profit companies. But with record numbers of migrants attempting to illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022, some officials argued Torrance - about an hour southeast of Albuquerque - was needed due to its proximity to the border, the current and former officials said. The failed detention reform effort shows the challenges Biden will face to deliver on his earlier campaign promises as he seeks another term in 2024. "There's always perpetual fear about losing beds, that we'll look bad and get jammed," the current U.S. official told Reuters. Following a Reuters request for comment, an ICE official said Torrance was a key detention centre and that ICE keeps the population lower than capacity to avoid overburdening the staff. ICE did not comment on the authenticity of the documents reviewed by Reuters or the decision-making process. "The agency continuously reviews and enhances civil detention operations to ensure non-citizens are treated humanely, protected from harm, provided appropriate medical and mental health care, and receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled," ICE spokesperson Jenny Burke said. The draft memo stated that CoreCivic, the company that operates Torrance, could not maintain staffing and that the daily cost to house a detainee was more than double the average. Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesperson, called allegations against Torrance "false and misleading" and said the facility provides "a safe, humane and appropriate environment" for detainees. ICE ended contracts with two little-used facilities named in both memos: the Berks County Residential Center in Pennsylvania and Yuba County Jail in California. Both were run by the counties. At Berks, which held families until 2021, each detainee cost about $1,200 per day, according to the draft memo, far beyond the $142 average in fiscal year 2022. At Yuba, the daily cost per detainee was $8,000, the memo said. On Tuesday night, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico said it filed a wrongful death lawsuit in state court on behalf of the estate of Kesley Vial, a 23-year-old Brazilian man who hanged himself in Torrance on Aug. 17, 2022. The lawsuit cites ICE contracting reports that said Torrance staffing shortages impacted safety, security and care. The suit cites government watchdog inspections that also found the facility failed to meet minimum medical staffing levels. "That's a recipe for disaster," said Rebecca Sheff, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of New Mexico. Todd, the CoreCivic spokesperson, said ICE did not identify staffing or access to medical professionals as a factor in Vial's death. EXORBITANT COSTS The August 2022 draft ICE memo called for renegotiating contracts at Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California and the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, two for-profit detention centers where ICE paid outsize sums to house a handful of detainees. At the time, court orders intended to halt the spread of COVID-19 kept ICE from sending more detainees to both facilities, but ICE continued to pay for a minimum of nearly 1,500 beds at Adelanto and 500 at Farmville. Each detainee cost about $2,000 per day at Adelanto, operated by the private prison company GEO Group, according to the memo. At Farmville, run by another private firm, Immigration Centers of America (ICA), it was $8,000 a day. ICE reduced the minimum beds it paid for at Adelanto, according to ICE data posted in May 2023, but Farmville's minimum remains unchanged. An ICE official said Adelanto is "a very well-run facility" that could be useful in the future although the court order continues to block new detainees from entering. A separate U.S. official said Farmville is needed because of limited East Coast detention space. The facility held 70 people as of this week, ICE data shows. GEO Group spokesperson Christopher Ferreira said the company could not comment on memos it had not reviewed but touted Adelanto as "a modern, state-of-the art facility built to suit ICE's needs." ICA did not respond to requests for comment. The Biden administration has held more migrants in ICE detention in recent months following the mid-May implementation of stricter asylum rules. 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.

Biden officials kept immigration jails despite high costs, staff scarcity concerns

The White House, on Wednesday (Sept 27), thanked Beijing for allowing detained US soldier Travis King to leave North Korea through Chinese territory.

"We thank... the government of the People's Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating the transit of Private King," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

King had left Chinese airspace and was on his way to a US military base, news agency AFP reported citing&nbsp;a senior administration official.

Earlier, a US official confirmed that King, who was detained by North Korea over 'illegally' crossing the border from the South in the month of July, was in American custody.

"I can immediately confirm that Private Travis King is in US custody," a senior administration official said on condition of anonymity.

Pyongyang's KCNA state news agency said King had been expelled after admitting to entering North Korea illegally as he was "disillusioned about unequal U.S. society."

Last month, Pyongyang confirmed it was holding the US soldier, saying King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US&nbsp;Army".

However, after completing its probe, North Korea decided "to expel Travis King, a soldier of the US&nbsp;Army who illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK, under the law of the Republic", said the Korean Central News Agency.

"King confessed that he illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK as he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US&nbsp;army and was disillusioned about the unequal US&nbsp;society," KCNA said.

It further added that King would be expelled under the country's law but did not specify the time, process or location of his release.

Twenty-three-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-travis-king-us-soldier-who-crossed-border-to-seek-refuge-in-north-korea-after-facing-racism-625991">King </a>had been in the custody of South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident and the destruction of public property.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-says-192-troops-killed-511-wounded-in-nagorno-karabakh-offensive-640184">Azerbaijan says 192 troops killed, 511 wounded in Nagorno-Karabakh offensive</a>

After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, he managed to evade this return by joining a tourist excursion to the Demilitarised Zone where he slipped across the border on July 18.

<h2>Who is King?</h2>

Twenty-three-year-old King, who enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, had been assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, as per news agency Reuters.

However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle.&nbsp;

This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The White House, on Wednesday (Sept 27), thanked Beijing for allowing detained US soldier Travis King to leave North Korea through Chinese territory. "We thank..

The White House, on Wednesday (Sept 27), thanked Beijing for allowing detained US soldier Travis King to leave North Korea through Chinese territory. "We thank... the government of the People's Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating the transit of Private King," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. King had left Chinese airspace and was on his way to a US military base, news agency AFP reported citing a senior administration official. Earlier, a US official confirmed that King, who was detained by North Korea over 'illegally' crossing the border from the South in the month of July, was in American custody. "I can immediately confirm that Private Travis King is in US custody," a senior administration official said on condition of anonymity. Pyongyang's KCNA state news agency said King had been expelled after admitting to entering North Korea illegally as he was "disillusioned about unequal U.S. society." Last month, Pyongyang confirmed it was holding the US soldier, saying King had defected to North Korea to escape "mistreatment and racial discrimination in the US Army". However, after completing its probe, North Korea decided "to expel Travis King, a soldier of the US Army who illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK, under the law of the Republic", said the Korean Central News Agency. "King confessed that he illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK as he harboured ill feeling against inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the US army and was disillusioned about the unequal US society," KCNA said. It further added that King would be expelled under the country's law but did not specify the time, process or location of his release. Twenty-three-year-old King had been in the custody of South Korean authorities after pleading guilty to an assault incident and the destruction of public property. Also read: Azerbaijan says 192 troops killed, 511 wounded in Nagorno-Karabakh offensive After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. However, he managed to evade this return by joining a tourist excursion to the Demilitarised Zone where he slipped across the border on July 18. Who is King? Twenty-three-year-old King, who enlisted in the US Army in January 2021, had been assigned to the Korean Rotational Force as a Cavalry Scout as part of the long-standing US security commitment to South Korea, as per news agency Reuters. However, his time in this post was reportedly marked by legal difficulties. King faced two separate allegations of assault while stationed in South Korea and had pleaded guilty to one assault incident and the destruction of public property. This, as per the report, happened during a "profanity-laced tirade" against Koreans, wherein he damaged a police vehicle. This incident led to his detention in South Korea. After serving time there, he was supposed to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was expected to face military disciplinary measures for his actions. (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.

White House thanks China for aiding Travis King's 'transit' from North Korea

In Pics | PM Modi visits Aquatic Gallery in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, calls it celebration of marine marvels

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