Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-will-not-be-given-tariff-wavers-or-relief-for-mac-pro-parts-made-in-china-trump-238701">Mac Pro computer production</a> in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions.

"We want to continue to be here," he told analysts on a post-earnings call, adding that the company is investing in capacity to manufacture $6,000 Mac Pros in the United States.

On July 18, Apple had asked the US Trade Representative's office <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-explores-moving-15-30-of-production-capacity-from-china-to-southeast-asia-report-228703">to waive 25 per cent tariffs </a>on 15 parts, including ones for the Mac Pro desktop computer. The public comment period for those requests closes on August 1.

The Wall Street Journal reported in June that Apple is shifting manufacturing of its new Mac Pro desktop computer to China from Texas.

Last week, US President Donald Trump had said his administration would not grant Apple any relief for tariffs on parts made in China for Mac Pro, later adding that he thought the firm would build a plant in Texas.

Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets.

Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension were undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours.

"We actually grew in mainland China," Cook said, adding,"non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone."

Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones.

Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers.

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep Mac Pro computer production in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions.

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep Mac Pro computer production in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions. "We want to continue to be here," he told analysts on a post-earnings call, adding that the company is investing in capacity to manufacture $6,000 Mac Pros in the United States. On July 18, Apple had asked the US Trade Representative's office to waive 25 per cent tariffs on 15 parts, including ones for the Mac Pro desktop computer. The public comment period for those requests closes on August 1. The Wall Street Journal reported in June that Apple is shifting manufacturing of its new Mac Pro desktop computer to China from Texas. Last week, US President Donald Trump had said his administration would not grant Apple any relief for tariffs on parts made in China for Mac Pro, later adding that he thought the firm would build a plant in Texas. Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets. Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension were undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours. "We actually grew in mainland China," Cook said, adding,"non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone." Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones. Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers.

Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fossils-of-early-giant-dinosaur-discovered-in-argentina-150589">rake-like claws and a head </a>resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth.

Scientists on Tuesday said the creature, called Cambroraster falcatus, was a distant relative of today's arthropods - the diverse group of animals including insects, spiders and crabs - and lived during the Cambrian Period 506 million years ago, when all animal life lived in the oceans.

"Most animals in the Cambrian Period were small, typically a few centimetres long at most. By comparison, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-fossils-point-to-life-on-earth-about-4-billion-years-ago-12941/amp">Cambroraster was a giant</a>, at up to a foot long (30 cm)," said paleontologist Joe Moysiuk of the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto, lead author of the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Cambroraster was excavated in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies from a rock formation known as the Burgess Shale that has yielded fossils of a wondrous array of Cambrian animals. The Cambrian was a time of evolutionary experimentation when nearly all major animal groups first appeared and numerous oddballs came and went.

"With its huge head, small body and upward facing eyes, Cambroraster superficially resembles a horseshoe crab, although in detail they are quite different animals," Moysiuk said. "Just like horseshoe crabs, we think Cambroraster spent its time hanging around near the sea floor, feeding on organisms buried in the mud."

Its large head was covered by a shield-like carapace whose shape reminded the scientists of the Millennium Falcon spaceship of "Star Wars" fame. At the front of its body were two large claws with a succession of parallel outgrowths like a series of rakes, letting it sift through seafloor mud and strain out any prey. Tooth-like plates surrounded its circular mouth. It may have dined upon worms, small fish and larvae.

It belonged to the same group - radiodonts - as the apex predator of the time, called Anomalocaris, a dangerous hunter reaching three feet (one meter) long that may even have targeted Cambroraster.

Radiodonts, among the earliest offshoots of the arthropod lineage, are usually known from fragmentary remains. But the scientists found such a large number of beautifully preserved and complete Cambroraster fossils that they achieved a breakthrough in the understanding of this significant extinct group.

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with rake-like claws and a head resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth.

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with rake-like claws and a head resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth. Scientists on Tuesday said the creature, called Cambroraster falcatus, was a distant relative of today's arthropods - the diverse group of animals including insects, spiders and crabs - and lived during the Cambrian Period 506 million years ago, when all animal life lived in the oceans. "Most animals in the Cambrian Period were small, typically a few centimetres long at most. By comparison, Cambroraster was a giant, at up to a foot long (30 cm)," said paleontologist Joe Moysiuk of the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto, lead author of the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Cambroraster was excavated in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies from a rock formation known as the Burgess Shale that has yielded fossils of a wondrous array of Cambrian animals. The Cambrian was a time of evolutionary experimentation when nearly all major animal groups first appeared and numerous oddballs came and went. "With its huge head, small body and upward facing eyes, Cambroraster superficially resembles a horseshoe crab, although in detail they are quite different animals," Moysiuk said. "Just like horseshoe crabs, we think Cambroraster spent its time hanging around near the sea floor, feeding on organisms buried in the mud." Its large head was covered by a shield-like carapace whose shape reminded the scientists of the Millennium Falcon spaceship of "Star Wars" fame. At the front of its body were two large claws with a succession of parallel outgrowths like a series of rakes, letting it sift through seafloor mud and strain out any prey. Tooth-like plates surrounded its circular mouth. It may have dined upon worms, small fish and larvae. It belonged to the same group - radiodonts - as the apex predator of the time, called Anomalocaris, a dangerous hunter reaching three feet (one meter) long that may even have targeted Cambroraster. Radiodonts, among the earliest offshoots of the arthropod lineage, are usually known from fragmentary remains. But the scientists found such a large number of beautifully preserved and complete Cambroraster fossils that they achieved a breakthrough in the understanding of this significant extinct group.

Fossils of primordial predator unearthed in Canada

Talks between US and Chinese trade officials seeking ways to end a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-begin-amid-trumps-threat-of-tougher-deal-ahead-239601"> year-long trade war</a> lasted barely half a day before ending on Wednesday with a terse response from China's foreign ministry to US President Donald Trump's warning not to stall.

As US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had landed in Shanghai on Tuesday as Trump accused Beijing on Twitter of stalling, and warned of a worse outcome for China if it continued to do so.

"The problem with them waiting ... is that if &amp; when I win, the deal that they get will be much tougher than what we are negotiating now ... or no deal at all," Trump had said on Twitter.

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China is doing very badly, worst year in 27 - was supposed to start buying our agricultural product now - no signs that they are doing so. That is the problem with China, they just don’t come through. Our Economy has become MUCH larger than the Chinese Economy is last 3 years....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1156159999833513984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, responding to a question about those tweets, said she was not aware of the latest developments during talks, but that it was clear it was the United States who continued to "flip flop".

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...to ripoff the USA, even bigger and better than ever before. The problem with them waiting, however, is that if &amp; when I win, the deal that they get will be much tougher than what we are negotiating now...or no deal at all. We have all the cards, our past leaders never got it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1156160014173822977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I believe it doesn't make any sense for the US to exercise its campaign of maximum pressure at this time. It's pointless to tell others to take medication when you're the one who is sick," Hua told a news briefing.

This week's meetings, the first in-person trade talks since a G20 truce last month, amounted to a working dinner on Tuesday at Shanghai's historic riverfront Fairmont Peace Hotel and a half-day of negotiations on Wednesday. Neither team made immediate public comments.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who leads the Chinese delegation, waved off Lighthizer, Mnuchin and other US officials as their motorcade pulled away from Shanghai's Xijiao State Guest Hotel following a group photo session that concluded around 1:45pm(local time), about 30 minutes before it was originally scheduled to begin.

A US government official told Reuters that the US officials were headed to the airport.

The trade war between the world's two largest economies has disrupted global supply chains and shaken financial markets as each side has slapped tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods.

An official Chinese government survey released on Wednesday showed China's factory activity shrank for the third month in a row in July, underlining the growing strains the row has placed on the No. 2 economy.

The Shanghai talks were expected to centre on "goodwill" gestures, such as Chinese commitments to purchase US agricultural commodities and steps by the United States to ease some sanctions on Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a person familiar with the discussions told Reuters earlier.

Those issues are somewhat removed from the more core US complaints in the trade dispute, including Chinese state subsidies, forced technology transfers and intellectual property violations.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in June at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, to restart trade talks that stalled in May, after Washington accused Beijing of reneging on major portions of a draft agreement -- a collapse in the talks that prompted a steep US tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese goods.

The US Commerce Department put Huawei on a national security blacklist in May, effectively banning US firms from selling to Huawei, a move that enraged Chinese officials.

Talks between US and Chinese trade officials seeking ways to end a year-long trade war lasted barely half a day before ending on Wednesday with a terse response from China's foreign ministry to US President Donald Trump's warning not to stall.

Talks between US and Chinese trade officials seeking ways to end a year-long trade war lasted barely half a day before ending on Wednesday with a terse response from China's foreign ministry to US President Donald Trump's warning not to stall. As US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had landed in Shanghai on Tuesday as Trump accused Beijing on Twitter of stalling, and warned of a worse outcome for China if it continued to do so. "The problem with them waiting ... is that if & when I win, the deal that they get will be much tougher than what we are negotiating now ... or no deal at all," Trump had said on Twitter. China is doing very badly, worst year in 27 - was supposed to start buying our agricultural product now - no signs that they are doing so. That is the problem with China, they just don’t come through. Our Economy has become MUCH larger than the Chinese Economy is last 3 years.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2019 × Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, responding to a question about those tweets, said she was not aware of the latest developments during talks, but that it was clear it was the United States who continued to "flip flop". ...to ripoff the USA, even bigger and better than ever before. The problem with them waiting, however, is that if & when I win, the deal that they get will be much tougher than what we are negotiating now...or no deal at all. We have all the cards, our past leaders never got it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2019 × "I believe it doesn't make any sense for the US to exercise its campaign of maximum pressure at this time. It's pointless to tell others to take medication when you're the one who is sick," Hua told a news briefing. This week's meetings, the first in-person trade talks since a G20 truce last month, amounted to a working dinner on Tuesday at Shanghai's historic riverfront Fairmont Peace Hotel and a half-day of negotiations on Wednesday. Neither team made immediate public comments. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who leads the Chinese delegation, waved off Lighthizer, Mnuchin and other US officials as their motorcade pulled away from Shanghai's Xijiao State Guest Hotel following a group photo session that concluded around 1:45pm(local time), about 30 minutes before it was originally scheduled to begin. A US government official told Reuters that the US officials were headed to the airport. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has disrupted global supply chains and shaken financial markets as each side has slapped tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods. An official Chinese government survey released on Wednesday showed China's factory activity shrank for the third month in a row in July, underlining the growing strains the row has placed on the No. 2 economy. The Shanghai talks were expected to centre on "goodwill" gestures, such as Chinese commitments to purchase US agricultural commodities and steps by the United States to ease some sanctions on Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a person familiar with the discussions told Reuters earlier. Those issues are somewhat removed from the more core US complaints in the trade dispute, including Chinese state subsidies, forced technology transfers and intellectual property violations. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in June at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, to restart trade talks that stalled in May, after Washington accused Beijing of reneging on major portions of a draft agreement -- a collapse in the talks that prompted a steep US tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese goods. The US Commerce Department put Huawei on a national security blacklist in May, effectively banning US firms from selling to Huawei, a move that enraged Chinese officials.

No sense for US to exercise maximum pressure, says China as trade meeting ends

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-needs-effective-ways-to-address-young-peoples-concerns-china-239188">blocked train services</a> during the early morning rush hour on Tuesday, causing commuter chaos.&nbsp;

What started three months ago as rallies against an extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial, has now morphed into a wider backlash against the city's government and its political masters in Beijing.

Protests have occurred almost daily, sometimes with little notice, disrupting business, piling pressure on Hong Kong's beleaguered government and stretching the city's police force, which some have accused of using excessive force.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-territory-rocked-by-its-biggest-political-crisis-youth-slams-china-239358/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Activists blocked train doors, playing havoc with services and forcing hundreds of people to stream out of railway stations in search of alternative transport.

"We don't know how long we are going to stay here, we don't have a leader, as you can see this is a mass movement now," said Sharon, a 21-year-old masked protester who declined to give her full name. "It's not our intention to inconvenience people, but we have to make the authorities understand why we protest. We will continue with this as long as need."

Others chanted, "Liberate Hong Kong," and "Revolution of our Time".

By mid-morning commuters were crammed into stations across the city, waiting to board trains that were badly delayed, with no service on some lines.

Rail operator MTR Corp said urged people to seek other forms of transport, while public broadcaster RTHK reported that Transport Secretary Frank Chan had called on protesters to stop targetting a rail network that provided transport to five million people daily.

Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to Communist Party rulers in Beijing.

China on Monday reiterated its support for Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, and its police and urged Hong Kong people to oppose violence.

The latest protest follows a demonstration at the Chinese-ruled city's international airport on Friday and violent protests at the weekend when activists clashed with police who fired rubber bullets, tear gas and sponge grenades - a crowd-control weapon.

Some scuffles broke out between commuters and protesters, who gradually began to disperse, while more police were deployed in train stations, where they stopped protesters to search their bags.

Commuters grew increasingly frustrated over the travel disruption, and shops, including bakeries and convenience stores, had also begun to close.

"It's so inconvenient and annoying, really. I am in hurry to work, to make a living. Will you give away your salary to me?" said a 64-year-old man surnamed Liu.

Others were more supportive, refusing to blame the protesters.

"This non cooperation movement is caused by Carrie Lam. She doesn't cooperate with the people of Hong Kong or respond to their demands," Jason Lo, 31, told Reuters as he waited for a train.

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters blocked train services during the early morning rush hour on Tuesday, causing commuter chaos. What started three months ago as rallies against an extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial, has now morphed into a wider backlash against the city's government and its political masters in Beijing.

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters blocked train services during the early morning rush hour on Tuesday, causing commuter chaos. What started three months ago as rallies against an extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial, has now morphed into a wider backlash against the city's government and its political masters in Beijing. Protests have occurred almost daily, sometimes with little notice, disrupting business, piling pressure on Hong Kong's beleaguered government and stretching the city's police force, which some have accused of using excessive force. Watch Video: Activists blocked train doors, playing havoc with services and forcing hundreds of people to stream out of railway stations in search of alternative transport. "We don't know how long we are going to stay here, we don't have a leader, as you can see this is a mass movement now," said Sharon, a 21-year-old masked protester who declined to give her full name. "It's not our intention to inconvenience people, but we have to make the authorities understand why we protest. We will continue with this as long as need." Others chanted, "Liberate Hong Kong," and "Revolution of our Time". By mid-morning commuters were crammed into stations across the city, waiting to board trains that were badly delayed, with no service on some lines. Rail operator MTR Corp said urged people to seek other forms of transport, while public broadcaster RTHK reported that Transport Secretary Frank Chan had called on protesters to stop targetting a rail network that provided transport to five million people daily. Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to Communist Party rulers in Beijing. China on Monday reiterated its support for Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, and its police and urged Hong Kong people to oppose violence. The latest protest follows a demonstration at the Chinese-ruled city's international airport on Friday and violent protests at the weekend when activists clashed with police who fired rubber bullets, tear gas and sponge grenades - a crowd-control weapon. Some scuffles broke out between commuters and protesters, who gradually began to disperse, while more police were deployed in train stations, where they stopped protesters to search their bags. Commuters grew increasingly frustrated over the travel disruption, and shops, including bakeries and convenience stores, had also begun to close. "It's so inconvenient and annoying, really. I am in hurry to work, to make a living. Will you give away your salary to me?" said a 64-year-old man surnamed Liu. Others were more supportive, refusing to blame the protesters. "This non cooperation movement is caused by Carrie Lam. She doesn't cooperate with the people of Hong Kong or respond to their demands," Jason Lo, 31, told Reuters as he waited for a train.

Protesters block train services in Hong Kong causing commuter chaos

At least 3,812 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against Islamist militant groups, including a large increase in the number of casualties caused by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">government and NATO-led troops</a>, a UN&nbsp;report said on Tuesday.

The latest casualty figures were released as talks between the Taliban and U.S officials to end the 18-year Afghan war entered an important stage, with US&nbsp;negotiators aiming to reach a peace deal before Septemper&nbsp;1.

However, the war has raged on despite such diplomatic efforts, forcing civilians to live under the constant threat of being targeted by militants or being caught up in ground fighting, or becoming inadvertent victims of air strikes by Afghan government and NATO-led forces.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in its latest report ground <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-death-toll-rises-to-20-in-kabul-suicide-attack-239144">raids and clashes </a>caused the most civilian casualties, followed by the use of homemade bombs and air strikes.

Taliban and Islamic State fighters killed 531 Afghans and wounded 1,437 between Jan. 1 and June 30. The hardline Islamist groups deliberately targeted 985 civilians, including government officials, tribal elders, aid workers, and religious scholars, the UNAMA report said.

It said pro-government forces killed 717 Afghans and wounded 680 in the six months to June 30, a 31 per cent&nbsp;increase from the corresponding period in 2018.

At least 144 women and 327 children were killed and more than 1,000 wounded across the country.

Air strikes caused 519 civilian casualties, 150 of whom were children.

"Parties to the conflict may give differing explanations for recent trends, each designed to justify their own military tactics," UNAMA human rights chief Richard Bennett said.

"The fact remains that only a determined effort to avoid civilian harm, not just by abiding by international humanitarian law but also by reducing the intensity of the fighting, will decrease the suffering of civilian Afghans," he said.

The United States and other NATO troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of a mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces and to carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Washington is trying to negotiate a deal under which foreign forces would pull out in return for security guarantees by the Taliban, including a pledge that the country will not become a safe haven for terror groups.

The Taliban control or contest half the country, more than at any time since being overthrown by the US-led Afghan forces in late 2001, but have rejected calls for a ceasefire until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.

The Afghan government and the Taliban were not immediately available to comment on the UN&nbsp;report.

At least 3,812 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against Islamist militant groups, including a large increase in the number of casualties caused by government and NATO-led troops, a UN report said on Tuesday.

At least 3,812 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against Islamist militant groups, including a large increase in the number of casualties caused by government and NATO-led troops, a UN report said on Tuesday. The latest casualty figures were released as talks between the Taliban and U.S officials to end the 18-year Afghan war entered an important stage, with US negotiators aiming to reach a peace deal before Septemper 1. However, the war has raged on despite such diplomatic efforts, forcing civilians to live under the constant threat of being targeted by militants or being caught up in ground fighting, or becoming inadvertent victims of air strikes by Afghan government and NATO-led forces. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in its latest report ground raids and clashes caused the most civilian casualties, followed by the use of homemade bombs and air strikes. Taliban and Islamic State fighters killed 531 Afghans and wounded 1,437 between Jan. 1 and June 30. The hardline Islamist groups deliberately targeted 985 civilians, including government officials, tribal elders, aid workers, and religious scholars, the UNAMA report said. It said pro-government forces killed 717 Afghans and wounded 680 in the six months to June 30, a 31 per cent increase from the corresponding period in 2018. At least 144 women and 327 children were killed and more than 1,000 wounded across the country. Air strikes caused 519 civilian casualties, 150 of whom were children. "Parties to the conflict may give differing explanations for recent trends, each designed to justify their own military tactics," UNAMA human rights chief Richard Bennett said. "The fact remains that only a determined effort to avoid civilian harm, not just by abiding by international humanitarian law but also by reducing the intensity of the fighting, will decrease the suffering of civilian Afghans," he said. The United States and other NATO troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of a mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces and to carry out counter-terrorism operations. Washington is trying to negotiate a deal under which foreign forces would pull out in return for security guarantees by the Taliban, including a pledge that the country will not become a safe haven for terror groups. The Taliban control or contest half the country, more than at any time since being overthrown by the US-led Afghan forces in late 2001, but have rejected calls for a ceasefire until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan. The Afghan government and the Taliban were not immediately available to comment on the UN report.

Over 3,000 Afghan civilians killed or wounded this year: UN report

In a cryptic message to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-should-respect-international-laws-britains-foreign-minister-239218">Iran amid rising</a> tensions in the Gulf, US president Donald Trump said that Iranians&nbsp;have "never won a war".

"Just remember, the Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!, the US president said in a tweet.

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Just remember, the Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1155941248705761280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US president Trump who had pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year has imposed new sanctions againt Rouhani's government&nbsp;in the past few months leading to increased tensions in the Gulf with attack on tankers and downing of a US survellence drone by Iran's Republican Guards.

On Sunday, Iran termed Britain's move to send a European naval mission to escort tankers as "provocative" even as the UK government&nbsp;and Iran kept up the war of words over tanker seizure by the both sides.

Iran added that it considered Britain's seizure of an Iranian oil tanker a "breach"&nbsp;of the ailing 2015 nuclear deal,

Meanwhile, France said it was not willing to send extra military assets to the Gulf, but would share information and coordinate its currently deployed assets.

British authorities had detained an Iranian tanker the Grace 1 off its overseas territory Gibraltar with Iran taking control of British ship Stena Impero as tensions mounted between the two countries.

Iran government spokesman said it believed the country's security had to be maintained by countries in the region. Last week, Britain ordered its navy to escort UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, where the Stena Impero was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard.

The 33-kilometre (22-mile) wide Strait of Hormuz provides the eastern entrance and exit point into the Gulf and runs between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. 
&nbsp;

In a cryptic message to Iran amid rising tensions in the Gulf, US president Donald Trump said that Iranians have "never won a war". "Just remember, the Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!

In a cryptic message to Iran amid rising tensions in the Gulf, US president Donald Trump said that Iranians have "never won a war". "Just remember, the Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!, the US president said in a tweet. Just remember, the Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2019 × US president Trump who had pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year has imposed new sanctions againt Rouhani's government in the past few months leading to increased tensions in the Gulf with attack on tankers and downing of a US survellence drone by Iran's Republican Guards. On Sunday, Iran termed Britain's move to send a European naval mission to escort tankers as "provocative" even as the UK government and Iran kept up the war of words over tanker seizure by the both sides. Iran added that it considered Britain's seizure of an Iranian oil tanker a "breach" of the ailing 2015 nuclear deal, Meanwhile, France said it was not willing to send extra military assets to the Gulf, but would share information and coordinate its currently deployed assets. British authorities had detained an Iranian tanker the Grace 1 off its overseas territory Gibraltar with Iran taking control of British ship Stena Impero as tensions mounted between the two countries. Iran government spokesman said it believed the country's security had to be maintained by countries in the region. Last week, Britain ordered its navy to escort UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, where the Stena Impero was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard. The 33-kilometre (22-mile) wide Strait of Hormuz provides the eastern entrance and exit point into the Gulf and runs between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Iranians never won a war, but never lost a negotiation: Trump

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-at-altamira-jail-in-brazil-leaves-52-dead-16-decapitated-239313">least 57 inmates dead </a>with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

State authorities said the riot began around 7 am local time (1000 GMT) at a prison in the northern city of Altamira, and involved rival gangs.

Prisoners belonging to the Comando Classe A gang set fire to a cell containing inmates from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-between-prisoners-in-brazil-jail-leave-15-dead-official-221848">rival Comando Vermelho</a>, or Red Command, gang, Para's state government said in a statement.

Most of the dead died in the fire, they said, while two guards were taken hostage, but later released.

"It was a targeted act," state prison director Jarbas Vasconcelos said in the statement, adding there was no prior intelligence that suggested an attack would take place.

"The aim was to show that it was a settling of accounts between the two gangs."

Videos circulating online showed inmates at the prison celebrating as they kicked decapitated heads across the floor.&nbsp;

Elected on a tough-on-crime message, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has benefited from a sharp drop in homicides so far this year. Nonetheless, endemic prison violence has been a stubborn public security challenge in one of the world's most violent countries.

In May, at least 55 inmates died during prison attacks in the northern state of Amazonas. Weeks of violence in Amazonas in 2017 resulted in 150 prison deaths as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions went to war.

Brazil's justice ministry said in a statement that it was working with Para authorities to identify those behind the latest attack, adding it had opened some space in the federal prison system where those gang leaders would be transferred.

Brazil's incarcerated population has surged eight-fold in three decades to around 750,000 inmates, the world's third-highest tally. Prison gangs originally formed to protect inmates and advocate for better conditions, but have come to wield vast power that reaches far beyond prison walls.

The gangs have been linked to bank heists, drug trafficking and gun-running, with jailed kingpins presiding over criminal empires via smuggled cellphones.

The Comando Classe A gang is seen as a relatively small gang, and is little known outside Para. Its high-profile attack against the Red Command could give it a nationwide reputation.

Bolsonaro's government has proposed moving powerful incarcerated drug lords to federal lockups, and building more prisons at the state level. But with the vast majority of prisons run by Brazil's overstretched state governments, Bolsonaro is likely limited in terms of what he can achieve from Brasilia.

In February, Justice Minister Sergio Moro unveiled his signature crime-fighting bill, including proposals to toughen prison sentences and isolate gang leaders in maximum-security lockups.

That bill has since struggled in Congress, with the government giving its pension reform legislation priority.

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails. State authorities said the riot began around 7 am local time (1000 GMT) at a prison in the northern city of Altamira, and involved rival gangs. Prisoners belonging to the Comando Classe A gang set fire to a cell containing inmates from the rival Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, gang, Para's state government said in a statement. Most of the dead died in the fire, they said, while two guards were taken hostage, but later released. "It was a targeted act," state prison director Jarbas Vasconcelos said in the statement, adding there was no prior intelligence that suggested an attack would take place. "The aim was to show that it was a settling of accounts between the two gangs." Videos circulating online showed inmates at the prison celebrating as they kicked decapitated heads across the floor. Elected on a tough-on-crime message, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has benefited from a sharp drop in homicides so far this year. Nonetheless, endemic prison violence has been a stubborn public security challenge in one of the world's most violent countries. In May, at least 55 inmates died during prison attacks in the northern state of Amazonas. Weeks of violence in Amazonas in 2017 resulted in 150 prison deaths as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions went to war. Brazil's justice ministry said in a statement that it was working with Para authorities to identify those behind the latest attack, adding it had opened some space in the federal prison system where those gang leaders would be transferred. Brazil's incarcerated population has surged eight-fold in three decades to around 750,000 inmates, the world's third-highest tally. Prison gangs originally formed to protect inmates and advocate for better conditions, but have come to wield vast power that reaches far beyond prison walls. The gangs have been linked to bank heists, drug trafficking and gun-running, with jailed kingpins presiding over criminal empires via smuggled cellphones. The Comando Classe A gang is seen as a relatively small gang, and is little known outside Para. Its high-profile attack against the Red Command could give it a nationwide reputation. Bolsonaro's government has proposed moving powerful incarcerated drug lords to federal lockups, and building more prisons at the state level. But with the vast majority of prisons run by Brazil's overstretched state governments, Bolsonaro is likely limited in terms of what he can achieve from Brasilia. In February, Justice Minister Sergio Moro unveiled his signature crime-fighting bill, including proposals to toughen prison sentences and isolate gang leaders in maximum-security lockups. That bill has since struggled in Congress, with the government giving its pension reform legislation priority.

Death toll in Brazil prison massacre rises to 57; several decapitated

Indian Railways is planning to lay off at least 3 lakh employees who are above 55, according to a ministry letter.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-needs-investment-of-rs-50-lakh-crore-by-2030-to-make-it-worlds-best-piyush-goyal-233681">Railway ministry has</a> written to all zonal heads including&nbsp;zonal managers to prepare a list of employees who are above 55 years. An order for performance review has also been put forth.

Not only this, according to the ministry's order, it has asked the heads to prepare a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-minister-piyush-goyal-says-no-privatisation-of-railways-targets-congress-235451">list of employees </a>who are completing 30 years in the Railways till the first quarter of 2020.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways clarified saying that had recruited approximately 1,84,262 employees in various categories during the&nbsp;2014-19 period.

Recruitment exercise for 2,83,637 posts is underway, out of which tests have already been conducted for 1,41,060 posts and the process shall be completed within the next two months, it added.

Recently, the railway ministry which is headed by Piyush Goyal had said that it is studying profiles of corrupt officials to see if some action can be taken against them. However, the minister had ruled out privatisation of the national railway declaring there was "no question and no meaning".

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had earlier opposed corporatisation of the modern coach factory in Rae Bareli and said it was the first step towards privatisation. 
&nbsp; 
Goyal had claimed that the NDA government had completed 1,900 kilometres of track-linking in the last five years. The Railway minister had said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres.

As part of modernisation plan, the Railway minister had said before the general elections that the all-mountain&nbsp;Railways in India will now have vista dome coaches, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of hilly terrains.

The latest addition of vista dome or glass-enclosed coaches has been made to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Indian Railways is planning to lay off at least 3 lakh employees who are above 55, according to a ministry letter. The Railway ministry has written to all zonal heads including zonal managers to prepare a list of employees who are above 55 years.

Indian Railways is planning to lay off at least 3 lakh employees who are above 55, according to a ministry letter. The Railway ministry has written to all zonal heads including zonal managers to prepare a list of employees who are above 55 years. An order for performance review has also been put forth. Not only this, according to the ministry's order, it has asked the heads to prepare a list of employees who are completing 30 years in the Railways till the first quarter of 2020. Meanwhile, Indian Railways clarified saying that had recruited approximately 1,84,262 employees in various categories during the 2014-19 period. Recruitment exercise for 2,83,637 posts is underway, out of which tests have already been conducted for 1,41,060 posts and the process shall be completed within the next two months, it added. Recently, the railway ministry which is headed by Piyush Goyal had said that it is studying profiles of corrupt officials to see if some action can be taken against them. However, the minister had ruled out privatisation of the national railway declaring there was "no question and no meaning". UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had earlier opposed corporatisation of the modern coach factory in Rae Bareli and said it was the first step towards privatisation. Goyal had claimed that the NDA government had completed 1,900 kilometres of track-linking in the last five years. The Railway minister had said track kilometre grew slowly in 64 years, while in the past five years it grew by 7,000 kilometres. As part of modernisation plan, the Railway minister had said before the general elections that the all-mountain Railways in India will now have vista dome coaches, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of hilly terrains. The latest addition of vista dome or glass-enclosed coaches has been made to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Indian Railways may lay off at least 3 lakh employees

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday.

The plans for a bigger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-deeply-disappointed-by-detention-of-citizen-in-china-237046">US footprint in Australia </a>come at a time when the Western allies have become increasingly concerned by China's efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific.

"The development of facilities will support the Force Posture Initiatives," Payne told Sky News, referring to agreements reached in 2011 between the United States and Australia to enhance their defence relationship.

Those initiatives entail 2,500 US Marines training in Australia each year, and regular joint training between the allies' air forces.

Payne did not say what military infrastructure the United States aimed to build, but Australian media reported earlier this month that Washington had plans for a new port facility near Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

US Marines deployed in an annual rotation for training are housed in an Australian base at Darwin.

"A port is the missing leg of the stool in US military engagement with Australia," said Euan Graham, director of the national security program, La Trobe University.

A US embassy spokesman in Canberra declined to comment, and Australia's Defence Department said it would expect concrete plans only when the proposal is approved by the US Congress.

If the United States does build a port facility in Darwin it would be located near the Port of Darwin, which China’s Landbridge Group Co secured a 99-year lease over in 2015 - much to the annoyance of the United States.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated since the 2016 election of US President Donald Trump, who ignited a trade war with China, while also increasing military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday.

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the US Navy for $211.5 million, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday. The plans for a bigger US footprint in Australia come at a time when the Western allies have become increasingly concerned by China's efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific. "The development of facilities will support the Force Posture Initiatives," Payne told Sky News, referring to agreements reached in 2011 between the United States and Australia to enhance their defence relationship. Those initiatives entail 2,500 US Marines training in Australia each year, and regular joint training between the allies' air forces. Payne did not say what military infrastructure the United States aimed to build, but Australian media reported earlier this month that Washington had plans for a new port facility near Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. US Marines deployed in an annual rotation for training are housed in an Australian base at Darwin. "A port is the missing leg of the stool in US military engagement with Australia," said Euan Graham, director of the national security program, La Trobe University. A US embassy spokesman in Canberra declined to comment, and Australia's Defence Department said it would expect concrete plans only when the proposal is approved by the US Congress. If the United States does build a port facility in Darwin it would be located near the Port of Darwin, which China’s Landbridge Group Co secured a 99-year lease over in 2015 - much to the annoyance of the United States. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated since the 2016 election of US President Donald Trump, who ignited a trade war with China, while also increasing military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

US planning additional military infrastructure in Australia: Foreign minister Marise Payne

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-european-naval-mission-in-gulf-would-be-provocative-238986">Strait of Hormuz</a>, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased since Washington pulled out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-meeting-with-parties-to-nuclear-deal-constructive-239070">Iranian nuclear deal last year </a>and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran in recent months further soured ties, prompting US officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission.

The Maekyung business newspaper, citing an unidentified senior government official, said South Korea had decided to send the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating in waters off Somalia, possibly along with helicopters.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europeans-china-russia-meet-iran-in-vienna-to-save-nuclear-deal-239104/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Seoul's defence ministry said the government was exploring measures to protect its ships in the area but no decision had been made.

"It is obvious that we have to protect our ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, isn't it? So we're considering various possibilities," deputy ministry spokesman Ro Jae-cheon told a regular news briefing on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week Washington had asked South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Australia and others to take part.

US national security adviser John Bolton visited Seoul last week and discussed the issue with senior officials, including the defence minister, but Ro said there was no official request made during that meeting.

The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the United States and the European Union.

The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speed boats, according to South Korea's 2018 defence white paper. 
&nbsp;

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday.

South Korea plans to join a US-led maritime force in the Middle East by sending a naval unit, which includes a destroyer, to help guard oil tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a South Korean newspaper reported on Monday. Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased since Washington pulled out of the Iranian nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran in recent months further soured ties, prompting US officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission. The Maekyung business newspaper, citing an unidentified senior government official, said South Korea had decided to send the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating in waters off Somalia, possibly along with helicopters. Watch Video: Seoul's defence ministry said the government was exploring measures to protect its ships in the area but no decision had been made. "It is obvious that we have to protect our ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, isn't it? So we're considering various possibilities," deputy ministry spokesman Ro Jae-cheon told a regular news briefing on Monday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week Washington had asked South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Australia and others to take part. US national security adviser John Bolton visited Seoul last week and discussed the issue with senior officials, including the defence minister, but Ro said there was no official request made during that meeting. The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the United States and the European Union. The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speed boats, according to South Korea's 2018 defence white paper.

South Korea navy may join US-led coalition in Strait of Hormuz: Report

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">near Taiwan this week</a>, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force.

The China Maritime Safety Administration issued notices on Sunday and Monday warning against entering broad swaths of airspace and waters off the coast of eastern Zhejiang and southern Guangdong provinces due to "military activity".

The announcements said drills in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-strategic-taiwan-strait-238301">East China sea were</a> scheduled to run through Thursday and the ones in the South China Sea would end Friday.

But it did not offer details on the scale of the exercises or which military units were involved.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

The defence white paper published last week stressed Beijing's willingness to use force to thwart any move towards the self-ruled island's independence.

The drills also come days after the US Navy's USS Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser, conducted a routine transit through the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Beijing reacted furiously after the US Congress greenlighted the potential sale of $2.2 billion worth of arms to Taiwan earlier this month and threatened sanctions on companies involved.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

As punishment, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea near Taiwan this week, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force.

China is holding military exercises in the East China Sea and the South China Sea near Taiwan this week, days after a defence white paper said Beijing would not rule out retaking the island by force. The China Maritime Safety Administration issued notices on Sunday and Monday warning against entering broad swaths of airspace and waters off the coast of eastern Zhejiang and southern Guangdong provinces due to "military activity". The announcements said drills in the East China sea were scheduled to run through Thursday and the ones in the South China Sea would end Friday. But it did not offer details on the scale of the exercises or which military units were involved. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949. The defence white paper published last week stressed Beijing's willingness to use force to thwart any move towards the self-ruled island's independence. The drills also come days after the US Navy's USS Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser, conducted a routine transit through the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Beijing reacted furiously after the US Congress greenlighted the potential sale of $2.2 billion worth of arms to Taiwan earlier this month and threatened sanctions on companies involved. Relations between Beijing and Taipei have plummeted since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". As punishment, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.

China holds military drills in South China Sea near Taiwan

Police said the suspected gunman involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-at-california-food-festival-at-least-3-killed-several-injured-gunman-still-active-239130">Gilroy food festival shooting</a> at California was shot and killed. &nbsp;

Authorities said at least four people were killed with several injured in the shooting on Sunday evening. Reports said that the casualty toll could be higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-the-scene-of-california-shooting-239142">Also See:&nbsp;First pics from the scene of California shooting</a>

"It is believed that the shooter cut through the fence to gain access to the festival," Gilroy police chief&nbsp;Scot Smithee said, adding that police engaged with the gunman in less than a minute after gunshots were heard.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/several-injured-in-shooting-at-california-food-festival-239132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Police said witnesses reported a "second gunman"&nbsp;may have been involved which was being investigated. People were seen running for cover after gunshots rang out amid the confusion at the food festival.

NBC News had reported that a white man in his 30s carried out the shooting with a rifle, however, authorities still haven't confirmed the identity of the shooter.&nbsp;

Founded in 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival features food, drink, live entertainment and cooking competitions. It says it is hosted by volunteers and describes itself as the world’s greatest summer food festival.

The festival was being held at outdoor Christmas Hill Park where the shooting took place. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump in a tweet said: "Be careful and safe!"

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Law Enforcement is at the scene of shootings in Gilroy, California. Reports are that shooter has not yet been apprehended. Be careful and safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1155676540631506944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gilroy is located 48 kilometres southeast of San Jose.

Police said the suspected gunman involved in the Gilroy food festival shooting at California was shot and killed. Authorities said at least four people were killed with several injured in the shooting on Sunday evening.

Police said the suspected gunman involved in the Gilroy food festival shooting at California was shot and killed. Authorities said at least four people were killed with several injured in the shooting on Sunday evening. Reports said that the casualty toll could be higher. Also See: First pics from the scene of California shooting "It is believed that the shooter cut through the fence to gain access to the festival," Gilroy police chief Scot Smithee said, adding that police engaged with the gunman in less than a minute after gunshots were heard. Watch Video: Police said witnesses reported a "second gunman" may have been involved which was being investigated. People were seen running for cover after gunshots rang out amid the confusion at the food festival. NBC News had reported that a white man in his 30s carried out the shooting with a rifle, however, authorities still haven't confirmed the identity of the shooter. Founded in 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival features food, drink, live entertainment and cooking competitions. It says it is hosted by volunteers and describes itself as the world’s greatest summer food festival. The festival was being held at outdoor Christmas Hill Park where the shooting took place. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump in a tweet said: "Be careful and safe!" Law Enforcement is at the scene of shootings in Gilroy, California. Reports are that shooter has not yet been apprehended. Be careful and safe! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2019 × Gilroy is located 48 kilometres southeast of San Jose.

California shooting: Suspected gunman killed; death toll rises to 4

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