<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-rise-and-fall-of-el-chapo-mexicos-most-wanted-kingpin-236726">Joaquin Guzman</a>, the convicted Mexican drug lord known as "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drug-lord-el-chapo-given-life-sentence-by-us-judge-236721">El Chapo</a>", has escaped twice from maximum-security prisons in Mexico, once by digging a mile-long tunnel from his cell.

But on Wednesday, US authorities made sure that a third escape for Guzman never happens.

A federal judge in Brooklyn, while giving life sentence to "El Chapo", sent him to the US Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, the cumbersome name for what is better known as ADX Florence, the nation's most secure "Supermax" prison.

No one has escaped from the prison since it opened in 1994, and Guzman would join a long list of the most infamous of criminals who call it home.

"It's very well designed for its purpose, to hold the most dangerous offenders in the federal prison system," said Martin Horn, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction.

Watch Video:

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"In his previous two escapes, Guzman has demonstrated that he may be a greater risk of escaping than pretty much anyone else. That makes ADX Florence an appropriate place for him."

&nbsp;

Guzman, 62, was convicted on February 12 of trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the United States as the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, where prosecutors said he amassed power through murders and wars with rival cartels.

Alcatraz of the Rockies

Located about 115 miles (185 km) south of Denver, ADX Florence is nicknamed "Alcatraz of the Rockies" after the San Francisco prison whose inmates included the gangsters Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Franklin Stroud, known as the Birdman of Alcatraz.

ADX Florence's current roster of about 376 inmates reads like a who's who of notorious criminals.

Among those calling the prison home are "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, 9/11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, Terry Nichols from the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, "Shoe Bomber" Richard Reid, Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Ramzi Yousef from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York.

Prisoners are typically confined for around 23 hours a day to solitary cells, each with a narrow window about 42 inches (107 cm) high and angled upward so only the sky is visible.

They can watch TV in their cells, and have access to religious services, educational programs and a commissary.

But special restrictions are used to ensure that inmates cannot exert influence or make threats beyond the prison walls. Prisoners cannot move around without being escorted. Head counts are done at least six times a day.

Guzman's first escape came in 2001, purportedly in a laundry cart and with the help of prison officials he had corrupted. His second escape, through the tunnel, came 14 years later.

Horn said ADX Florence "is literally built into the side of a mountain, with a robust security infrastructure."

Could Guzman penetrate that? "I would never say never," he said, "but it's highly unlikely."

Joaquin Guzman, the convicted Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo", has escaped twice from maximum-security prisons in Mexico, once by digging a mile-long tunnel from his cell.

Joaquin Guzman, the convicted Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo", has escaped twice from maximum-security prisons in Mexico, once by digging a mile-long tunnel from his cell. But on Wednesday, US authorities made sure that a third escape for Guzman never happens. A federal judge in Brooklyn, while giving life sentence to "El Chapo", sent him to the US Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, the cumbersome name for what is better known as ADX Florence, the nation's most secure "Supermax" prison. No one has escaped from the prison since it opened in 1994, and Guzman would join a long list of the most infamous of criminals who call it home. "It's very well designed for its purpose, to hold the most dangerous offenders in the federal prison system," said Martin Horn, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction. Watch Video: "In his previous two escapes, Guzman has demonstrated that he may be a greater risk of escaping than pretty much anyone else. That makes ADX Florence an appropriate place for him." Guzman, 62, was convicted on February 12 of trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the United States as the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, where prosecutors said he amassed power through murders and wars with rival cartels. Alcatraz of the Rockies Located about 115 miles (185 km) south of Denver, ADX Florence is nicknamed "Alcatraz of the Rockies" after the San Francisco prison whose inmates included the gangsters Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Franklin Stroud, known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. ADX Florence's current roster of about 376 inmates reads like a who's who of notorious criminals. Among those calling the prison home are "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, 9/11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, Terry Nichols from the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, "Shoe Bomber" Richard Reid, Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Ramzi Yousef from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York. Prisoners are typically confined for around 23 hours a day to solitary cells, each with a narrow window about 42 inches (107 cm) high and angled upward so only the sky is visible. They can watch TV in their cells, and have access to religious services, educational programs and a commissary. But special restrictions are used to ensure that inmates cannot exert influence or make threats beyond the prison walls. Prisoners cannot move around without being escorted. Head counts are done at least six times a day. Guzman's first escape came in 2001, purportedly in a laundry cart and with the help of prison officials he had corrupted. His second escape, through the tunnel, came 14 years later. Horn said ADX Florence "is literally built into the side of a mountain, with a robust security infrastructure." Could Guzman penetrate that? "I would never say never," he said, "but it's highly unlikely."

'El Chapo' sent to tough Supermax prison where 9/11 conspirator, Boston bomber are lodged

The brother of the suicide bomber who blew himself up in a deadly 2017 attack in the northern city of Manchester appeared in a London court on Thursday after his extradition from Libya.

Hashem Abedi, 22, who returned to the UK on Wednesday, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of the 22 people who died in the explosion, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

His lawyer said he would be denying the charges.

Wearing glasses and a grey tracksuit, Abedi stood to confirm his name, date of birth. He also confirmed that he currently had no fixed address. When asked for his nationality, he replied "British."

His older brother Salman Abedi blew himself up at the end of a show by US singer Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena two years ago.

Zafar Ali, representing Abedi, said his client denied all the charges and had not opposed his extradition back to the UK because he wanted to clear his name.

Abedi will next appear via video-link at Oxford Crown Court on July 22 for a bail hearing. A pre-trial hearing will take place at the Old Bailey court in London on July 30.

The brother of the suicide bomber who blew himself up in a deadly 2017 attack in the northern city of Manchester appeared in a London court on Thursday after his extradition from Libya.

The brother of the suicide bomber who blew himself up in a deadly 2017 attack in the northern city of Manchester appeared in a London court on Thursday after his extradition from Libya. Hashem Abedi, 22, who returned to the UK on Wednesday, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of the 22 people who died in the explosion, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion. His lawyer said he would be denying the charges. Wearing glasses and a grey tracksuit, Abedi stood to confirm his name, date of birth. He also confirmed that he currently had no fixed address. When asked for his nationality, he replied "British." His older brother Salman Abedi blew himself up at the end of a show by US singer Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena two years ago. Zafar Ali, representing Abedi, said his client denied all the charges and had not opposed his extradition back to the UK because he wanted to clear his name. Abedi will next appear via video-link at Oxford Crown Court on July 22 for a bail hearing. A pre-trial hearing will take place at the Old Bailey court in London on July 30.

Manchester bomber's brother appears in UK court charged with murder

A man shouted "die" as he doused an animation studio with fuel and set it ablaze in Japan on Thursday, public broadcaster NHK said, killing at least 33 people in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arson-suspected-as-fire-engulfs-japanese-studio-at-least-23-feared-dead-236861">nation's worst mass murder</a> in nearly two decades.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-feared-dead-in-fire-at-japan-animation-studio-236791">attack in the city of Kyoto</a> - the latest grisly killing in a nation widely known for its low crime rates - "too appalling for words" on Twitter and offered condolences.

Police detained a 41-year-old man who had shouted "die" as he poured what appeared to be petrol around the three-storey Kyoto Animation building shortly after 10 am&nbsp;(0100 GMT), public broadcaster NHK reported.

Thirty-three people were confirmed dead, an official for the Kyoto City Fire Department said.

Fire engulfed the building as white and black smoke billowed from its charred windows. It was Japan's worst mass killing since a suspected arson attack on a Tokyo building in 2001.

Shiro Misaki, a 47-year old owner of a neighbourhood bar five minutes from studio, said he was driving nearby when he saw the thick smoke.

"Policemen were stopping traffic and it was really hazy with smoke," he said. "Even after I got back to my restaurant I could smell the smoke."

The prime minister said the cause was arson.

"Today, many people were killed and wounded in an arson murder case in Kyoto," Abe said in a post on Twitter.

"It is too appalling for words."
<img alt="Kyoto attack" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="433d614f-d13d-4019-ba79-5295233d73a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2019-07-18T042032Z_1_LYNXNPEF6H07M_RTROPTP_4_JAPAN-FIRE.JPG" />
Popular series

Some of the victims were found in the studio, some on the third floor and others in a staircase leading up to the roof, the fire official said. Another 36 were injured, 10 of them seriously, the official said.

The suspected arsonist was injured and was being treated in hospital, so police could not question him, NHK said.

Kyoto police declined to comment.

The studio produces popular series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". Its "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month.

"I am heartbroken," Hideaki Hatta, the studio's chief executive told reporters. "It in unbearable that the people who helped carry Japan's animation industry were hurt and lost their lives in this way."

There was an outpouring of support for the studio on Japanese-language social media, with some users posting pictures of animation. Many posted with the hashtag "#PrayForKyoani" - using an abbreviation for Kyoto Animation.

The studio has an outsized impact on Japan's animation industry that outstrips the list of works it has produced, said Tokyo-based film commentator Yuichi Maeda.

"It has a huge presence in animation here. To have this many people die at once will be a huge blow to the Japanese animation industry," he said.

Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan but occasional high-profile incidents have shocked the country.

Less than two months ago, a knife-wielding man slashed at a group of schoolgirls at a bus stop in Kawasaki, just south of Tokyo, killing one girl and the father of another, while injuring more than a dozen children.

In 2016, a man armed with a knife broke into a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo and killed 19 patients.

A man shouted "die" as he doused an animation studio with fuel and set it ablaze in Japan on Thursday, public broadcaster NHK said, killing at least 33 people in the nation's worst mass murder in nearly two decades.

A man shouted "die" as he doused an animation studio with fuel and set it ablaze in Japan on Thursday, public broadcaster NHK said, killing at least 33 people in the nation's worst mass murder in nearly two decades. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the attack in the city of Kyoto - the latest grisly killing in a nation widely known for its low crime rates - "too appalling for words" on Twitter and offered condolences. Police detained a 41-year-old man who had shouted "die" as he poured what appeared to be petrol around the three-storey Kyoto Animation building shortly after 10 am (0100 GMT), public broadcaster NHK reported. Thirty-three people were confirmed dead, an official for the Kyoto City Fire Department said. Fire engulfed the building as white and black smoke billowed from its charred windows. It was Japan's worst mass killing since a suspected arson attack on a Tokyo building in 2001. Shiro Misaki, a 47-year old owner of a neighbourhood bar five minutes from studio, said he was driving nearby when he saw the thick smoke. "Policemen were stopping traffic and it was really hazy with smoke," he said. "Even after I got back to my restaurant I could smell the smoke." The prime minister said the cause was arson. "Today, many people were killed and wounded in an arson murder case in Kyoto," Abe said in a post on Twitter. "It is too appalling for words." Popular series Some of the victims were found in the studio, some on the third floor and others in a staircase leading up to the roof, the fire official said. Another 36 were injured, 10 of them seriously, the official said. The suspected arsonist was injured and was being treated in hospital, so police could not question him, NHK said. Kyoto police declined to comment. The studio produces popular series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". Its "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month. "I am heartbroken," Hideaki Hatta, the studio's chief executive told reporters. "It in unbearable that the people who helped carry Japan's animation industry were hurt and lost their lives in this way." There was an outpouring of support for the studio on Japanese-language social media, with some users posting pictures of animation. Many posted with the hashtag "#PrayForKyoani" - using an abbreviation for Kyoto Animation. The studio has an outsized impact on Japan's animation industry that outstrips the list of works it has produced, said Tokyo-based film commentator Yuichi Maeda. "It has a huge presence in animation here. To have this many people die at once will be a huge blow to the Japanese animation industry," he said. Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan but occasional high-profile incidents have shocked the country. Less than two months ago, a knife-wielding man slashed at a group of schoolgirls at a bus stop in Kawasaki, just south of Tokyo, killing one girl and the father of another, while injuring more than a dozen children. In 2016, a man armed with a knife broke into a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo and killed 19 patients.

Arson attack on Japanese animation studio kills at least 33

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-leaders-over-rohingya-abuses-236561&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV0sDPq77jAhVFjuYKHfXpDNcQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw19Bl-Zd9_TOCkR-aIEk1_f">Sanctions</a> imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.

The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.&nbsp;

But Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for freezing the assets of the commanders.

"(The ban) does not go far enough and it should go further, and the parameters of those sanctions should go further too," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"They were never going to travel to the US.. let's be realistic."

Lee said the sanctions - which covered Min Aung Hlaing, his deputy Soe Win, and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should also be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018.

The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide.&nbsp;

Lee said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse.

Last month, Lee had said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states.

On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area.

It has also hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods, she added.

"The question is, did the Myanmar government impose the ban to inflict more harm on the people of Rakhine?"

A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, according to UN figures.

UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge.

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday.

Sanctions imposed this week by the United States on Myanmar's military leaders over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims do not go far enough, UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee said on Thursday. The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. But Lee said a travel ban was not enough and called for freezing the assets of the commanders. "(The ban) does not go far enough and it should go further, and the parameters of those sanctions should go further too," she told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. "They were never going to travel to the US.. let's be realistic." Lee said the sanctions - which covered Min Aung Hlaing, his deputy Soe Win, and brigadier generals Than Oo and Aung Aung - should also be extended to two more military leaders identified in UN investigators report in 2018. The report, compiled by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, had called for the six generals to be tried for genocide. Lee said reports from Myanmar in recent weeks suggested that human rights violations and abuses committed by the army and insurgents against civilian populations may be getting worse. Last month, Lee had said the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Myanmar's Rakhine and Chin states. On Thursday, Lee said the blackout had left many villages unprepared for severe monsoon floods in the area. It has also hampered disaster relief and humanitarian responses to the floods, she added. "The question is, did the Myanmar government impose the ban to inflict more harm on the people of Rakhine?" A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, according to UN figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge.

United States sanctions on Myanmar military leaders inadequate: United Nation investigator

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">seized a foreign oil tanker</a> in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32.

Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels.

"The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued.

Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region.

Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season.

WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered

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Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories.

US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels.

But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.

The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote.

The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline.

US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth.

Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports. Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32. Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels. "The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued. Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region. Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season. WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered × Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories. US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels. But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed. The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote. The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline. US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth. Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rise after Iran says it seized foreign tanker in Gulf

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Hong Kong's extradition bill</a> demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests.

The demonstrations pop up almost daily, often with little notice, as activists spread the word of their cause with handwritten notes on so-called Lennon Walls across the territory and through Telegram and other messaging apps.

What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">Carrie Lam</a>, and even keeping mainland tourists out of Hong Kong.

"I'm afraid there will be more confrontation further down the road," said Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung, who has tried to mediate between activists and police.

"The protests will continue," he added. "I would expect sizeable protests on and off continuously throughout the summer."

On Wednesday, organisers of a "silver-haired" march said 9,000 mostly elderly people, some in wheelchairs, took to the streets in support of younger protesters. Police put the number at 1,500 at its peak.

"The whole turmoil is caused by the missteps of government," said Margaret Yu, 59, a retired accountant. "As an elderly person, at least, I have to stand out and voice out how unjust our government is."

Wednesday's rally was the latest in a series that have rocked the Asian financial centre for more than two months, plunging the city into turmoil and posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Lam has said the extradition bill, which would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, is "dead." But opponents say nothing short of officially withdrawing it will do.

They fear the bill would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed and have voiced concerns over the city's much-cherished rule of law.

In addition to Lam's ouster, protesters are demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government's description of demonstrations, the unconditional release of those arrested and an independent investigation into complaints of excessive force by police.

Pipeline of protests

The next big protest is scheduled for Sunday, with demonstrators marching from Victoria Park near the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Court of Final Appeal in Central.

Other protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, as well as in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of Hong Kong's poorest areas.

"Protesting in locales such as Mong Kok ... only adds to the threat of violence, given the population density and the presence of triad societies," said Steve Vickers, a risk consultant and a former commander of the Royal Hong Kong Police Criminal Intelligence Bureau.

Triad gangs, he said, "may act as agitators for either side, or simply take actions to protect their own interests."

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control.

Deep-seated anger with the government has seen scores of smaller groups protest in the streets and sparked grassroots initiatives such as crowdfunding drives and newspaper ad campaigns.

Filling the streets

Millions have taken to the streets since June in Hong Kong's largest and most violent protests in decades, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists, and protesters storming and ransacking the Legislative Council.

The protesters have adopted a "be water" strategy, inspired by a maxim of the city's home-grown martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, that encourages them to be flexible or formless.

Some activists say it's a very different approach from that of the democracy demonstrations in 2014, when protesters occupied major roads in the city for 79 days.

"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in the streets, we shall fight in all districts of Hong Kong, we shall bring the fight from local arenas to international fronts, whatever the costs may be. We shall never surrender," the Students' Unions of Higher Institutions in Hong Kong said in a statement.

The movement's fluidity makes it difficult to police, taking a toll on officers who have fought pitched battles with protesters and leading to a crisis of confidence on the force.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city.

Hong Kong retailers warned that July and August sales could drop by double digits from a year earlier because of the unrest, while tourism numbers and hotel occupancy rates are slumping.

Activists have seized on support for the protests to bolster the democratic opposition's prospects in the November elections, with the hope it can recapture its veto bloc from pro-establishment rivals.

"There are political forces that would like to maintain enthusiasm among protesters. This is the driving force for some people to mobilise and motivate protesters," said veteran pollster Robert Chung.

Lawmaker Regina Ip, in a letter to the South China Morning Post on Monday, said the protests were likely to continue in all 18 districts until the polls in late November.

Others are digging in for a longer stretch.

"What we're experiencing is an infinity war," said Joshua Wong, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy protests. "I am still optimistic."

Hong Kong's extradition bill demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests.

Hong Kong's extradition bill demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests. The demonstrations pop up almost daily, often with little notice, as activists spread the word of their cause with handwritten notes on so-called Lennon Walls across the territory and through Telegram and other messaging apps. What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland tourists out of Hong Kong. "I'm afraid there will be more confrontation further down the road," said Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung, who has tried to mediate between activists and police. "The protests will continue," he added. "I would expect sizeable protests on and off continuously throughout the summer." On Wednesday, organisers of a "silver-haired" march said 9,000 mostly elderly people, some in wheelchairs, took to the streets in support of younger protesters. Police put the number at 1,500 at its peak. "The whole turmoil is caused by the missteps of government," said Margaret Yu, 59, a retired accountant. "As an elderly person, at least, I have to stand out and voice out how unjust our government is." Wednesday's rally was the latest in a series that have rocked the Asian financial centre for more than two months, plunging the city into turmoil and posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Lam has said the extradition bill, which would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, is "dead." But opponents say nothing short of officially withdrawing it will do. They fear the bill would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed and have voiced concerns over the city's much-cherished rule of law. In addition to Lam's ouster, protesters are demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government's description of demonstrations, the unconditional release of those arrested and an independent investigation into complaints of excessive force by police. Pipeline of protests The next big protest is scheduled for Sunday, with demonstrators marching from Victoria Park near the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Court of Final Appeal in Central. Other protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, as well as in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of Hong Kong's poorest areas. "Protesting in locales such as Mong Kok ... only adds to the threat of violence, given the population density and the presence of triad societies," said Steve Vickers, a risk consultant and a former commander of the Royal Hong Kong Police Criminal Intelligence Bureau. Triad gangs, he said, "may act as agitators for either side, or simply take actions to protect their own interests." Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control. Deep-seated anger with the government has seen scores of smaller groups protest in the streets and sparked grassroots initiatives such as crowdfunding drives and newspaper ad campaigns. Filling the streets Millions have taken to the streets since June in Hong Kong's largest and most violent protests in decades, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists, and protesters storming and ransacking the Legislative Council. The protesters have adopted a "be water" strategy, inspired by a maxim of the city's home-grown martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, that encourages them to be flexible or formless. Some activists say it's a very different approach from that of the democracy demonstrations in 2014, when protesters occupied major roads in the city for 79 days. "We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in the streets, we shall fight in all districts of Hong Kong, we shall bring the fight from local arenas to international fronts, whatever the costs may be. We shall never surrender," the Students' Unions of Higher Institutions in Hong Kong said in a statement. The movement's fluidity makes it difficult to police, taking a toll on officers who have fought pitched battles with protesters and leading to a crisis of confidence on the force. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Hong Kong retailers warned that July and August sales could drop by double digits from a year earlier because of the unrest, while tourism numbers and hotel occupancy rates are slumping. Activists have seized on support for the protests to bolster the democratic opposition's prospects in the November elections, with the hope it can recapture its veto bloc from pro-establishment rivals. "There are political forces that would like to maintain enthusiasm among protesters. This is the driving force for some people to mobilise and motivate protesters," said veteran pollster Robert Chung. Lawmaker Regina Ip, in a letter to the South China Morning Post on Monday, said the protests were likely to continue in all 18 districts until the polls in late November. Others are digging in for a longer stretch. "What we're experiencing is an infinity war," said Joshua Wong, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy protests. "I am still optimistic."

Hong Kong's protesters dig in for long summer of discontent

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) on Thursday said it expects a stronger half-year on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-soon-to-issue-5g-license-as-it-enters-crucial-period-223979&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzz7_2pr7jAhWKiXAKHdeuASUQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Jz3ha5QNLHaEe2H2YzeoJ">5G telecoms</a> demand, and that a dispute over chip-making materials between Japan and South Korea in its most uncertain factor.

The world's largest contract chipmaker reported a decline in second-quarter profit but said demand is likely to recover during the rest of 2019 particularly from smartphone makers, hampered at present by the impact of a Sino-US&nbsp;trade war.

"Although our business continues to be impacted by a global slowing economy ... we have also passed the bottom of the cycle of our business and again began to see demand increasing," Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman Chung Ching Wei told analysts during an earnings briefing.

Taiwan's supply chain manufacturers have been navigating slowing global demand for smartphones - a primary source of revenue - as well as market disruption stemming from tit-for-tat import tariffs between China and the United States, plus the latter's ban on US companies doing business with Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

Adding to risk factors, Japan last week tightened curbs on exports of high-tech materials used in smartphone displays and chips to South Korea, home to the world's biggest memory chip makers, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, and SK Hynix Inc.

TSMC Chairman Mark Liu said the dispute is a major uncertainty for the coming months as it is likely to impact technology supply chains, as Japan dominates the market for the materials in question.

Earlier, TSMC, a proxy for technology demand as its clients include iPhone maker Apple and chip leader Qualcomm Inc, reported a 7.6% decline in April-June net profit at T$66.77 billion ($2.15 billion), meeting analyst estimates.

Revenue rose 3.3% to T$241 billion but fell 1.4% to $7.75 billion in US&nbsp;dollar terms - still topping both the firm's forecast and the average of 23 analyst estimates compiled by Refinitiv.

Business in the third quarter will be driven by increased demand for fifth-generation telecommunications (5G) equipment as well as for smartphones spurred by new product launches, and the fourth quarter will be even stronger, Wei said.

TSMC forecast a gross profit margin of 46% to 48% for the third quarter, and an operating margin of 35% to 37%, compared with 47.4% and 36.6%, respectively, a year earlier.

The chipmaker also said it expected annual capital expenditure for the year to exceed the high end of its earlier forecast of $10 billion to $11 billion due to strong 5G demand.

Even so, analysts were cautious about TSMC's growth outlook for the coming months, citing a slower-than-expected introduction of 5G technology and still-tepid demand for smartphones, which they said accounted for nearly half of its first-quarter sales.

"With a still-slow demand recovery and excessive inventory, we think wafer orders from fabless companies might remain weak," Fubon Securities analyst Sherman Shang wrote in a research note prior to TSMC's earnings announcement.

TSMC's short-term downside, however, could be supported by "major customers' recovery in 2020 from a very low base in 2019, such as Apple," Shang wrote.

Indicating evolving market conditions, the spread of accelerating the spread of 5G networks helped Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding NV, a supplier to TSMC, beat analysts' second-quarter earnings estimates on Wednesday.

Prior to TSMC's announcement, shares in the chipmaker closed up 0.8% versus a 0.25% fall in the wider market. The stock has risen around 13% so far this year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) on Thursday said it expects a stronger half-year on 5G telecoms demand, and that a dispute over chip-making materials between Japan and South Korea in its most uncertain factor.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) on Thursday said it expects a stronger half-year on 5G telecoms demand, and that a dispute over chip-making materials between Japan and South Korea in its most uncertain factor. The world's largest contract chipmaker reported a decline in second-quarter profit but said demand is likely to recover during the rest of 2019 particularly from smartphone makers, hampered at present by the impact of a Sino-US trade war. "Although our business continues to be impacted by a global slowing economy ... we have also passed the bottom of the cycle of our business and again began to see demand increasing," Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman Chung Ching Wei told analysts during an earnings briefing. Taiwan's supply chain manufacturers have been navigating slowing global demand for smartphones - a primary source of revenue - as well as market disruption stemming from tit-for-tat import tariffs between China and the United States, plus the latter's ban on US companies doing business with Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. Adding to risk factors, Japan last week tightened curbs on exports of high-tech materials used in smartphone displays and chips to South Korea, home to the world's biggest memory chip makers, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, and SK Hynix Inc. TSMC Chairman Mark Liu said the dispute is a major uncertainty for the coming months as it is likely to impact technology supply chains, as Japan dominates the market for the materials in question. Earlier, TSMC, a proxy for technology demand as its clients include iPhone maker Apple and chip leader Qualcomm Inc, reported a 7.6% decline in April-June net profit at T$66.77 billion ($2.15 billion), meeting analyst estimates. Revenue rose 3.3% to T$241 billion but fell 1.4% to $7.75 billion in US dollar terms - still topping both the firm's forecast and the average of 23 analyst estimates compiled by Refinitiv. Business in the third quarter will be driven by increased demand for fifth-generation telecommunications (5G) equipment as well as for smartphones spurred by new product launches, and the fourth quarter will be even stronger, Wei said. TSMC forecast a gross profit margin of 46% to 48% for the third quarter, and an operating margin of 35% to 37%, compared with 47.4% and 36.6%, respectively, a year earlier. The chipmaker also said it expected annual capital expenditure for the year to exceed the high end of its earlier forecast of $10 billion to $11 billion due to strong 5G demand. Even so, analysts were cautious about TSMC's growth outlook for the coming months, citing a slower-than-expected introduction of 5G technology and still-tepid demand for smartphones, which they said accounted for nearly half of its first-quarter sales. "With a still-slow demand recovery and excessive inventory, we think wafer orders from fabless companies might remain weak," Fubon Securities analyst Sherman Shang wrote in a research note prior to TSMC's earnings announcement. TSMC's short-term downside, however, could be supported by "major customers' recovery in 2020 from a very low base in 2019, such as Apple," Shang wrote. Indicating evolving market conditions, the spread of accelerating the spread of 5G networks helped Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding NV, a supplier to TSMC, beat analysts' second-quarter earnings estimates on Wednesday. Prior to TSMC's announcement, shares in the chipmaker closed up 0.8% versus a 0.25% fall in the wider market. The stock has risen around 13% so far this year.

TSMC expects 5G earnings boost, flags South Korea-Japan spat as risk

Fifteen people were killed and 28 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported.

Women and children figured among the victims and their nationalities were not known.

Police and ambulance services were rushed to the scene in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported, adding that they had entered Turkey illegally.

The death toll was initially reported to be 14 but Van governor Emin Bilmez was quoted by DHA later saying the death toll had risen to 15.

Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran.

The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT. 
&nbsp;

Fifteen people were killed and 28 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Women and children figured among the victims and their nationalities were not known.

Fifteen people were killed and 28 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Women and children figured among the victims and their nationalities were not known. Police and ambulance services were rushed to the scene in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported, adding that they had entered Turkey illegally. The death toll was initially reported to be 14 but Van governor Emin Bilmez was quoted by DHA later saying the death toll had risen to 15. Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran. The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT.

15 migrants killed in Turkey after minibus overturns; nationality unknown

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they had detained a "foreign tanker" and its crew for allegedly smuggling fuel in the Gulf.

The tanker was seized on Sunday "south of the (Iranian) island of Larak" in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the force's Sepahnews website said.

The Guards did not detail the name or provenance of the vessel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blames-united-states-over-gulf-tanker-incident-234979">Russia blames United States over Gulf tanker incident</a>

"With a capacity of two million barrels and 12 foreign crew on board, the vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships in farther regions when it was intercepted," the force said.

The announcement comes two days after Iran said it had come to the aid of a foreign tanker after receiving a distress call -- making no mention of the vessel being seized.

"Iranian forces approached it and using a tugboat brought it into Iranian waters for necessary repairs," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

TankerTrackers reported that the Panamanian-flagged tanker Riah, used in the Strait of Hormuz "for fuelling other vessels", had crossed into Iranian waters on Sunday.

According to the online oil shipment tracking service, at that point the tanker's automatic identification system stopped sending signals.

Watch: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered

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The incident comes amid soaring tensions in the Gulf, with US President Donald Trump calling off air strikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed an American drone.

Washington has blamed Tehran for a series of tanker attacks in recent months off the United Arab Emirates coast, charges Iran denies.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they had detained a "foreign tanker" and its crew for allegedly smuggling fuel in the Gulf. The tanker was seized on Sunday "south of the (Iranian) island of Larak" in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the force's Sepahnews website said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they had detained a "foreign tanker" and its crew for allegedly smuggling fuel in the Gulf. The tanker was seized on Sunday "south of the (Iranian) island of Larak" in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the force's Sepahnews website said. The Guards did not detail the name or provenance of the vessel. Also read: Russia blames United States over Gulf tanker incident "With a capacity of two million barrels and 12 foreign crew on board, the vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships in farther regions when it was intercepted," the force said. The announcement comes two days after Iran said it had come to the aid of a foreign tanker after receiving a distress call -- making no mention of the vessel being seized. "Iranian forces approached it and using a tugboat brought it into Iranian waters for necessary repairs," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. TankerTrackers reported that the Panamanian-flagged tanker Riah, used in the Strait of Hormuz "for fuelling other vessels", had crossed into Iranian waters on Sunday. According to the online oil shipment tracking service, at that point the tanker's automatic identification system stopped sending signals. Watch: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered × The incident comes amid soaring tensions in the Gulf, with US President Donald Trump calling off air strikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed an American drone. Washington has blamed Tehran for a series of tanker attacks in recent months off the United Arab Emirates coast, charges Iran denies.

Seized 'foreign tanker' in Strait of Hormuz: Iran

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478">next prime minister </a>to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May next week, has said Britain must leave the European Union on October 31, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">with or without a deal</a>, and has refused to rule out suspending parliament to prevent lawmakers from trying to block his exit plan.

The measure being voted on does not go as far as an outright block on parliament being suspended but lawmakers have put forward a further proposal which could require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been suspended.

The BBC reported some senior ministers, some of whom are likely facing the sack for their opposition to a no deal if Johnson wins, were considering resigning to support the proposal.

"The idea that parliament should be suspended in October ... at a crucial point in this country's history, that parliament should not be able to sit, should not be able to express its opinion and its will, I think would be outrageous," Justice Secretary David Gauke told BBC Radio.

Asked if he would vote for the proposal, something that would require him to resign, he said: "I will have to see what the precise amendments are ... I'm not in a position to necessarily say."

The result is likely to be very close: an earlier ballot on a less far-reaching version of the proposal last week passed by just one vote.

That narrow vote was in favour of a change to a piece of legislation to add a requirement that ministers make fortnightly reports on progress towards re-establishing Northern Ireland's collapsed executive.

Those hoping to stop a no-deal Brexit believe this could require parliament to be in session throughout the run-up to Brexit day, complicating any bid by Britain's new prime minister to "prorogue", or suspend, the legislature.

On Thursday, lawmakers will be asked to give final approval to the measure, which has since been strengthened by parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.

The Lords added a requirement that the government's report on its progress in Northern Ireland would need to be approved by lawmakers, giving them a possible route to try to stop a no-deal such as attaching a vote to request a delay to Brexit.

A further, more far-reaching, clause which would require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been prorogued could also be voted on.

The votes are expected in the early afternoon.

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the next prime minister to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the next prime minister to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament. Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May next week, has said Britain must leave the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal, and has refused to rule out suspending parliament to prevent lawmakers from trying to block his exit plan. The measure being voted on does not go as far as an outright block on parliament being suspended but lawmakers have put forward a further proposal which could require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been suspended. The BBC reported some senior ministers, some of whom are likely facing the sack for their opposition to a no deal if Johnson wins, were considering resigning to support the proposal. "The idea that parliament should be suspended in October ... at a crucial point in this country's history, that parliament should not be able to sit, should not be able to express its opinion and its will, I think would be outrageous," Justice Secretary David Gauke told BBC Radio. Asked if he would vote for the proposal, something that would require him to resign, he said: "I will have to see what the precise amendments are ... I'm not in a position to necessarily say." The result is likely to be very close: an earlier ballot on a less far-reaching version of the proposal last week passed by just one vote. That narrow vote was in favour of a change to a piece of legislation to add a requirement that ministers make fortnightly reports on progress towards re-establishing Northern Ireland's collapsed executive. Those hoping to stop a no-deal Brexit believe this could require parliament to be in session throughout the run-up to Brexit day, complicating any bid by Britain's new prime minister to "prorogue", or suspend, the legislature. On Thursday, lawmakers will be asked to give final approval to the measure, which has since been strengthened by parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords. The Lords added a requirement that the government's report on its progress in Northern Ireland would need to be approved by lawmakers, giving them a possible route to try to stop a no-deal such as attaching a vote to request a delay to Brexit. A further, more far-reaching, clause which would require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been prorogued could also be voted on. The votes are expected in the early afternoon.

UK lawmakers to vote on latest bid to try to prevent a no-deal Brexit

Britain urged Iran on Wednesday to ease tensions in the Gulf, while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region.

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, asked about a decision to send a third warship to the Gulf, said Britain had always been concerned about defending its interests in the Gulf and elsewhere.

"But it is vital that we send a very clear message to Iran that we want them to step back from this situation, that we want them to de-escalate, but we have always and we will continue to protect shipping and the free flow of goods in that area."

Mordaunt was speaking at a defence conference about the latest naval deployment, which comes amid growing tensions with Iran after Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar earlier this month.&nbsp;

Britain urged Iran on Wednesday to ease tensions in the Gulf, while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, asked about a decision to send a third warship to the Gulf, said Britain had always been concerned about defending its interests in the Gulf and elsewhere.

Britain urged Iran on Wednesday to ease tensions in the Gulf, while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, asked about a decision to send a third warship to the Gulf, said Britain had always been concerned about defending its interests in the Gulf and elsewhere. "But it is vital that we send a very clear message to Iran that we want them to step back from this situation, that we want them to de-escalate, but we have always and we will continue to protect shipping and the free flow of goods in that area." Mordaunt was speaking at a defence conference about the latest naval deployment, which comes amid growing tensions with Iran after Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar earlier this month.

British defence minister urges Iran to de-escalate Gulf tensions

Boeing Co said on Wednesday it will dedicate half of a $100 million fund it created after two crashes of its 737 MAX planes to provide payments to families of those killed, with veteran US compensation expert Ken Feinberg hired by the world's largest plane maker to oversee the distribution.

The announcement of Feinberg's hiring came minutes before a US House of Representatives hearing featuring dramatic testimony by Paul Njoroge, a father who lost three children, his wife and mother-in-law in a 737 MAX Ethiopian Air crash in March.

Feinberg told Reuters his team will "start immediately drafting a claims protocol for those eligible," with the first meeting with officials from Chicago-based Boeing later this week in Washington. Feinberg has administered many compensation funds including for victims of Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, General Motors ignition switch crashes, and numerous school shootings.

The 737 MAX, Boeing's best-selling jet, was grounded globally in March following the Ethiopian Airlines crash after a similar Lion Air disaster in Indonesia in October. The two crashes killed 346 people.

Njoroge, 35, told reporters after he testified he did not think the public would trust <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/american-airlines-extends-boeing-737-max-cancellations-for-fourth-time-236054&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHxNOjnL7jAhXk6nMBHVP0B_YQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0dYuY323zoRH-ru_mwOQiO">Boeing</a> going forward. "Do you want to fly in those planes? Do you want your children to fly in those planes?" Njoroge asked. "I don't have any more children."

Njoroge told a House subcommittee he still has "nightmares about how (his children) must have clung to their mother crying" during the doomed flight.

Njoroge, who was born in Kenya and lives in Canada, said Boeing has blamed "innocent pilots who had no knowledge and were given no information on the new and flawed MCAS system that could overpower pilots."

Boeing did not address specific questions raised by Njoroge but said in a statement "we truly regret the loss of lives in both of these accidents and we are deeply sorry for the impact on the families and loved ones of those on board."

A Boeing official told Reuters last month that after a new software flaw emerged the company will not submit an MCAS software upgrade and training revision until September, which means the planes will not resume flying until November at the earliest. U.S. airlines have cancelled flights through early November as a result of the 737 MAX's grounding.

Boeing shares closed up 1.9% on Wednesday.

Acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that the agency has made a lot of progress since the plane's grounding.

"We have discovered some anomalies and then we have directed Boeing to mitigate those anomalies," Elwell said, declining to set any timetable for returning the plane to service.

"The 737 MAX is not going to fly until it passes the most thorough and intense look," said Elwell, adding that he had spent several hours with Njoroge during a recent meeting.

Boeing said on July 3 it would give $100 million over multiple years to local governments and non-profit organizations to help families and communities affected by the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Feinberg, who will jointly administer the fund with lawyer Camille Biros, said the other $50 million in the fund was earmarked for government and community projects.

Boeing reiterated on Wednesday that the money distributed through the fund would be independent of the outcome of any lawsuits. The company is facing a slew of litigation from the families of victims of both crashes.

"Through our partnership with Feinberg and Biros, we hope affected families receive needed assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible," Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement.

Boeing's initial announcement of the $100 million funds was met with anger by some victims' families, who described the offer as a publicity stunt.

At the hearing in Washington, Representative Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he would call Boeing officials to testify at a hearing. DeFazio said the committee was in the middle of an in-depth investigation and had just received a "trove" of documents that panel investigators were reviewing.

Boeing Co said on Wednesday it will dedicate half of a $100 million fund it created after two crashes of its 737 MAX planes to provide payments to families of those killed, with veteran US compensation expert Ken Feinberg hired by the world's largest plane maker to oversee the distribution.

Boeing Co said on Wednesday it will dedicate half of a $100 million fund it created after two crashes of its 737 MAX planes to provide payments to families of those killed, with veteran US compensation expert Ken Feinberg hired by the world's largest plane maker to oversee the distribution. The announcement of Feinberg's hiring came minutes before a US House of Representatives hearing featuring dramatic testimony by Paul Njoroge, a father who lost three children, his wife and mother-in-law in a 737 MAX Ethiopian Air crash in March. Feinberg told Reuters his team will "start immediately drafting a claims protocol for those eligible," with the first meeting with officials from Chicago-based Boeing later this week in Washington. Feinberg has administered many compensation funds including for victims of Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, General Motors ignition switch crashes, and numerous school shootings. The 737 MAX, Boeing's best-selling jet, was grounded globally in March following the Ethiopian Airlines crash after a similar Lion Air disaster in Indonesia in October. The two crashes killed 346 people. Njoroge, 35, told reporters after he testified he did not think the public would trust Boeing going forward. "Do you want to fly in those planes? Do you want your children to fly in those planes?" Njoroge asked. "I don't have any more children." Njoroge told a House subcommittee he still has "nightmares about how (his children) must have clung to their mother crying" during the doomed flight. Njoroge, who was born in Kenya and lives in Canada, said Boeing has blamed "innocent pilots who had no knowledge and were given no information on the new and flawed MCAS system that could overpower pilots." Boeing did not address specific questions raised by Njoroge but said in a statement "we truly regret the loss of lives in both of these accidents and we are deeply sorry for the impact on the families and loved ones of those on board." A Boeing official told Reuters last month that after a new software flaw emerged the company will not submit an MCAS software upgrade and training revision until September, which means the planes will not resume flying until November at the earliest. U.S. airlines have cancelled flights through early November as a result of the 737 MAX's grounding. Boeing shares closed up 1.9% on Wednesday. Acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell told Fox Business Network on Wednesday that the agency has made a lot of progress since the plane's grounding. "We have discovered some anomalies and then we have directed Boeing to mitigate those anomalies," Elwell said, declining to set any timetable for returning the plane to service. "The 737 MAX is not going to fly until it passes the most thorough and intense look," said Elwell, adding that he had spent several hours with Njoroge during a recent meeting. Boeing said on July 3 it would give $100 million over multiple years to local governments and non-profit organizations to help families and communities affected by the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Feinberg, who will jointly administer the fund with lawyer Camille Biros, said the other $50 million in the fund was earmarked for government and community projects. Boeing reiterated on Wednesday that the money distributed through the fund would be independent of the outcome of any lawsuits. The company is facing a slew of litigation from the families of victims of both crashes. "Through our partnership with Feinberg and Biros, we hope affected families receive needed assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible," Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement. Boeing's initial announcement of the $100 million funds was met with anger by some victims' families, who described the offer as a publicity stunt. At the hearing in Washington, Representative Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he would call Boeing officials to testify at a hearing. DeFazio said the committee was in the middle of an in-depth investigation and had just received a "trove" of documents that panel investigators were reviewing.

Boeing to make $50 million in payments to 737 MAX crash victims' families

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