As Europe continues to grapple with a winter surge of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-claims-he-is-doing-well-from-covid-19-and-concentrating-on-brexit-350846">virus</a>, the Austrian government said the country will enter its third lockdown on December 26 post-Christmas.

Watch:

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Austria recently ended its second lockdown this year as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-the-end-of-coronavirus-us-vice-president-mike-pence-receives-vaccine-jab-350801">virus</a> cases subsided but the government wants the daily cases to go down further from the 2,000 to 3,000 level currently.&nbsp;

The government has stressed on greater testing this time and declared that for the first three weeks of the lockdown, non-essential stores will be closed and from January 18, stores and restaurants will open again for those who have tested negative.

European government are fearful of a greater surge post-Christmas if families get together in large number, as a result, several countries including France, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark they have imposed strict lockdown conditions, curfews and other restrictions.

Meanwhile, Sweden which had resisted tough measures in the initial months in March to June has recommended its citizens to wear masks in public transport during peak times with restrictions on gathering in restaurants and shutting alcohol sale after 8pm.&nbsp;

The death toll due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-priti-patel-accuses-tory-mp-of-covid-19-lockdown-breach-350748">virus</a> in the country has now reached 7,993 with over 500 people in the last week and nearly 2,000 since the beginning of November.

Carl XVI Gustaf, whose son and daughter-in-law tested positive last month told a television channel, "We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible. That is something that brings us all suffering, I believe we have failed."

In Spain which was one of the countries in Europe to be hardest-hit by the pandemic over 48,700 people have died due to the virus with the death toll climbing by 181 on Thursday with daily infections surging since last week as &nbsp;Health Minister Salvador Illa warned that the country could be facing a third wave if adequate measures are not taken. 
&nbsp;

As Europe continues to grapple with a winter surge of the virus, the Austrian government said the country will enter its third lockdown on December 26 post-Christmas.

As Europe continues to grapple with a winter surge of the virus, the Austrian government said the country will enter its third lockdown on December 26 post-Christmas. Watch: Austria recently ended its second lockdown this year as virus cases subsided but the government wants the daily cases to go down further from the 2,000 to 3,000 level currently. The government has stressed on greater testing this time and declared that for the first three weeks of the lockdown, non-essential stores will be closed and from January 18, stores and restaurants will open again for those who have tested negative. European government are fearful of a greater surge post-Christmas if families get together in large number, as a result, several countries including France, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark they have imposed strict lockdown conditions, curfews and other restrictions. Meanwhile, Sweden which had resisted tough measures in the initial months in March to June has recommended its citizens to wear masks in public transport during peak times with restrictions on gathering in restaurants and shutting alcohol sale after 8pm. The death toll due to the virus in the country has now reached 7,993 with over 500 people in the last week and nearly 2,000 since the beginning of November. Carl XVI Gustaf, whose son and daughter-in-law tested positive last month told a television channel, "We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible. That is something that brings us all suffering, I believe we have failed." In Spain which was one of the countries in Europe to be hardest-hit by the pandemic over 48,700 people have died due to the virus with the death toll climbing by 181 on Thursday with daily infections surging since last week as Health Minister Salvador Illa warned that the country could be facing a third wave if adequate measures are not taken.

Austria set to enter third virus lockdown as European nations fear big COVID-19 surge

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE.

Qureshi at a press conference said: "I have learnt through our intelligence sources, they have picked up this information that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan. This is a serious development and I also have knowledge that they have tried to seek approval from important players who they consider to be their partners."

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane had travelled to Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier this month.

Qureshi met UAE's foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan on Thursday and the Pakistan foreign minister discussed Kashmir during the meeting. Reports say Qureshi once again peddled lies about human rights in Kashmir.

The Emirates has halted the issuance of new visas to Pak citizens over security concerns which is a massive setback for Pakistan's struggling economy since foreign remittances from expats in the UAE are life-savers for Islamabad.

The Sheikhdom has cut Pakistan's lifeline and the visa issue is yet to be resolved.

Meanwhile back in Pakistan, Imran Khan is now cracking down on the Pashtuns. The Peshawar police have arrested Muhammad Ali Wazir and several other leaders of the "Pashtun Tahafuz movement". They have been accused of severe criminal offence making derogatory statements against the Pakistan government.

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE.

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE. Qureshi at a press conference said: "I have learnt through our intelligence sources, they have picked up this information that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan. This is a serious development and I also have knowledge that they have tried to seek approval from important players who they consider to be their partners." Indian Army chief General MM Naravane had travelled to Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier this month. Qureshi met UAE's foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan on Thursday and the Pakistan foreign minister discussed Kashmir during the meeting. Reports say Qureshi once again peddled lies about human rights in Kashmir. The Emirates has halted the issuance of new visas to Pak citizens over security concerns which is a massive setback for Pakistan's struggling economy since foreign remittances from expats in the UAE are life-savers for Islamabad. The Sheikhdom has cut Pakistan's lifeline and the visa issue is yet to be resolved. Meanwhile back in Pakistan, Imran Khan is now cracking down on the Pashtuns. The Peshawar police have arrested Muhammad Ali Wazir and several other leaders of the "Pashtun Tahafuz movement". They have been accused of severe criminal offence making derogatory statements against the Pakistan government.

India planning surgical strike against Pakistan, says foreign minister Qureshi

India-China standoff: Satellite image of winter at Galwan Valley emerges

US Vice President Mike Pence took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine while asserting that, "this week will be beginning of the end of the coronavirus."

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"I didn't feel a thing," Pence said, adding,"The first coronavirus vaccine is being administered across the US, it's a miracle, miracle...make no mistake about it."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-nurse-passes-out-after-getting-pfizer-biontechs-covid-19-vaccine-350712">Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine</a>

President-elect Joe Biden, 78, said he will take a vaccine shot soon.

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Meanwhile, President Trump said that Moderna vaccine has been "overwhelmingly approved" and&nbsp;"distribution" will start immediately.

However, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) is yet to grant Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) which it is expected to give any day. The FDA last week had granted Pfizer-BioNTech EUA as US authorities began administering the vaccine.

The US is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 17.2 million infection cases and 310,792 deaths which is the highest in the world.

The FDA advisory committee voted 20 in favour with one abstention. The committee felt the benefits of the vaccine outweighs&nbsp;risks in people aged over 18. Reports say the FDA will likely approve the vaccine latest by Friday.

The FDA committee found that there is "no specific safety concerns identified" although reports said there should be a warning label on potential "allergic" reactions.

US Vice President Mike Pence took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine while asserting that, "this week will be beginning of the end of the coronavirus.

US Vice President Mike Pence took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine while asserting that, "this week will be beginning of the end of the coronavirus." Watch: "I didn't feel a thing," Pence said, adding,"The first coronavirus vaccine is being administered across the US, it's a miracle, miracle...make no mistake about it." Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine President-elect Joe Biden, 78, said he will take a vaccine shot soon. Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved. Distribution to start immediately. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2020 × Meanwhile, President Trump said that Moderna vaccine has been "overwhelmingly approved" and "distribution" will start immediately. However, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) is yet to grant Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) which it is expected to give any day. The FDA last week had granted Pfizer-BioNTech EUA as US authorities began administering the vaccine. The US is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 17.2 million infection cases and 310,792 deaths which is the highest in the world. The FDA advisory committee voted 20 in favour with one abstention. The committee felt the benefits of the vaccine outweighs risks in people aged over 18. Reports say the FDA will likely approve the vaccine latest by Friday. The FDA committee found that there is "no specific safety concerns identified" although reports said there should be a warning label on potential "allergic" reactions.

'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab

The US Department of Energy said today said the security functions at the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) was "not impacted"&nbsp;after confirming that it "found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the Department."

Watch:

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The National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) manages the US nuclear stockpile.

On Monday, reports said that the US Department of Homeland Security(DHS) was targeted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-medicines-agency-hacking-pfizer-biontech-confirm-vaccine-documents-unlawfully-accessed-348845">hackers</a>, however, the DHS denied the report. It had however added that "it was aware of cyber breaches across the federal government and working closely with our partners in the public and private sector on the federal response."

The DHS said hackers reportedly broke into SolarWinds Orion IT products following a recent update as they gained access to internal communications. CISA Acting Director Brandon Wales said: "We urge all our partners -- in the public and private sectors -- to assess their exposure to this compromise and to secure their networks."

The DOE meanwhile confirmed that it was attacked in hacks of SolarWinds software. The federal agency said it was investigating a suspected Russian link. The DOE said that systems at the Commerce Department and Treasury Department have also been breached.

In a joint statement, FBI, Cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency(CISA) and Office of the Director of National Intelligence said it was "investigating and gathering intelligence in order to attribute, pursue, and disrupt the responsible threat actors."

"CISA took immediate action and issued an Emergency Directive instructing federal civilian agencies to immediately disconnect or power down affected SolarWinds Orion products from their network," it added.

"This is a developing situation, and while we continue to work to understand the full extent of this campaign, we know this compromise has affected networks within the federal government," the statement added.

SolarWinds had earlier admitted that hackers had exploited a backdoor in an update of some of its software released between March and June. &nbsp;

The US Department of Energy said today said the security functions at the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) was "not impacted" after confirming that it "found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the Department.

The US Department of Energy said today said the security functions at the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) was "not impacted" after confirming that it "found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the Department." Watch: The National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) manages the US nuclear stockpile. On Monday, reports said that the US Department of Homeland Security(DHS) was targeted by hackers, however, the DHS denied the report. It had however added that "it was aware of cyber breaches across the federal government and working closely with our partners in the public and private sector on the federal response." The DHS said hackers reportedly broke into SolarWinds Orion IT products following a recent update as they gained access to internal communications. CISA Acting Director Brandon Wales said: "We urge all our partners -- in the public and private sectors -- to assess their exposure to this compromise and to secure their networks." The DOE meanwhile confirmed that it was attacked in hacks of SolarWinds software. The federal agency said it was investigating a suspected Russian link. The DOE said that systems at the Commerce Department and Treasury Department have also been breached. In a joint statement, FBI, Cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency(CISA) and Office of the Director of National Intelligence said it was "investigating and gathering intelligence in order to attribute, pursue, and disrupt the responsible threat actors." "CISA took immediate action and issued an Emergency Directive instructing federal civilian agencies to immediately disconnect or power down affected SolarWinds Orion products from their network," it added. "This is a developing situation, and while we continue to work to understand the full extent of this campaign, we know this compromise has affected networks within the federal government," the statement added. SolarWinds had earlier admitted that hackers had exploited a backdoor in an update of some of its software released between March and June.

Russia link? US Department of Energy targeted, nuclear security 'not impacted'

SolarWinds compromised: How hackers attacked software used by US government departments

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam.

Africa has now become the new jihadist battleground and has been attracting jihadists like never before. In 2010, Boko Haram declared jihad. In the last few years, the Islamic State has moved its operations from Syria and Iraq to the west and east Africa.

al Qaeda has reportedly moved base again from Afghanistan back to Africa.

The jihadist battleground has moved from West Asia to Africa with the battle in Africa quite complex because jihadist groups aren't just fighting each other, they have also been fighting African governments and waging war on the people of Africa which means terror, radicalisation and poverty.

In the last few months, there have been fatal attacks in Dr Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Mozambique and Niger. There is still no information about the schoolgirls who were kidnapped in 2014 and now 300 schoolboys have been taken recently in Nigeria.

As far as radicalisation is concerned, be it the Islamic State, or al Qaeda or Boko Haram, they will all be looking to recruit young people to radicalise the youth and train new jihadists while the Islamic State's graphic beheading videos have become a nightmare.

Jihadist groups have also been looking to recruit youth who have lost hope in their governments and administration and this is where Africa has become the ideal hunting ground.

The continent is laden with poverty, corruption and under-employment with one in three Africans living below the global poverty line which is 422 million people. The youth make up 60 per cent of Africa's unemployed population.

The people of Africa are extremely vulnerable and terror groups have been looking to exploit this vulnerability. Almost 20,000 youth from Tunisia had joined the Islamic State in Syria.&nbsp;Now the ISIS is in Africa.

Terror groups target foreigners namely Europeans and Americans and execute some of them while releasing others. The ransom amount being $120 million according to a report even as Africa stands to lose out on development.

UN peacekeeping forces are already stationed in Africa, however, increased militarisation means added restrictions - Afghanistan is proof that this story doesn't have a happy ending.

It's a vicious cycle - terror, militarisation, human rights problems, radicalisation and back to terror. Africa will have to make a concerted effort to avoid this fate.

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam.

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam. Africa has now become the new jihadist battleground and has been attracting jihadists like never before. In 2010, Boko Haram declared jihad. In the last few years, the Islamic State has moved its operations from Syria and Iraq to the west and east Africa. al Qaeda has reportedly moved base again from Afghanistan back to Africa. The jihadist battleground has moved from West Asia to Africa with the battle in Africa quite complex because jihadist groups aren't just fighting each other, they have also been fighting African governments and waging war on the people of Africa which means terror, radicalisation and poverty. In the last few months, there have been fatal attacks in Dr Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Mozambique and Niger. There is still no information about the schoolgirls who were kidnapped in 2014 and now 300 schoolboys have been taken recently in Nigeria. As far as radicalisation is concerned, be it the Islamic State, or al Qaeda or Boko Haram, they will all be looking to recruit young people to radicalise the youth and train new jihadists while the Islamic State's graphic beheading videos have become a nightmare. Jihadist groups have also been looking to recruit youth who have lost hope in their governments and administration and this is where Africa has become the ideal hunting ground. The continent is laden with poverty, corruption and under-employment with one in three Africans living below the global poverty line which is 422 million people. The youth make up 60 per cent of Africa's unemployed population. The people of Africa are extremely vulnerable and terror groups have been looking to exploit this vulnerability. Almost 20,000 youth from Tunisia had joined the Islamic State in Syria. Now the ISIS is in Africa. Terror groups target foreigners namely Europeans and Americans and execute some of them while releasing others. The ransom amount being $120 million according to a report even as Africa stands to lose out on development. UN peacekeeping forces are already stationed in Africa, however, increased militarisation means added restrictions - Afghanistan is proof that this story doesn't have a happy ending. It's a vicious cycle - terror, militarisation, human rights problems, radicalisation and back to terror. Africa will have to make a concerted effort to avoid this fate.

Why Africa has become the new jihadist battleground

A terror outfit raided a school and kidnapped more than 300 students in Nigeria and the boys remain missing for close to a week with the parents left in agony and tears.

It is manufactured victimhood, if it had happened in any other part of the world especially in modern developed society the kidnappings would have become an international crisis.

However, the world is busy with other things.

There have been a few obligatory statements - a few tweets on how saddening the situation is and a few articles on the sequence of events.

The Nigerian government has been missing in action. The government of Muhammadu Buhari has been dragging its feet as 300 schoolboys remain in danger. The fear of parents is not unfounded. The kidnapping is not an isolated incident. In the last 6 years, Boko Haram has carried out more than 15 mass-scale abductions.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and one of the continent's leading economic powers. It is divided into 36 states and a federal capital territory - Abuja. There are at least 250 ethnic groups.&nbsp;

The population has been split between the poverty-stricken north which is mainly Muslim and the largely Christian south which is home to Nigeria's oil industry since the early 2000s, the north has been blighted by a violent rebellion waged by the Jihadist terror outfit - Boko Haram.

The insurgency has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. It has claimed 36,000 lives and displaced more than 2 million people. The Boko Haram was founded in Nigeria's Borno state by self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf.

The name "Boko Haram" translates to "western education is sinful" with this motto the outfit promotes a radical version of Islam - a version which makes it "haram" forbidden for Muslims to engage in any activity associated with the western way of life - it includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers and above all receiving a secular education.

The Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers. It is regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not. The terror group's sole aim is to establish an Islamic Caliphate run by Sharia laws and oppose the westernisation of Nigerian society.

In 2014, the group kidnapped 276 female students from their boarding school in the state of Chibok. The kidnappings sparked international outrage and resulted in the 2015 defeat of president Jonathan.

The new President Muhammadu Buhari rose to power with a promise to end the insurgency which is far from being fulfilled. Within two years of Buhari's rule, the Boko Haram carried out another mass-scale kidnapping.

In 2018, it abducted more than 110 schoolgirls in the north-east state of Dapchi. The fate of many of the girls remains unknown to this day.

“It’s been years since she’s been in captivity... I have been begging the government not to forget the promises they made to us," Rebecca Sharibu, Leah Sharibu’s mother, said.

Now, more than 300 schoolboys have been kidnapped in Muhammadu Buhari's home state Katsina.&nbsp;

The Nigerian government has once again been caught off-guard. Abuja says it knows where the boys are and is negotiating with the Boko Haram but it hasn't been able to rescue a single student in the last seven days.

A terror outfit raided a school and kidnapped more than 300 students in Nigeria and the boys remain missing for close to a week with the parents left in agony and tears.

A terror outfit raided a school and kidnapped more than 300 students in Nigeria and the boys remain missing for close to a week with the parents left in agony and tears. It is manufactured victimhood, if it had happened in any other part of the world especially in modern developed society the kidnappings would have become an international crisis. However, the world is busy with other things. There have been a few obligatory statements - a few tweets on how saddening the situation is and a few articles on the sequence of events. The Nigerian government has been missing in action. The government of Muhammadu Buhari has been dragging its feet as 300 schoolboys remain in danger. The fear of parents is not unfounded. The kidnapping is not an isolated incident. In the last 6 years, Boko Haram has carried out more than 15 mass-scale abductions. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and one of the continent's leading economic powers. It is divided into 36 states and a federal capital territory - Abuja. There are at least 250 ethnic groups. The population has been split between the poverty-stricken north which is mainly Muslim and the largely Christian south which is home to Nigeria's oil industry since the early 2000s, the north has been blighted by a violent rebellion waged by the Jihadist terror outfit - Boko Haram. The insurgency has developed into the world's most brutal conflicts. It has claimed 36,000 lives and displaced more than 2 million people. The Boko Haram was founded in Nigeria's Borno state by self-educated preacher Mohammed Yusuf. The name "Boko Haram" translates to "western education is sinful" with this motto the outfit promotes a radical version of Islam - a version which makes it "haram" forbidden for Muslims to engage in any activity associated with the western way of life - it includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers and above all receiving a secular education. The Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers. It is regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not. The terror group's sole aim is to establish an Islamic Caliphate run by Sharia laws and oppose the westernisation of Nigerian society. In 2014, the group kidnapped 276 female students from their boarding school in the state of Chibok. The kidnappings sparked international outrage and resulted in the 2015 defeat of president Jonathan. The new President Muhammadu Buhari rose to power with a promise to end the insurgency which is far from being fulfilled. Within two years of Buhari's rule, the Boko Haram carried out another mass-scale kidnapping. In 2018, it abducted more than 110 schoolgirls in the north-east state of Dapchi. The fate of many of the girls remains unknown to this day. “It’s been years since she’s been in captivity... I have been begging the government not to forget the promises they made to us," Rebecca Sharibu, Leah Sharibu’s mother, said. Now, more than 300 schoolboys have been kidnapped in Muhammadu Buhari's home state Katsina. The Nigerian government has once again been caught off-guard. Abuja says it knows where the boys are and is negotiating with the Boko Haram but it hasn't been able to rescue a single student in the last seven days.

Nigerian government powerless as Boko Haram terror grows

More than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria six days ago and they haven't returned home.

Now, their abductors have now released a video. The boys had gone to school and they haven't returned home since last Friday. Their families have been living their worst nightmare.

There were 333 boys abducted from school in broad daylight even as 17 have been rescued. Two boys have died and with each passing day the chances of survival and return for the rest has been dimming rapidly.

It is the world's biggest such kidnapping. However, it has happened in Nigeria earlier. In 2014, 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped and more than 100 haven't returned yet. Now, six years later more than 300 boys have been taken with both kidnappings carried out by the same group - Boko Haram.

Boko Haram has killed more than 57,000 people in the last 10 years. The Islamist insurgency has displaced 2.5 million people and it poses a threat, not just to Nigeria, but to the world but the world is paying scant attention to the impending crisis. Children have been terrorised for going to school which is the safest place for a child after their home.

In Nigeria going to school means risking your life.

The kidnappings took place in Katsina, northwest Nigeria. The students were in class when terrorists stormed the premises and opened fire. When the students heard the shots they jumped out of windows to escape, some were successful but many were not as over 300 boys could not escape and were abducted, split into groups and taken away.

Usama Aminu was one of those who made it. The boy suffers from sickle cell anaemia despite his condition he somehow managed to escape after hiding inside a mosque. Usama was discovered by locals and rescued.

"We walked through the night in the bush and at sunrise they found a place and asked us to sit down. When the bandits heard the sound of the helicopter hovering above they asked us to lay down under the large trees with our face to the ground, Usama said, adding,"we came across young boys that are not as old as the ones that came to kidnap us from the school, boys in their teens armed with guns in the bush, some are younger than us."

"We had been walking for so long and I was already exhausted. I am a sickle cell patient so I had to hold my friends shoulder, one to my right, the other on the left, before I could continue the treacherous walk in the bush as the bandits continue to flog people from the back so that they can move faster," he added.

Some kidnappers were younger than the students they kidnapped younger than Usama Aminu who is only 17-years-old. There were several teenagers-turned-terrorists who were out to abduct school boys. They were reportedly more than 100 who stormed the school last Friday.

It is still not clear how many boys were taken away even as officials say there were more than 300 but the residents in Kankara claim more than 500 students are missing. Many of the families fear the worse. They have been going to school everyday hoping for some news but they haven't got any answers.

"There's no way I can measure my anger now, this is the fourth day we come here in the morning to the school, we don't leave until 6pm. No woman wants to be outside at this hour but we cannot sleep, we cannot eat because of our missing children. When we see security men moving back and forth, it gives us hope of finding our children," Marwa Hamza Kankara, parent of the missing boy, said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's security forces have launched an operation but, they haven't met with any success as Jihadist group Boko haram has been expanding moving beyond its traditional stronghold in north-east Nigeria.

(Story: Phil Ihaza, WION correspondent in Abuja)

More than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria six days ago and they haven't returned home. Now, their abductors have now released a video.

More than 300 schoolboys were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria six days ago and they haven't returned home. Now, their abductors have now released a video. The boys had gone to school and they haven't returned home since last Friday. Their families have been living their worst nightmare. There were 333 boys abducted from school in broad daylight even as 17 have been rescued. Two boys have died and with each passing day the chances of survival and return for the rest has been dimming rapidly. It is the world's biggest such kidnapping. However, it has happened in Nigeria earlier. In 2014, 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped and more than 100 haven't returned yet. Now, six years later more than 300 boys have been taken with both kidnappings carried out by the same group - Boko Haram. Boko Haram has killed more than 57,000 people in the last 10 years. The Islamist insurgency has displaced 2.5 million people and it poses a threat, not just to Nigeria, but to the world but the world is paying scant attention to the impending crisis. Children have been terrorised for going to school which is the safest place for a child after their home. In Nigeria going to school means risking your life. The kidnappings took place in Katsina, northwest Nigeria. The students were in class when terrorists stormed the premises and opened fire. When the students heard the shots they jumped out of windows to escape, some were successful but many were not as over 300 boys could not escape and were abducted, split into groups and taken away. Usama Aminu was one of those who made it. The boy suffers from sickle cell anaemia despite his condition he somehow managed to escape after hiding inside a mosque. Usama was discovered by locals and rescued. "We walked through the night in the bush and at sunrise they found a place and asked us to sit down. When the bandits heard the sound of the helicopter hovering above they asked us to lay down under the large trees with our face to the ground, Usama said, adding,"we came across young boys that are not as old as the ones that came to kidnap us from the school, boys in their teens armed with guns in the bush, some are younger than us." "We had been walking for so long and I was already exhausted. I am a sickle cell patient so I had to hold my friends shoulder, one to my right, the other on the left, before I could continue the treacherous walk in the bush as the bandits continue to flog people from the back so that they can move faster," he added. Some kidnappers were younger than the students they kidnapped younger than Usama Aminu who is only 17-years-old. There were several teenagers-turned-terrorists who were out to abduct school boys. They were reportedly more than 100 who stormed the school last Friday. It is still not clear how many boys were taken away even as officials say there were more than 300 but the residents in Kankara claim more than 500 students are missing. Many of the families fear the worse. They have been going to school everyday hoping for some news but they haven't got any answers. "There's no way I can measure my anger now, this is the fourth day we come here in the morning to the school, we don't leave until 6pm. No woman wants to be outside at this hour but we cannot sleep, we cannot eat because of our missing children. When we see security men moving back and forth, it gives us hope of finding our children," Marwa Hamza Kankara, parent of the missing boy, said. Meanwhile, Nigeria's security forces have launched an operation but, they haven't met with any success as Jihadist group Boko haram has been expanding moving beyond its traditional stronghold in north-east Nigeria. (Story: Phil Ihaza, WION correspondent in Abuja)

Terror group Boko Haram's teenagers abduct school boys in Nigeria

Just hours after French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">Macron</a> tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-placed-in-quarantine-after-contact-with-emmanuel-macron-350505">Sanchez</a> went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-covid-19-350463/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The French president had attended an EU summit in Brussels last week and had gone to the Paris conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also went into self-isolation including top French officials as Macron,42, went into self-isolation himself with his government informing that the French president will be working remotely.

Macron cancelled a scheduled trip to Lebanon after testing positive for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/conspiracy-crackdown-twitter-to-scrub-posts-claiming-covid-19-vaccines-cause-harm-350494"> virus</a>.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after being in contact with Macron. France has been battling the virus with 59,300 fatalities recorded so far even as the country recorded 17,000 new cases on Wednesday.

The country recorded 2,713 deaths in the last seven days which is one of the highest in Europe.

Macron's infection comes as France imposed overnight curfew from 8:00 pm and closed restaurants, cafes, theatres and cinemas to combat the virus. Europe has once again become the epicentre of the virus with &nbsp;243,000 new daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-moment-covid-19-vaccination-to-begin-on-december-27-across-eu-350502">COVID-19</a> average infection cases.

Amid the surge in virus cases, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-silver-bullet-who-calls-for-greater-vigilance-of-covid-19-vaccine-350431">WHO</a> on Wednesday had warned that there is a high risk of a resurgence of the virus in 2021 after Christmas and New Years.&nbsp;

The virus has claimed over 1.6 million lives so far with over 74 million infection cases recorded worldwide.

Just hours after French President Macron tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus.

Just hours after French President Macron tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus. Watch: The French president had attended an EU summit in Brussels last week and had gone to the Paris conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also went into self-isolation including top French officials as Macron,42, went into self-isolation himself with his government informing that the French president will be working remotely. Macron cancelled a scheduled trip to Lebanon after testing positive for the virus. French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after being in contact with Macron. France has been battling the virus with 59,300 fatalities recorded so far even as the country recorded 17,000 new cases on Wednesday. The country recorded 2,713 deaths in the last seven days which is one of the highest in Europe. Macron's infection comes as France imposed overnight curfew from 8:00 pm and closed restaurants, cafes, theatres and cinemas to combat the virus. Europe has once again become the epicentre of the virus with 243,000 new daily COVID-19 average infection cases. Amid the surge in virus cases, the WHO on Wednesday had warned that there is a high risk of a resurgence of the virus in 2021 after Christmas and New Years. The virus has claimed over 1.6 million lives so far with over 74 million infection cases recorded worldwide.

European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive

U-2 Dragon Lady: How US Air Force intends to use AI-powered aircraft in future air wars

Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-doesnt-need-to-find-a-new-job-he-is-not-going-to-leave-the-scene-putin-350469">Putin</a> while addressing the year-end annual press conference said that opposition leader Navalny's poisoning investigation is "just the legalization of materials provided by US special services."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-get-covid-vaccine-when-possible-for-my-age-group-vladimir-putin-350461/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Don't we know that they track location. Our special services understand and know it well. Our servicemen from FSB and other special agencies know it as well and use cell phones where they think it's not necessary to hide their location," the Russian President told media persons.

"If this is right, and I assure you that this is right, it means that this German hospital's patient relies on the support of US special services."

Navalny had fallen gravely ill during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow and had to be taken to hospital in Siberia where doctors treated him for possible poisoning. The Russian opposition leader was later shifted to a German hospital which concluded that Russians had used the Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent to kill him.

"If this is right, (that Navalny is supported by US special services) then it's interesting and special services have to look after him. But it doesn't mean that it's necessary to poison him, who cares about him? If we wanted, we would have made it done. His wife asked me and I immediately ordered to let him go for treatment to Germany," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-will-get-vaccine-when-possible-wont-comment-on-covid-19-source-350447">Putin </a>said.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier denied that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) had followed and poisoned Navalny.

The European Union(EU) had imposed entry bans and frozen the bank accounts of six Russians suspected of positing Navalny,44, including FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov.

Navalny had earlier urged the EU to put target economic sanctions on the oligarchs surrounding Putin. "The Russian state must be treated like a bunch of criminals who have temporarily seized power," Navalny said as he urged Europe to support the Russian people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing the year-end annual press conference said that opposition leader Navalny's poisoning investigation is "just the legalization of materials provided by US special services.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing the year-end annual press conference said that opposition leader Navalny's poisoning investigation is "just the legalization of materials provided by US special services." Watch: "Don't we know that they track location. Our special services understand and know it well. Our servicemen from FSB and other special agencies know it as well and use cell phones where they think it's not necessary to hide their location," the Russian President told media persons. "If this is right, and I assure you that this is right, it means that this German hospital's patient relies on the support of US special services." Navalny had fallen gravely ill during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow and had to be taken to hospital in Siberia where doctors treated him for possible poisoning. The Russian opposition leader was later shifted to a German hospital which concluded that Russians had used the Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent to kill him. "If this is right, (that Navalny is supported by US special services) then it's interesting and special services have to look after him. But it doesn't mean that it's necessary to poison him, who cares about him? If we wanted, we would have made it done. His wife asked me and I immediately ordered to let him go for treatment to Germany," Putin said. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier denied that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) had followed and poisoned Navalny. The European Union(EU) had imposed entry bans and frozen the bank accounts of six Russians suspected of positing Navalny,44, including FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov. Navalny had earlier urged the EU to put target economic sanctions on the oligarchs surrounding Putin. "The Russian state must be treated like a bunch of criminals who have temporarily seized power," Navalny said as he urged Europe to support the Russian people.

Who cares about him, if we wanted, we would have made it done: Putin on Navalny poisoning

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