After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player'&nbsp;attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'. 
 
Ahead of the international premiere of his upcoming film '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-irishman-new-trailer-ray-romano-brings-comic-element-in-martin-scorsese-directorial-252328">The Irishman</a>'&nbsp;at the BFI London Film Festival, De Niro took the stage and said, ''Today, everything's been turned upside-down because of Trump because he's such a dirty player."&nbsp; 
 
He added how strange it seems to him that the President is even 'getting away with it'. ''He won't get away with it forever, but he is getting away with saying these things about every institution," he added. 
 
Pressing on the need to protect the institutions plus 'the Fourth Estate, the press', the Oscar winner added, "he's trying to destroy them and for only one reason: to save himself. And we all know this". 
 
De Niro got deeper into politics criticising the Republicans who according to the actor, 'are just so afraid to do anything, to stand up'. 
 
While on his UK trip, the 76-year-old also gave an interview to the news agency, where he said that the US&nbsp;has 'a gangster president'&nbsp;adding, I can't wait to see him in jail. 
 
"His upcoming release 'The Irishman'&nbsp;is set to open on streaming service Netflix on November 27 and will be released in select UK cinemas on November 8.

pop icon Rihanna &nbsp;got candid about her views on the US President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/donald-trump-is-most-mentally-ill-human-being-in-america-rihanna-255023"> Donald Trump calling him an 'ill human'.</a>

After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player' attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'.

After pop icon, Rihanna, legendary actor Robert De Niro took a jab at US President Donald Trump addressing him as a 'dirty player' attempting to harm institutions in order to 'save himself'. Ahead of the international premiere of his upcoming film 'The Irishman' at the BFI London Film Festival, De Niro took the stage and said, ''Today, everything's been turned upside-down because of Trump because he's such a dirty player." He added how strange it seems to him that the President is even 'getting away with it'. ''He won't get away with it forever, but he is getting away with saying these things about every institution," he added. Pressing on the need to protect the institutions plus 'the Fourth Estate, the press', the Oscar winner added, "he's trying to destroy them and for only one reason: to save himself. And we all know this". De Niro got deeper into politics criticising the Republicans who according to the actor, 'are just so afraid to do anything, to stand up'. While on his UK trip, the 76-year-old also gave an interview to the news agency, where he said that the US has 'a gangster president' adding, I can't wait to see him in jail. "His upcoming release 'The Irishman' is set to open on streaming service Netflix on November 27 and will be released in select UK cinemas on November 8. pop icon Rihanna got candid about her views on the US President Donald Trump calling him an 'ill human'.

Robert De Niro slams US President Donald Trump, calls him a dirty player

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-first-indian-to-score-40-international-hundreds-as-captain-255204">double centuries in Tests</a>, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely.

The batsman managed to score his highest Test score as he registered an unbeaten knock of 254 runs. The skipper declared the innings despite having a chance of scoring a triple-hundred.

In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Kohli said: "Feels great obviously. It's a nice little thing to become the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests. I used to struggle initially to get big scores, but as soon as I became the captain, I started to think about the team. And when it happens you end up batting more than you can imagine".

What makes this feat special is that the batsman has scored all his double centuries after 2016. Kohli said that his knocks against West Indies and England are his top two scores of over 200 in Test cricket.

"Overall, I am very happy. It was a very dominating day for us again. We are in a top position. If you keep thinking about the team, you just do whatever is best. All double centuries are great, but if you ask me, my top two double hundreds would be against West Indies in Antigua and against England in Mumbai," Kohli said.

The 30-year-old was involved in a 225-run partnership with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This stand enabled India to post 600 runs on the board.

India also managed to take three wickets of South Africa before the close of play on day two of the match and the Proteas ended the day at 36/3.

"The plan was simple, we wanted to score 600 as soon as possible. Jaddu also batted brilliantly. He played with a great tempo, and it allowed me to bat in a normal manner. I did not have to take many risks and the partnership flourished between me and Jaddu. We got three wickets by the end of the day as well, so it was a very satisfying day. We wanted to attack and be positive," Kohli said.

With this innings, the batsman also went past the 7,000-run mark in the longest format of the game. In the match, the 30-year-old Kohli also surpassed former Australia batsman Don Bradman to record the most number of 150 plus scores as a captain.

Kohli now has 9 scores of 150 plus while captaining India, whereas Bradman had 8 scores of more than 150. Australia's Michael Clarke, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, West Indies' Brian Lara, and South Africa`s Graeme Smith are next on the list with 7 scores of 150+ each.

The 30-year-old, who is leading his side in the 50th Test match also joined New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, England's Alastair Cook, and Australia's Steve Waugh to become only the fourth captain to score a century in his 50th match as captain.

Kohli now also has most runs as an Indian captain. He went past former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

He also became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket.

Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely.

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely. The batsman managed to score his highest Test score as he registered an unbeaten knock of 254 runs. The skipper declared the innings despite having a chance of scoring a triple-hundred. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Kohli said: "Feels great obviously. It's a nice little thing to become the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests. I used to struggle initially to get big scores, but as soon as I became the captain, I started to think about the team. And when it happens you end up batting more than you can imagine". What makes this feat special is that the batsman has scored all his double centuries after 2016. Kohli said that his knocks against West Indies and England are his top two scores of over 200 in Test cricket. "Overall, I am very happy. It was a very dominating day for us again. We are in a top position. If you keep thinking about the team, you just do whatever is best. All double centuries are great, but if you ask me, my top two double hundreds would be against West Indies in Antigua and against England in Mumbai," Kohli said. The 30-year-old was involved in a 225-run partnership with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This stand enabled India to post 600 runs on the board. India also managed to take three wickets of South Africa before the close of play on day two of the match and the Proteas ended the day at 36/3. "The plan was simple, we wanted to score 600 as soon as possible. Jaddu also batted brilliantly. He played with a great tempo, and it allowed me to bat in a normal manner. I did not have to take many risks and the partnership flourished between me and Jaddu. We got three wickets by the end of the day as well, so it was a very satisfying day. We wanted to attack and be positive," Kohli said. With this innings, the batsman also went past the 7,000-run mark in the longest format of the game. In the match, the 30-year-old Kohli also surpassed former Australia batsman Don Bradman to record the most number of 150 plus scores as a captain. Kohli now has 9 scores of 150 plus while captaining India, whereas Bradman had 8 scores of more than 150. Australia's Michael Clarke, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, West Indies' Brian Lara, and South Africa`s Graeme Smith are next on the list with 7 scores of 150+ each. The 30-year-old, who is leading his side in the 50th Test match also joined New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, England's Alastair Cook, and Australia's Steve Waugh to become only the fourth captain to score a century in his 50th match as captain. Kohli now also has most runs as an Indian captain. He went past former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. He also became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

When you think about team, you end up batting more: Virat Kohli

Powerful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-capital-braces-for-what-could-be-worst-typhoon-in-60-years-255362">Typhoon Hagibis</a> on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.6 million people.

Rated "large and very strong", the storm has also forced the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches, disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix and grounded more than 1,600 flights.

It is forecast to crash into land in central or eastern Japan early Saturday evening, packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour) Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

But hours before the worst of the storm arrived, its outer bands claimed a first casualty in Chiba, east of Tokyo, which was also badly hit by a powerful typhoon last month.

"A 49-year-old man was found in a toppled mini truck. He was sent to hospital but confirmed dead," Hiroki Yashiro, a spokesman at Ichihara Fire Department, in Chiba, told AFP.

Hagibis is forecast to be the first storm rated "very strong" to hit the main island of Honshu since 1991, when the category system was introduced, local media said.

By midday, 1.64 million people in the affected area were under non-mandatory evacuation orders, with authorities urging the elderly, disabled and those with children to leave early.

Hagibis is an unusually large storm, expected to bring "brutal winds and violent seas" to large swathes of the country, the weather agency said.

The expected rainfall, in particular, has sparked concern, with the JMA warning that high tides ahead of a full moon increase the risk of flooding.

It has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, landslides and serious flooding for large areas of Honshu.

Power outages

With the centre of the storm still hundreds of kilometres away in the Pacific, torrential rain was falling and tornado-like gusts of wind ripped into several homes in Chiba, destroying one.

Five people including a three-year-old boy were sent to hospital, but none suffered serious injuries, the local fire department told AFP.

The JMA has forecast half a metre of rain for the Tokyo area in the 24 hours to midday on Sunday, with more for the central Tokai region.

Television footage showed gigantic waves smashing into coastal breakwaters and residents living near a river in Tokyo piling up sandbags in front of their houses.

Others have nailed wooden boards to the frames of windows.

By 9:00am local time 11,600 households in Chiba had already lost power. The region was badly hit by another powerful typhoon in September.&nbsp;

Automakers, including Toyota and Honda, have shut down their factories, and many supermarkets and convenience stores in the capital closed, a day after residents shopping for typhoon supplies emptied the shelves.

Rugby, F1 disrupted

The storm has also thrown two major sporting events into disarray, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers scheduled for Saturday and forcing the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches: England-France and New Zealand-Italy.

The storm could also jeopardise a key match-up between Scotland and Japan on Sunday. Officials are not expected to make a final decision on that game until Sunday morning, after they have assessed any damage to the venue and transport links.

Scotland face elimination if the match is axed and have warned they could take legal action if the game is cancelled. World Rugby called the threat "disappointing".

The storm is also causing transport chaos over a long weekend in Japan.

Japanese airlines have scrapped more than 1,660 domestic flights and some 260 international flights on Saturday, NHK said.

Many bullet train lines from the capital are suspended, along with both overground and some subway lines serving the Tokyo area.

The storm has also forced the first all-day typhoon closure of Tokyo's Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks, with doors shut from Saturday until at least noon on Sunday.

Japan is hit by around 20 typhoons a year, though the capital is not usually badly affected.

Hagibis is bearing down on the region just weeks after another powerful storm, Typhoon Faxai, hit the area with similar strength, killing two and causing major damage in Chiba.

More than 36,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Chiba, and the local government has urged those in affected buildings to take shelter elsewhere during the storm.

Powerful Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.

Powerful Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday claimed its first victim even before making landfall, as potentially record-breaking rains and high winds sparked evacuation orders for more than 1.6 million people. Rated "large and very strong", the storm has also forced the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches, disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix and grounded more than 1,600 flights. It is forecast to crash into land in central or eastern Japan early Saturday evening, packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour) Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. But hours before the worst of the storm arrived, its outer bands claimed a first casualty in Chiba, east of Tokyo, which was also badly hit by a powerful typhoon last month. "A 49-year-old man was found in a toppled mini truck. He was sent to hospital but confirmed dead," Hiroki Yashiro, a spokesman at Ichihara Fire Department, in Chiba, told AFP. Hagibis is forecast to be the first storm rated "very strong" to hit the main island of Honshu since 1991, when the category system was introduced, local media said. By midday, 1.64 million people in the affected area were under non-mandatory evacuation orders, with authorities urging the elderly, disabled and those with children to leave early. Hagibis is an unusually large storm, expected to bring "brutal winds and violent seas" to large swathes of the country, the weather agency said. The expected rainfall, in particular, has sparked concern, with the JMA warning that high tides ahead of a full moon increase the risk of flooding. It has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, landslides and serious flooding for large areas of Honshu. Power outages With the centre of the storm still hundreds of kilometres away in the Pacific, torrential rain was falling and tornado-like gusts of wind ripped into several homes in Chiba, destroying one. Five people including a three-year-old boy were sent to hospital, but none suffered serious injuries, the local fire department told AFP. The JMA has forecast half a metre of rain for the Tokyo area in the 24 hours to midday on Sunday, with more for the central Tokai region. Television footage showed gigantic waves smashing into coastal breakwaters and residents living near a river in Tokyo piling up sandbags in front of their houses. Others have nailed wooden boards to the frames of windows. By 9:00am local time 11,600 households in Chiba had already lost power. The region was badly hit by another powerful typhoon in September. Automakers, including Toyota and Honda, have shut down their factories, and many supermarkets and convenience stores in the capital closed, a day after residents shopping for typhoon supplies emptied the shelves. Rugby, F1 disrupted The storm has also thrown two major sporting events into disarray, delaying Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers scheduled for Saturday and forcing the cancellation of two Rugby World Cup matches: England-France and New Zealand-Italy. The storm could also jeopardise a key match-up between Scotland and Japan on Sunday. Officials are not expected to make a final decision on that game until Sunday morning, after they have assessed any damage to the venue and transport links. Scotland face elimination if the match is axed and have warned they could take legal action if the game is cancelled. World Rugby called the threat "disappointing". The storm is also causing transport chaos over a long weekend in Japan. Japanese airlines have scrapped more than 1,660 domestic flights and some 260 international flights on Saturday, NHK said. Many bullet train lines from the capital are suspended, along with both overground and some subway lines serving the Tokyo area. The storm has also forced the first all-day typhoon closure of Tokyo's Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks, with doors shut from Saturday until at least noon on Sunday. Japan is hit by around 20 typhoons a year, though the capital is not usually badly affected. Hagibis is bearing down on the region just weeks after another powerful storm, Typhoon Faxai, hit the area with similar strength, killing two and causing major damage in Chiba. More than 36,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Chiba, and the local government has urged those in affected buildings to take shelter elsewhere during the storm.

One dead as Typhoon Hagibis takes aim at Japan

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-sets-ablaze-iranian-oil-tanker-near-saudi-port-report-255149">bolster the kingdom's defences</a> after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

The large deployment, which was first reported by Reuters, includes fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel, the Pentagon said. Together with the 200 forces to Saudi Arabia announced last month, the deployment totalled about 3,000 troops, it said.

US-Iran tensions have risen to new highs since May 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of sanctions.

As Trump reinstated US sanctions, increasing pressure on the Iranian economy, there have been a series of attacks that Washington and close allies have blamed on Iran, including the attack on the world's biggest crude oil-processing facility. Iran denies responsibility.

In a bid to better shield Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said it was sending two additional Patriot batteries and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD).

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the deployments were designed to deter Iran.

"We thought it was important to continue to deploy forces to deter and defend and to send the message to the Iranians: Do not strike another sovereign state, do not threaten American interests, American forces, or we will respond," Esper told reporters during a press briefing.

Trump said the United States would not bear the expense of the deployment. "Saudi Arabia, at my request, has agreed to pay us for everything we’re doing," he told reporters.

Some of Trump's Republican allies have called for retaliatory strikes, which the president has so far declined to carry out.

It was unclear whether some of the newly announced troops might replace other American forces expected to depart the region in the coming weeks or months.

The Pentagon has yet to announce, for example, whether it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group when it eventually wraps up its deployment to the Middle East.

Esper declined to say whether the carrier, which itself includes thousands of troops and massive firepower, would be replaced.

The deployment is part of a series of what the United States has described as defensive moves following the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities last month, which rattled global energy markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences.

Iran has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia as well as attacks on oil tankers earlier this year.

The additional deployment comes as many members of Congress have questioned the longstanding US-Saudi security alliance and backed several efforts - which have failed so far - to stop Trump from selling arms to the kingdom without congressional approval or providing support to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen.

Criticism of close US-Saudi ties under Trump increased last year after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Eleven Saudi officials are on trial in Riyadh for the murder, which took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to bolster the kingdom's defences after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to bolster the kingdom's defences after the September 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran. The large deployment, which was first reported by Reuters, includes fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel, the Pentagon said. Together with the 200 forces to Saudi Arabia announced last month, the deployment totalled about 3,000 troops, it said. US-Iran tensions have risen to new highs since May 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran that put limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of sanctions. As Trump reinstated US sanctions, increasing pressure on the Iranian economy, there have been a series of attacks that Washington and close allies have blamed on Iran, including the attack on the world's biggest crude oil-processing facility. Iran denies responsibility. In a bid to better shield Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said it was sending two additional Patriot batteries and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD). US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the deployments were designed to deter Iran. "We thought it was important to continue to deploy forces to deter and defend and to send the message to the Iranians: Do not strike another sovereign state, do not threaten American interests, American forces, or we will respond," Esper told reporters during a press briefing. Trump said the United States would not bear the expense of the deployment. "Saudi Arabia, at my request, has agreed to pay us for everything we’re doing," he told reporters. Some of Trump's Republican allies have called for retaliatory strikes, which the president has so far declined to carry out. It was unclear whether some of the newly announced troops might replace other American forces expected to depart the region in the coming weeks or months. The Pentagon has yet to announce, for example, whether it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group when it eventually wraps up its deployment to the Middle East. Esper declined to say whether the carrier, which itself includes thousands of troops and massive firepower, would be replaced. The deployment is part of a series of what the United States has described as defensive moves following the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities last month, which rattled global energy markets and exposed major gaps in Saudi Arabia's air defences. Iran has responded to previous US troop deployments this year with apprehension. It denies responsibility for the attack on Saudi Arabia as well as attacks on oil tankers earlier this year. The additional deployment comes as many members of Congress have questioned the longstanding US-Saudi security alliance and backed several efforts - which have failed so far - to stop Trump from selling arms to the kingdom without congressional approval or providing support to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen. Criticism of close US-Saudi ties under Trump increased last year after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Eleven Saudi officials are on trial in Riyadh for the murder, which took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

US says deploying more forces to Saudi Arabia to counter Iran threat

Wind-driven wildfires forced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-power-cuts-blasted-as-california-fire-risk-spreads-south-255202">evacuation of about 100,000 people</a> in southern California Friday and destroyed dozens of structures and homes as authorities warned it could take days to extinguish the flames.

By Friday evening, the strongest blaze, dubbed the Saddleridge Fire, had consumed 7,542 acres in areas of the San Fernando Valley, about 32 kilometres&nbsp;north of downtown Los Angeles, fire officials said.

They added that it had damaged or destroyed at least 31 structures and was 13 per cent contained as of Friday evening.

One man in his 50s died of a heart attack as he struggled to save his home in the Porter Ranch area, fire officials said.

The fire quickly got out of control after it erupted late Thursday for unknown reasons in the city of Sylmar, driven by low humidity and gusts known as the Santa Ana winds.

"This is a very dynamic fire," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas told a news conference.

"Do not wait to leave," he urged residents. "If we ask you to evacuate, please evacuate."

He said some 1,000 firefighters, backed by water-dropping helicopters and planes releasing fire retardants, were battling the blaze that forced the shutdown of several major highways. The metro line in the area was also closed as were schools and businesses.

"We've calculated that the fire is moving at a rate of 800 acres per hour," Terrazas said, adding that it would probably take days to get it under control.

Some 200 firefighters were meanwhile battling several other blazes in Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, including one that tore through a trailer park and was started by burning trash. That blaze, dubbed the Sandalwood fire, destroyed 76 homes and buildings and killed an 89-year-old woman who was unable to escape the flames.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of injuries, but authorities ordered several hundred homes in the area be evacuated.

The National Weather Service said it expects the high winds fanning the flames to subside by Friday evening, making it easier for firefighters to do their work.

A red flag warning -- which indicates ripe conditions for wildfires -- remains in effect through Saturday.

In the dark

"That seems to be the new normal in California," lamented Sylmar resident Oscar Mancillas, as he helplessly watched the flames spread in the hillside near his home.

"I mean the vegetation is so dry... but we're kind of lucky because it didn't grow back from the last fire," he told AFP. "In California you have to be earthquake ready and you have to be fire ready... and for those of us who have a family, it's a little daunting sometimes."&nbsp;

The wildfires in the south erupted as California's largest utility, Pacific Gas &amp; Electric (PG&amp;E), implemented rolling power blackouts that affected some two million people in northern California this week.

About 312,000 customers remained in the dark Friday as a result of the shutoffs designed to reduce the threat of wildfire that can be sparked by lines downed in heavy winds.

Many schools and universities were also closed in northern parts of the state as people stocked up on gasoline, water, batteries and other basics, with frustration mounting at the blackouts condemned by some as "third world."

"We're seeing a scale and scope of something that no state in the 21st century should experience," Governor Gavin Newsom said Thursday, blaming decades of what he called neglect and mismanagement by PG&amp;E.

"This is not, from my perspective, a climate change story as much as a story about greed and mismanagement over the course of decades," Newsom said. "Neglect, a desire to advance not public safety but profits."

PG&amp;E has defended the outages as necessary for safety reasons and has said it will take days before power is restored to all customers as inspections must be conducted on all power lines and equipment before the lights can be turned back on.

"This is not how we want to serve you but blackouts can happen again," Bill Johnson, the CEO of the company said Thursday.

Last November, PG&amp;E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise.

Wind-driven wildfires forced the evacuation of about 100,000 people in southern California Friday and destroyed dozens of structures and homes as authorities warned it could take days to extinguish the flames.

Wind-driven wildfires forced the evacuation of about 100,000 people in southern California Friday and destroyed dozens of structures and homes as authorities warned it could take days to extinguish the flames. By Friday evening, the strongest blaze, dubbed the Saddleridge Fire, had consumed 7,542 acres in areas of the San Fernando Valley, about 32 kilometres north of downtown Los Angeles, fire officials said. They added that it had damaged or destroyed at least 31 structures and was 13 per cent contained as of Friday evening. One man in his 50s died of a heart attack as he struggled to save his home in the Porter Ranch area, fire officials said. The fire quickly got out of control after it erupted late Thursday for unknown reasons in the city of Sylmar, driven by low humidity and gusts known as the Santa Ana winds. "This is a very dynamic fire," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas told a news conference. "Do not wait to leave," he urged residents. "If we ask you to evacuate, please evacuate." He said some 1,000 firefighters, backed by water-dropping helicopters and planes releasing fire retardants, were battling the blaze that forced the shutdown of several major highways. The metro line in the area was also closed as were schools and businesses. "We've calculated that the fire is moving at a rate of 800 acres per hour," Terrazas said, adding that it would probably take days to get it under control. Some 200 firefighters were meanwhile battling several other blazes in Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, including one that tore through a trailer park and was started by burning trash. That blaze, dubbed the Sandalwood fire, destroyed 76 homes and buildings and killed an 89-year-old woman who was unable to escape the flames. There were no immediate reports of injuries, but authorities ordered several hundred homes in the area be evacuated. The National Weather Service said it expects the high winds fanning the flames to subside by Friday evening, making it easier for firefighters to do their work. A red flag warning -- which indicates ripe conditions for wildfires -- remains in effect through Saturday. In the dark "That seems to be the new normal in California," lamented Sylmar resident Oscar Mancillas, as he helplessly watched the flames spread in the hillside near his home. "I mean the vegetation is so dry... but we're kind of lucky because it didn't grow back from the last fire," he told AFP. "In California you have to be earthquake ready and you have to be fire ready... and for those of us who have a family, it's a little daunting sometimes." The wildfires in the south erupted as California's largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), implemented rolling power blackouts that affected some two million people in northern California this week. About 312,000 customers remained in the dark Friday as a result of the shutoffs designed to reduce the threat of wildfire that can be sparked by lines downed in heavy winds. Many schools and universities were also closed in northern parts of the state as people stocked up on gasoline, water, batteries and other basics, with frustration mounting at the blackouts condemned by some as "third world." "We're seeing a scale and scope of something that no state in the 21st century should experience," Governor Gavin Newsom said Thursday, blaming decades of what he called neglect and mismanagement by PG&E. "This is not, from my perspective, a climate change story as much as a story about greed and mismanagement over the course of decades," Newsom said. "Neglect, a desire to advance not public safety but profits." PG&E has defended the outages as necessary for safety reasons and has said it will take days before power is restored to all customers as inspections must be conducted on all power lines and equipment before the lights can be turned back on. "This is not how we want to serve you but blackouts can happen again," Bill Johnson, the CEO of the company said Thursday. Last November, PG&E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise.

Tens of thousands evacuated as California wildfires rage

FIFA on Friday banned a former general secretary of the Afghanistan Football Federation for five years for covering up sexual abuse of female players.

Sayed Aghazada was found guilty of failing to "report and prevent" former federation president Keramuudin Karim from carrying out repeated acts of sexual assault between 2013 and 2018.

World football's governing body banned Karim for life from all football-related activity at both the national and international level in June.

"In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that Mr Aghazada was aware of this abuse and had the duty to report and prevent it according to the FIFA Code of Ethics," read a statement from FIFA's Independent Ethics Committee.

In addition to the suspension, Aghazada was fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,000).

FIFA's statement added: "The FIFA Ethics Committee is still looking into the allegations that have been made against other individuals in connection to the same investigation and to their positions as football officials."

Aghazada was also a member of the Asian Football Confederation's executive committee.

The AFC said in a statement it noted FIFA's ruling and would wait until the decision was "final and binding" before making any further comment.

FIFA on Friday banned a former general secretary of the Afghanistan Football Federation for five years for covering up sexual abuse of female players. Sayed Aghazada was found guilty of failing to "report and prevent" former federation president Keramuudin Karim from carrying out repeated acts of sexual assault between 2013 and 2018.

FIFA on Friday banned a former general secretary of the Afghanistan Football Federation for five years for covering up sexual abuse of female players. Sayed Aghazada was found guilty of failing to "report and prevent" former federation president Keramuudin Karim from carrying out repeated acts of sexual assault between 2013 and 2018. World football's governing body banned Karim for life from all football-related activity at both the national and international level in June. "In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that Mr Aghazada was aware of this abuse and had the duty to report and prevent it according to the FIFA Code of Ethics," read a statement from FIFA's Independent Ethics Committee. In addition to the suspension, Aghazada was fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,000). FIFA's statement added: "The FIFA Ethics Committee is still looking into the allegations that have been made against other individuals in connection to the same investigation and to their positions as football officials." Aghazada was also a member of the Asian Football Confederation's executive committee. The AFC said in a statement it noted FIFA's ruling and would wait until the decision was "final and binding" before making any further comment.

FIFA bans former top Afghan football official over abuse cover-up

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market.

Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag. In response, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has closed its consulate in Peshawar.

"Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," said Shukrullah Atif Mashal.

The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity."

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market. Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag.

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market. Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag. In response, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has closed its consulate in Peshawar. "Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," said Shukrullah Atif Mashal. The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property. Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity."

Afghanistan closes its consulate in Pakistan's Peshawar over raids on Afghan market

Nepal has completed the preparations to welcome <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-president-xi-one-on-one-talks-lunch-to-sum-up-mamallapuram-second-india-china-informal-summit-today-255371">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>.

Nepal government has set up welcome gates at various locations around the capital with the flag of Nepal and China docked on the edge of the road as well as the portrait of the President on the poles.

The two-day stop-over visit of the Chinese President is set to begin from October 12.&nbsp;

As per the schedule, Chinese President Jinping will be landing in capital Kathmandu at around 4:30pm.

Xi is set to hold meetings with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on Saturday evening followed by a dinner hosted by her. He will also hold talks with Nepal's Former Prime Minister and Opposition Party Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Chinese President Xi will be meeting Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Sunday morning which will be followed by the signing of agreements.

President Xi is scheduled to depart for China at 1pm on Sunday.

Nepal has completed the preparations to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. Nepal government has set up welcome gates at various locations around the capital with the flag of Nepal and China docked on the edge of the road as well as the portrait of the President on the poles.

Nepal has completed the preparations to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. Nepal government has set up welcome gates at various locations around the capital with the flag of Nepal and China docked on the edge of the road as well as the portrait of the President on the poles. The two-day stop-over visit of the Chinese President is set to begin from October 12. As per the schedule, Chinese President Jinping will be landing in capital Kathmandu at around 4:30pm. Xi is set to hold meetings with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on Saturday evening followed by a dinner hosted by her. He will also hold talks with Nepal's Former Prime Minister and Opposition Party Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba. Chinese President Xi will be meeting Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Sunday morning which will be followed by the signing of agreements. President Xi is scheduled to depart for China at 1pm on Sunday.

Nepal prepares to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-take-to-hong-kong-streets-ahead-of-new-round-of-weekend-protests-255191">pro-democracy protesters</a>.

The privately held company, which makes and exports a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-chief-tim-cook-defends-pulling-app-used-by-hong-kong-protestors-255077">wide range of riot and crowd control</a> equipment for military and law enforcement agencies, has been in the spotlight ever since it was discovered that Hong Kong police are employing its tear gas canisters to disperse anti-government demonstrations.

In one photo that has been widely shared on social media, NonLethal's name is stamped on the casing of a spent tear gas canister.

The use of US-made gear to quell protests has prompted several lawmakers to call for halting and even banning tear gas exports to the city. In July, Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, proposed in a tweet that the United States consider banning exports of tear gas to Hong Kong if the attacks on the protesters were not stopped.

Similarly, in August, US Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican, and James McGovern, a Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross, asking them to suspend future sales of crowd and riot control equipment to Hong Kong police.

They followed up their letter with a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives last month, which seeks to prohibit commercial exports of certain nonlethal crowd control items and defence articles and services to the city. If passed, the ban would take effect within 30 days.

US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, on Thursday became the latest to raise concerns about the exports.

In a letter to NonLethal's president shared on Twitter, Scott said the sales were equivalent to supporting efforts of the Chinese president to "harm ordinary citizens and peaceful protestors." He urged the manufacturer of tear gas to "put human rights above profits."

The protests have plunged the city, an Asian financial hub, into its worst crisis since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Watch video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gas-masks-and-hard-hats-hong-kong-hardware-store-capitalises-on-protests-255228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced in 1997.

China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest.

In his October 10 letter, Scott said during a recent trip to the city he saw firsthand how the company's products were used in a "dangerous and malicious manner to intentionally harm protestors."

He requested to meet with the company's president, Scott Oberdick, to discuss his concerns.

Oberdick, however, told Reuters on Friday that he had not seen Scott's letter. When asked about the criticism his company has been facing for selling tear gas to Hong Kong police, Oberdick hung up the phone.

NonLethal does not share its financial details with public. However, in 2017, it was listed as one of the top 10 companies in the world producing riot-control systems, according to London-based market research firm Visiongain.

According to its website, the company provides "a full range of less lethal grenades and less lethal ammunition to allow the most effective level of force to be used for various situations." However, for overseas sales, most of its products require an export license from the United States Department of Commerce.

An online petition, urging the White House to suspend any export application of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong, has garnered more than 110,000 signatures.

Amnesty International has also called on countries including the United States to halt all transfers of less lethal "crowd control" equipment - including water cannon vehicles, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, projectile launchers and parts and components - to Hong Kong.

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against pro-democracy protesters.

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against pro-democracy protesters. The privately held company, which makes and exports a wide range of riot and crowd control equipment for military and law enforcement agencies, has been in the spotlight ever since it was discovered that Hong Kong police are employing its tear gas canisters to disperse anti-government demonstrations. In one photo that has been widely shared on social media, NonLethal's name is stamped on the casing of a spent tear gas canister. The use of US-made gear to quell protests has prompted several lawmakers to call for halting and even banning tear gas exports to the city. In July, Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, proposed in a tweet that the United States consider banning exports of tear gas to Hong Kong if the attacks on the protesters were not stopped. Similarly, in August, US Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican, and James McGovern, a Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross, asking them to suspend future sales of crowd and riot control equipment to Hong Kong police. They followed up their letter with a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives last month, which seeks to prohibit commercial exports of certain nonlethal crowd control items and defence articles and services to the city. If passed, the ban would take effect within 30 days. US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, on Thursday became the latest to raise concerns about the exports. In a letter to NonLethal's president shared on Twitter, Scott said the sales were equivalent to supporting efforts of the Chinese president to "harm ordinary citizens and peaceful protestors." He urged the manufacturer of tear gas to "put human rights above profits." The protests have plunged the city, an Asian financial hub, into its worst crisis since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Watch video: What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced in 1997. China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest. In his October 10 letter, Scott said during a recent trip to the city he saw firsthand how the company's products were used in a "dangerous and malicious manner to intentionally harm protestors." He requested to meet with the company's president, Scott Oberdick, to discuss his concerns. Oberdick, however, told Reuters on Friday that he had not seen Scott's letter. When asked about the criticism his company has been facing for selling tear gas to Hong Kong police, Oberdick hung up the phone. NonLethal does not share its financial details with public. However, in 2017, it was listed as one of the top 10 companies in the world producing riot-control systems, according to London-based market research firm Visiongain. According to its website, the company provides "a full range of less lethal grenades and less lethal ammunition to allow the most effective level of force to be used for various situations." However, for overseas sales, most of its products require an export license from the United States Department of Commerce. An online petition, urging the White House to suspend any export application of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong, has garnered more than 110,000 signatures. Amnesty International has also called on countries including the United States to halt all transfers of less lethal "crowd control" equipment - including water cannon vehicles, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, projectile launchers and parts and components - to Hong Kong.

US company supplying tear gas to Hong Kong police faces mounting criticism

The former US ambassador to Ukraine on Friday told a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-host-first-post-impeachment-inquiry-rally-in-democratic-stronghold-255010">President Donald Trump</a> that Trump ousted her based on "unfounded and false claims" after she had come under attack by his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador who was abruptly recalled from Kiev in May, spent more than nine hours in a closed-door meeting with House members and staff. She had been expected to appear last week, but was told not to by the State Department at the behest of the White House, according to Democratic House members. Lawmakers then issued a subpoena for her appearance and she complied.

Yovanovitch, according to a copy of her opening statement posted online by US media, said she was told by a senior State Department official about "a concerted campaign against me" and said Trump had pushed for her removal since the middle of 2018 even though the department believed "I had done nothing wrong."

She expressed alarm over damage to diplomacy under Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-businessmen-linked-to-trump-ukraine-scandal-arrested-on-us-charges-255065">warned about "private interests"</a> circumventing "professional diplomats for their own gain, not the public good."

The impeachment inquiry focuses on a July 25 phone call in which Trump pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate a leading rival seeking to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election, former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, and Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden.

Giuliani has accused Yovanovitch of blocking efforts to persuade Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. The former New York mayor has said he provided information to both Trump and State about Yovanovitch, who he suggested was biased against Trump.

On Friday, Giuliani said: "I was doing it in my role as a defence lawyer" for Trump.

Trump was asked on Friday whether Giuliani was still his personal attorney. He answered, "I don't know."

A person familiar with the situation said Giuliani was still Trump's outside counsel, but would not represent him on matters dealing with Ukraine.

In her statement, Yovanovitch denied any bias. She said Giuliani's associates "may well have believed that their personal financial ambitions were stymied by our anti-corruption policy in Ukraine."

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating whether Giuliani broke lobbying laws in his dealings in Ukraine, the New York Times reported, citing two people familiar with the inquiry.

On Thursday, two businessmen, Ukraine-born Lev Parnas and Belarus-born Igor Fruman, who helped Giuliani as he investigated Biden, were arrested in what US prosecutors called a scheme to illegally funnel money to a pro-Trump election committee and other political candidates.

The Times said the investigation of Giuliani is tied to the case against Parnas and Fruman.

Asked about the Times report, Giuliani told Reuters: "I never did any lobbying for anyone. If they want to ask me I’m happy to prove it. But they haven’t." A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment.

'Clown show'

Democrats have called Yovanovitch's removal politically motivated.

Democratic Representative Denny Heck said he was gripped by Yovanovitch's testimony. "It was that amazing, that powerful, that impactful. And I just feel very fortunate to have been there," he told reporters.

Republicans were critical. Representative Lee Zeldin called Yovanovitch's testimony a "clown show."

According to a White House summary, Trump in his call to Zelenskiy said of Yovanovitch: "the woman was bad news and the people she was dealing with in Ukraine were bad news." Zelenskiy agreed she was a "bad ambassador" and agreed to investigate the Bidens.

The conversation occurred after Trump withheld $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine as it faced Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country.

"Although I understand that I served at the pleasure of the president, I was nevertheless incredulous that the US government chose to remove an Ambassador based, as best as I can tell, on unfounded and false claims by people with clearly questionable motives," Yovanovitch said in her statement.

Yovanovitch, who entered the Capitol complex for the deposition wearing dark glasses, did not respond to questions.

Yovanovitch has worked under both Republican and Democratic administrations and has had support from members of both parties in Congress. A senior Republican congressional aide described her as someone widely viewed as "professional."

Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring vulnerable ally Ukraine to dig up dirt on a rival for his own political benefit. Biden is a leading Democratic contender seeking his party's nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Trump has denied wrongdoing.

Democrats have also criticized the Trump administration for what they see as efforts to obstruct the investigation. After Yovanovitch's testimony, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff warned that interfering in the probe would show "the president is violating the constitutional separation of powers and seeking to cover up his misconduct."

He said Yovanovitch had been "a model diplomat and deserves better than the shabby treatment she received from the president and the Secretary of State."

'Potty mouth'

As Yovanovitch spoke to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted that the administration would comply with the law.

"We're going to do everything we're lawfully required to do," Pompeo said in an interview with WKRN-TV in Nashville.

The investigation could lead to the approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges against the president - in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans who control the chamber have shown little appetite for ousting him.

In a call with her fellow House Democrats on Friday afternoon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the investigation was about finding facts, not Trump's personality, although she said Trump "has become a potty mouth and children are listening."

"His policy, his personality, his potty-mouth, that's about the election," Pelosi said, according to an aide who was on the call. "The inquiry is because he has not honoured his oath of office. We will honour ours."

Trump had told a rally on Thursday that Biden "was only a good vice president because he knew how to kiss (former President) Barack Obama's ass."

Yovanovitch said the United States' allowing Russian aggression toward Ukraine would "set a precedent that the United States will regret for decades to come."

"Today, we see the State Department attacked and hollowed out from within. State Department leadership, with Congress, needs to take action now to defend this great institution, and its thousands of loyal and effective employees," she said.

Depositions are scheduled in the coming days with more witnesses, including Fiona Hill, former senior director for European and Russian Affairs on Trump's National Security Council, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and State Department Counsellor Ulrich Brechbuhl.

Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, will comply with a subpoena and testify on Thursday, his lawyers said, despite the White House policy against cooperation. But Sondland is not yet authorized to release documents the committees have sought, his lawyers said.

The former US ambassador to Ukraine on Friday told a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump that Trump ousted her based on "unfounded and false claims" after she had come under attack by his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The former US ambassador to Ukraine on Friday told a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump that Trump ousted her based on "unfounded and false claims" after she had come under attack by his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador who was abruptly recalled from Kiev in May, spent more than nine hours in a closed-door meeting with House members and staff. She had been expected to appear last week, but was told not to by the State Department at the behest of the White House, according to Democratic House members. Lawmakers then issued a subpoena for her appearance and she complied. Yovanovitch, according to a copy of her opening statement posted online by US media, said she was told by a senior State Department official about "a concerted campaign against me" and said Trump had pushed for her removal since the middle of 2018 even though the department believed "I had done nothing wrong." She expressed alarm over damage to diplomacy under Trump and warned about "private interests" circumventing "professional diplomats for their own gain, not the public good." The impeachment inquiry focuses on a July 25 phone call in which Trump pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate a leading rival seeking to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election, former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, and Biden's businessman son Hunter Biden. Giuliani has accused Yovanovitch of blocking efforts to persuade Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. The former New York mayor has said he provided information to both Trump and State about Yovanovitch, who he suggested was biased against Trump. On Friday, Giuliani said: "I was doing it in my role as a defence lawyer" for Trump. Trump was asked on Friday whether Giuliani was still his personal attorney. He answered, "I don't know." A person familiar with the situation said Giuliani was still Trump's outside counsel, but would not represent him on matters dealing with Ukraine. In her statement, Yovanovitch denied any bias. She said Giuliani's associates "may well have believed that their personal financial ambitions were stymied by our anti-corruption policy in Ukraine." Federal prosecutors in Manhattan are investigating whether Giuliani broke lobbying laws in his dealings in Ukraine, the New York Times reported, citing two people familiar with the inquiry. On Thursday, two businessmen, Ukraine-born Lev Parnas and Belarus-born Igor Fruman, who helped Giuliani as he investigated Biden, were arrested in what US prosecutors called a scheme to illegally funnel money to a pro-Trump election committee and other political candidates. The Times said the investigation of Giuliani is tied to the case against Parnas and Fruman. Asked about the Times report, Giuliani told Reuters: "I never did any lobbying for anyone. If they want to ask me I’m happy to prove it. But they haven’t." A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment. 'Clown show' Democrats have called Yovanovitch's removal politically motivated. Democratic Representative Denny Heck said he was gripped by Yovanovitch's testimony. "It was that amazing, that powerful, that impactful. And I just feel very fortunate to have been there," he told reporters. Republicans were critical. Representative Lee Zeldin called Yovanovitch's testimony a "clown show." According to a White House summary, Trump in his call to Zelenskiy said of Yovanovitch: "the woman was bad news and the people she was dealing with in Ukraine were bad news." Zelenskiy agreed she was a "bad ambassador" and agreed to investigate the Bidens. The conversation occurred after Trump withheld $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine as it faced Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country. "Although I understand that I served at the pleasure of the president, I was nevertheless incredulous that the US government chose to remove an Ambassador based, as best as I can tell, on unfounded and false claims by people with clearly questionable motives," Yovanovitch said in her statement. Yovanovitch, who entered the Capitol complex for the deposition wearing dark glasses, did not respond to questions. Yovanovitch has worked under both Republican and Democratic administrations and has had support from members of both parties in Congress. A senior Republican congressional aide described her as someone widely viewed as "professional." Democrats have accused Trump of pressuring vulnerable ally Ukraine to dig up dirt on a rival for his own political benefit. Biden is a leading Democratic contender seeking his party's nomination to face Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Trump has denied wrongdoing. Democrats have also criticized the Trump administration for what they see as efforts to obstruct the investigation. After Yovanovitch's testimony, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff warned that interfering in the probe would show "the president is violating the constitutional separation of powers and seeking to cover up his misconduct." He said Yovanovitch had been "a model diplomat and deserves better than the shabby treatment she received from the president and the Secretary of State." 'Potty mouth' As Yovanovitch spoke to the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted that the administration would comply with the law. "We're going to do everything we're lawfully required to do," Pompeo said in an interview with WKRN-TV in Nashville. The investigation could lead to the approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges against the president - in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans who control the chamber have shown little appetite for ousting him. In a call with her fellow House Democrats on Friday afternoon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the investigation was about finding facts, not Trump's personality, although she said Trump "has become a potty mouth and children are listening." "His policy, his personality, his potty-mouth, that's about the election," Pelosi said, according to an aide who was on the call. "The inquiry is because he has not honoured his oath of office. We will honour ours." Trump had told a rally on Thursday that Biden "was only a good vice president because he knew how to kiss (former President) Barack Obama's ass." Yovanovitch said the United States' allowing Russian aggression toward Ukraine would "set a precedent that the United States will regret for decades to come." "Today, we see the State Department attacked and hollowed out from within. State Department leadership, with Congress, needs to take action now to defend this great institution, and its thousands of loyal and effective employees," she said. Depositions are scheduled in the coming days with more witnesses, including Fiona Hill, former senior director for European and Russian Affairs on Trump's National Security Council, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and State Department Counsellor Ulrich Brechbuhl. Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, will comply with a subpoena and testify on Thursday, his lawyers said, despite the White House policy against cooperation. But Sondland is not yet authorized to release documents the committees have sought, his lawyers said.

Former US ambassador to Ukraine tells impeachment inquiry Trump ousted her based on 'false claims'

Battles raged in Syria as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to press on with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/turkish-attack-on-syria-endangers-a-remarkable-democratic-experiment-by-the-kurds-255206">deadly assault against Kurdish forces</a>, while the Pentagon said Friday US troops came under artillery fire from Turkish positions.

Erdogan's pledge to keep up the offensive, which the UN says has displaced more than 100,000 people since it began on Wednesday, came as the US Treasury warned President Donald Trump was planning to activate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-intensifies-syria-campaign-washington-warns-of-serious-consequences-255344">"very powerful" sanctions</a> on Ankara.

Trump, whose order to pull back US troops from the border this week effectively triggered the intervention, has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to give a green light to the push.

Turkey is targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group.

A Pentagon spokesman confirmed an explosion within a few hundred meters of its post close to the northern Syrian border, in an area "known by the Turks to have US forces present".

"All US troops are accounted for with no injuries," Navy Captain Brook DeWalt said in a statement. US forces had not withdrawn from their position near the town of Kobani, he said.

"The US demands that Turkey avoid actions that could result in immediate defensive action," warned DeWalt.

Earlier Friday, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper "strongly encouraged" Turkey to halt its offensive as a prelude to such negotiations, warning of "serious consequences".

But Erdogan vowed the assault "will not stop".

"Now there are threats coming from left and right, telling us to stop this," he said. "We will not step back."

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Trump had authorized -- but not yet activated -- new sanctions to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action.

"We can shut down the Turkish economy if we need to," he said.

'Heavy fighting'

Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria has been met with international condemnation over what many see as the blatant US betrayal of the Kurdish forces, who have lost 11,000 fighters in the campaign against IS.

As the offensive went into its third day, the SDF were fending for themselves, trying to repulse multiple ground attacks along a roughly 120-kilometre (75-mile) stretch of the border.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said the Turkish forces and their Syrian proxies -- mostly Sunni Arab ex-rebels -- were launching airstrikes, heavy artillery and rocket fire.

In Al-Hol, a camp holding relatives of IS suspects that lies outside the area targeted by Turkey, women started riots Friday that Kurdish forces swiftly put down.

Watch video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-turkish-soldier-killed-in-syria-operation-255196/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The risk that thousands of the jihadists they still hold could break free on the back of the Turkish assault could yet spur the international community into action.</div>

However Russia and China on Friday blocked a UN Security Council statement drafted by Washington calling on Turkey to halt its offensive, diplomats told AFP.

Exodus

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said four civilians were killed in Tal Abyad when an airstrike hit the car in which they were fleeing the fighting, while another three were shot dead by snipers around the border town.

That brings the civilian death toll to 17 on the Syrian side, while 17 have also been killed in Turkey.

According to the monitor, 54 SDF fighters have also been killed while Turkey has reported the deaths of four soldiers.

Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and other border towns between them have been almost emptied in a huge wave of displacement.

Most of those fleeing were heading east towards the city of Hasakeh, which has not been targeted by Turkey.

"What does Erdogan want from us?" asked one woman, as she and her family settled into a school being used as an emergency shelter. "Is it all simply because we are Kurds?"

Erdogan hopes to create a buffer zone between the border and territory controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces, who have links with Turkey's own Kurdish rebels.

He also plans to use the strip, which he envisions will be about 30 kilometres deep, as an area in which to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees who live on Turkish soil.

Ceasefire?

Aid groups have warned of yet another humanitarian disaster in Syria's eight-year-old war if the offensive is not stopped.

France, a key partner in the US-led anti-IS coalition, has threatened sanctions against NATO member Turkey.

French leader Emmanuel Macron said the Turkish offensive must stop "as soon as possible" in a phone conversation with Trump on Friday, the presidency said.

Turkey is still far from having reached the goals of its military invasion but the risk appears to be growing that detained IS fighters could break free.

Kurdish officials said five IS prisoners managed to escape from a Qamishli facility housing mostly foreign jihadists after shelling struck nearby.

A car bomb claimed by IS also went off Friday in Qamishli, one of the main towns in the Kurdish region, killing at least six people, officials and the Observatory said.

The Kurdish administration says some 12,000 men are held in seven detention centres across Kurdish-controlled areas.

The US says it has already plucked two of the most high-profile IS jihadists to have been captured and spirited them out of Syria.

Battles raged in Syria as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to press on with a deadly assault against Kurdish forces, while the Pentagon said Friday US troops came under artillery fire from Turkish positions.

Battles raged in Syria as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to press on with a deadly assault against Kurdish forces, while the Pentagon said Friday US troops came under artillery fire from Turkish positions. Erdogan's pledge to keep up the offensive, which the UN says has displaced more than 100,000 people since it began on Wednesday, came as the US Treasury warned President Donald Trump was planning to activate "very powerful" sanctions on Ankara. Trump, whose order to pull back US troops from the border this week effectively triggered the intervention, has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to give a green light to the push. Turkey is targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed an explosion within a few hundred meters of its post close to the northern Syrian border, in an area "known by the Turks to have US forces present". "All US troops are accounted for with no injuries," Navy Captain Brook DeWalt said in a statement. US forces had not withdrawn from their position near the town of Kobani, he said. "The US demands that Turkey avoid actions that could result in immediate defensive action," warned DeWalt. Earlier Friday, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper "strongly encouraged" Turkey to halt its offensive as a prelude to such negotiations, warning of "serious consequences". But Erdogan vowed the assault "will not stop". "Now there are threats coming from left and right, telling us to stop this," he said. "We will not step back." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Trump had authorized -- but not yet activated -- new sanctions to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action. "We can shut down the Turkish economy if we need to," he said. 'Heavy fighting' Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria has been met with international condemnation over what many see as the blatant US betrayal of the Kurdish forces, who have lost 11,000 fighters in the campaign against IS. As the offensive went into its third day, the SDF were fending for themselves, trying to repulse multiple ground attacks along a roughly 120-kilometre (75-mile) stretch of the border. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said the Turkish forces and their Syrian proxies -- mostly Sunni Arab ex-rebels -- were launching airstrikes, heavy artillery and rocket fire. In Al-Hol, a camp holding relatives of IS suspects that lies outside the area targeted by Turkey, women started riots Friday that Kurdish forces swiftly put down. Watch video: The risk that thousands of the jihadists they still hold could break free on the back of the Turkish assault could yet spur the international community into action. However Russia and China on Friday blocked a UN Security Council statement drafted by Washington calling on Turkey to halt its offensive, diplomats told AFP. Exodus The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said four civilians were killed in Tal Abyad when an airstrike hit the car in which they were fleeing the fighting, while another three were shot dead by snipers around the border town. That brings the civilian death toll to 17 on the Syrian side, while 17 have also been killed in Turkey. According to the monitor, 54 SDF fighters have also been killed while Turkey has reported the deaths of four soldiers. Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad and other border towns between them have been almost emptied in a huge wave of displacement. Most of those fleeing were heading east towards the city of Hasakeh, which has not been targeted by Turkey. "What does Erdogan want from us?" asked one woman, as she and her family settled into a school being used as an emergency shelter. "Is it all simply because we are Kurds?" Erdogan hopes to create a buffer zone between the border and territory controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces, who have links with Turkey's own Kurdish rebels. He also plans to use the strip, which he envisions will be about 30 kilometres deep, as an area in which to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees who live on Turkish soil. Ceasefire? Aid groups have warned of yet another humanitarian disaster in Syria's eight-year-old war if the offensive is not stopped. France, a key partner in the US-led anti-IS coalition, has threatened sanctions against NATO member Turkey. French leader Emmanuel Macron said the Turkish offensive must stop "as soon as possible" in a phone conversation with Trump on Friday, the presidency said. Turkey is still far from having reached the goals of its military invasion but the risk appears to be growing that detained IS fighters could break free. Kurdish officials said five IS prisoners managed to escape from a Qamishli facility housing mostly foreign jihadists after shelling struck nearby. A car bomb claimed by IS also went off Friday in Qamishli, one of the main towns in the Kurdish region, killing at least six people, officials and the Observatory said. The Kurdish administration says some 12,000 men are held in seven detention centres across Kurdish-controlled areas. The US says it has already plucked two of the most high-profile IS jihadists to have been captured and spirited them out of Syria.

Turkey vows to keep up Syria assault as US says troops came under fire

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-grand-prix-cancelled-as-typhoon-hagibis-bears-down-on-suzuka-circuit-255084">disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix</a> and rugby's World Cup.

Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages.

The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety.

Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days.

Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts.

Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired.

Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned.

The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt.

Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon.

It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya.

Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites.

Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning.

Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down.

Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven &amp; I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo.

Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories.

Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup. Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages. The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. "The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety. Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days. Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts. Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired. Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned. The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt. Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon. It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites. Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning. Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down. Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven & I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories. Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said. Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

Japan's capital braces for what could be worst typhoon in 60 years

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