Boeing announced on Wednesday it would give $100 million to communities and families affected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-cites-new-flaw-on-grounded-boeing-737-max-230998">two crashes on its 737 MAX planes</a> that claimed 346 lives.

Describing the sum as an "initial investment" over multiple years, the company said it would work with local governments and non-profit organizations to provide "hardship and living expenses" and boost economic development in regions affected by crashes of planes operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air</a>.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we announced $100 million in funds to address family and community needs of those affected by the tragic accidents of JT610 and ET302. These funds will support education and hardship expenses for the families and communities impacted. 
 
Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/U3XLNoW9zo">https://t.co/U3XLNoW9zo</a>
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing/status/1146441165153218560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Boeing faces numerous lawsuits filed by the victims' families, some of whom have appeared at news conferences or during congressional hearings probing the disasters.

The $100 million figure is less than the list price for several leading 737 MAX planes. Boeing said it would also match donations from employees to families and communities affected by the accidents.&nbsp;

"We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents and these lives lost will continue to weigh heavily on our hearts and on our minds for years to come," said Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg in a statement to the media.&nbsp;

"The families and loved ones of those on board have our deepest sympathies and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort."

Boeing referenced "multiple lawsuits" in an April securities filing, saying it was also cooperating with various regulatory probes.

"We cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any, that may result given the ongoing status of these lawsuits, investigations, and inquiries," the company said in the securities filing.

Boeing announced on Wednesday it would give $100 million to communities and families affected by two crashes on its 737 MAX planes that claimed 346 lives. Describing the sum as an "initial investment" over multiple years, the company said it would work with local governments and non-profit organizations to provide "hardship and living expenses" and boost economic development in regions affected by crashes of planes operated by Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air.

Boeing announced on Wednesday it would give $100 million to communities and families affected by two crashes on its 737 MAX planes that claimed 346 lives. Describing the sum as an "initial investment" over multiple years, the company said it would work with local governments and non-profit organizations to provide "hardship and living expenses" and boost economic development in regions affected by crashes of planes operated by Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air. Today we announced $100 million in funds to address family and community needs of those affected by the tragic accidents of JT610 and ET302. These funds will support education and hardship expenses for the families and communities impacted. Learn more: https://t.co/U3XLNoW9zo — The Boeing Company (@Boeing) July 3, 2019 × Boeing faces numerous lawsuits filed by the victims' families, some of whom have appeared at news conferences or during congressional hearings probing the disasters. The $100 million figure is less than the list price for several leading 737 MAX planes. Boeing said it would also match donations from employees to families and communities affected by the accidents. "We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents and these lives lost will continue to weigh heavily on our hearts and on our minds for years to come," said Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg in a statement to the media. "The families and loved ones of those on board have our deepest sympathies and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort." Boeing referenced "multiple lawsuits" in an April securities filing, saying it was also cooperating with various regulatory probes. "We cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss, if any, that may result given the ongoing status of these lawsuits, investigations, and inquiries," the company said in the securities filing.

Boeing to give $100 million to families affected by two 737 MAX crashes

After Iran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-increase-uranium-enrichment-level-after-july-7-to-whatever-levels-iran-needs-rouhani-232694">President Rouhani said his country </a>will enrich uranium to any amount the country needs after July 7, US President warned "Iran to be careful" as tensions between the two nations continued to boil over the 2015 nuclear deal issue.

"Iran has just issued a new warning. Rouhani says that they will enrich uranium to “any amount we want” if there is no new nuclear deal. Be careful with the threats, Iran," the US president said, adding, "they can come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Iran has just issued a New Warning. Rouhani says that they will Enrich Uranium to “any amount we want” if there is no new Nuclear Deal. Be careful with the threats, Iran. They can come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146517318509481984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Wednesday, Iran President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-france-germany-and-uk-urge-iran-to-reverse-uranium-decision-232571">Hassan Rouhani had said Iran </a>would increase its level of uranium enrichment after July 7 to whatever levels it needs beyond the 3.67% cap set in the 2015 nuclear deal.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-to-increase-uranuim-enrichment-as-us-iran-tension-escalates-232867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The enrichment maximum set in under the nuclear agreement is sufficient for power generation but far below the more than 90 per cent level required for a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;

"If the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal with world powers do not fulfil their promises, then the Arak nuclear reactor will return to its previous activities after July 7," Rouhani said.

Iran had recently breached the nuclear stockpile limit. Iran Fars news agency had reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile had passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the nuclear deal.

The US had pulled out of the nuclear deal in May last year alleging that Iran hadn't done enough to limit its weapons stockpile and had continued to work on its nuclear programme, a claim denied by Iranian authorities.

The nuclear deal issue combined with the attack on oil tankers last month which the Trump administration alleged was carried out by Iran's Republican Guard army led to further deterioration of relations between US and Iran.&nbsp;

Finally, the downing of US surveillance drone a week after the tanker attack led Trump to call in for air strikes on Iran which he ultimately stopped in mid-air due to the threat of heavy civilian casualties.

After Iran President Rouhani said his country will enrich uranium to any amount the country needs after July 7, US President warned "Iran to be careful" as tensions between the two nations continued to boil over the 2015 nuclear deal issue.

After Iran President Rouhani said his country will enrich uranium to any amount the country needs after July 7, US President warned "Iran to be careful" as tensions between the two nations continued to boil over the 2015 nuclear deal issue. "Iran has just issued a new warning. Rouhani says that they will enrich uranium to “any amount we want” if there is no new nuclear deal. Be careful with the threats, Iran," the US president said, adding, "they can come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before!" Iran has just issued a New Warning. Rouhani says that they will Enrich Uranium to “any amount we want” if there is no new Nuclear Deal. Be careful with the threats, Iran. They can come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019 × On Wednesday, Iran President Hassan Rouhani had said Iran would increase its level of uranium enrichment after July 7 to whatever levels it needs beyond the 3.67% cap set in the 2015 nuclear deal. The enrichment maximum set in under the nuclear agreement is sufficient for power generation but far below the more than 90 per cent level required for a nuclear weapon. "If the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal with world powers do not fulfil their promises, then the Arak nuclear reactor will return to its previous activities after July 7," Rouhani said. Iran had recently breached the nuclear stockpile limit. Iran Fars news agency had reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile had passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the nuclear deal. The US had pulled out of the nuclear deal in May last year alleging that Iran hadn't done enough to limit its weapons stockpile and had continued to work on its nuclear programme, a claim denied by Iranian authorities. The nuclear deal issue combined with the attack on oil tankers last month which the Trump administration alleged was carried out by Iran's Republican Guard army led to further deterioration of relations between US and Iran. Finally, the downing of US surveillance drone a week after the tanker attack led Trump to call in for air strikes on Iran which he ultimately stopped in mid-air due to the threat of heavy civilian casualties.

Be careful Iran, threats will 'come back to bite you', warns Trump

Iran's intelligence minister said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran</a> and Washington could hold talks only if the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-playing-with-fire-on-nuclear-deal-trump-232172"> United States</a> ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

"Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday.

"Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran."

Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-to-increase-uranuim-enrichment-as-us-iran-tension-escalates-232867/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal.

President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation.

It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year.

"Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency.

Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday. "Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday. "Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran." Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal. President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation. It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year. "Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency. Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Talks with US can be reviewed only if Trump lifts sanctions: Iran minister

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side.

Waugh, considered the embodiment of Australian grit, was enlisted by coach Justin Langer who has made a point of bringing in former greats to help rebuild the team's image after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Ricky Ponting, Australia's record run-scorer, is currently assisting him at the World Cup in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jonny-bairstow-picks-world-cup-glory-over-ashes-win-217217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH9tOB7prjAhVGnY8KHV3nCRoQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VWfUrx9AWJqT_Za1_XXhj">England </a>ahead of the Ashes starting next month.

Test captain Tim Paine confirmed that Waugh -&nbsp;the last Australian skipper to win the Ashes in England in 2001 - would be with the team for the six-week campaign.

"I know it is something that 'JL' and myself have been quite big on, that is to try and get some of our past legends in and around the team," Paine said on the Cricket Australia website late Wednesday.

"During the World Cup as well, we have had Ricky (Ponting), and now with the Test series, we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh who is, obviously, a legend and is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain.

"I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group," he added.

Renowned for his mental strength, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-waugh-compares-hardik-pandya-with-lance-klusener-after-blistering-innings-against-australia-226198&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS7K-V7prjAhVjl48KHZazBVQQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ENanT3xiuyptMu8UNlM0D">Waugh </a>played 168 Tests, including 46 against England, scoring 32 centuries.

The first Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1.

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side.

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side. Waugh, considered the embodiment of Australian grit, was enlisted by coach Justin Langer who has made a point of bringing in former greats to help rebuild the team's image after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. Ricky Ponting, Australia's record run-scorer, is currently assisting him at the World Cup in England ahead of the Ashes starting next month. Test captain Tim Paine confirmed that Waugh - the last Australian skipper to win the Ashes in England in 2001 - would be with the team for the six-week campaign. "I know it is something that 'JL' and myself have been quite big on, that is to try and get some of our past legends in and around the team," Paine said on the Cricket Australia website late Wednesday. "During the World Cup as well, we have had Ricky (Ponting), and now with the Test series, we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh who is, obviously, a legend and is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain. "I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group," he added. Renowned for his mental strength, Waugh played 168 Tests, including 46 against England, scoring 32 centuries. The first Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1.

Former captain Steve Waugh to mentor Australia for Ashes

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/derby-give-chelsea-nod-to-open-managerial-talks-with-frank-lampard-230383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2z-LP6prjAhUH5o8KHS3iD1cQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Kw9YSSzqcwKz1VkBXBrbG">Derby County</a> last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final.

"I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach," Lampard said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Over to you, boss! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeHomeFrank?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeHomeFrank</a> <a href="https://t.co/vPGpCUSsMX">pic.twitter.com/vPGpCUSsMX</a>
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1146693317310242816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead."

Lampard, adored by Chelsea fans as the heart and soul of the club's midfield during a trophy-laden 13 years at Stamford Bridge thanked his fans on Twitter as he left&nbsp;second tier Derby County. 
 
"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead," he said on the club's official Twitter account. 
 
"I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started." 
 
A relative rookie as a manager, the 41-year-old Lampard earned plaudits for taking Derby into the Championship playoff final in his first year in the dugout&nbsp; - even if they just missed out on promotion to Aston Villa. 
 
He faces no small task in returning Chelsea to the status of Premier League title contenders following Sarri's departure to Juventus and Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid. 
 
His rebuilding efforts at Chelsea will also be hampered by a FIFA transfer ban. 
 
Sarri, who departed after one season at Stamford Bridge, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title and third place in the Premier League but was never loved by Chelsea fans. 
 
"Lamps" will have no such problems. 
 
The former England midfielder played a key role in Chelsea's golden era, making 648 appearances and scoring a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014. In that time, he won three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League. 
 
"After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. 
 
"We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success."

Lampard's former Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech joined the club as a technical and performance advisor last month, and the pair will play a key role in the overhaul of the playing squad.

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed Derby County last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final.

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed Derby County last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final. "I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach," Lampard said in a statement. Over to you, boss! #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/vPGpCUSsMX — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019 × "Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead." Lampard, adored by Chelsea fans as the heart and soul of the club's midfield during a trophy-laden 13 years at Stamford Bridge thanked his fans on Twitter as he left second tier Derby County. "Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead," he said on the club's official Twitter account. "I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started." A relative rookie as a manager, the 41-year-old Lampard earned plaudits for taking Derby into the Championship playoff final in his first year in the dugout - even if they just missed out on promotion to Aston Villa. He faces no small task in returning Chelsea to the status of Premier League title contenders following Sarri's departure to Juventus and Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid. His rebuilding efforts at Chelsea will also be hampered by a FIFA transfer ban. Sarri, who departed after one season at Stamford Bridge, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title and third place in the Premier League but was never loved by Chelsea fans. "Lamps" will have no such problems. The former England midfielder played a key role in Chelsea's golden era, making 648 appearances and scoring a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014. In that time, he won three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League. "After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. "We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success." Lampard's former Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech joined the club as a technical and performance advisor last month, and the pair will play a key role in the overhaul of the playing squad.

Frank Lampard appointed as Chelsea head coach on three-year deal

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-its-a-chill-year-says-simona-halep-as-she-sweeps-past-sasnovich-232222">Simona Halep</a> and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set.

Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands.

But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat.

Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-victoria-azarenka-powers-into-third-round-232782">Azarenka</a>.

"It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017.

"I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said.

The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki.

Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4.

"I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week.

FAST LANE

But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago.

On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown.

Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes.

At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure.

But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set.

The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-embraces-number-one-tag-cruises-into-second-round-232654">Ash Barty</a> from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3.

Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova.

But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei.

"The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham.

Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown. Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set. Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands. But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat. Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces Azarenka. "It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017. "I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said. The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic. Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki. Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4. "I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week. FAST LANE But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago. On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown. Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes. At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure. But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set. The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple Ash Barty from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3. Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova. But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei. "The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham. Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

Wimbledon: Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka set up third round battle

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-new-zealand-by-119-runs-to-reach-world-cup-semis-232875">England beat New Zealand</a> by 119 runs on Wednesday.

Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis. Pakistan are placed fifth in the points table with nine points from eight matches.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-beats-india-in-dropped-catches-with-a-huge-margin-in-world-cup-2019-229984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB0t6m5prjAhXHiHAKHQuKAUAQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JlL65hg04lfP7bYrRuOVE">Pakistan </a>are just below New Zealand, who are placed fourth with eleven points from nine matches and have a net run rate of +0.175 even after their loss to England.

Pakistan have a net run rate of -0.792 which will probably cost them their chance to qualify for the semis.

There are very slim chances of Pakistan to qualify to the semifinal but it is mathematically possible.

Here are the probable ways for Pakistan to reach the semis:

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350

or

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400

or

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450.

And if Pakistan are made to bowl first, they will be out of the semifinal race even before the first ball is bowled at Lord's on Friday.

New Zealand who are placed fourth will qualify automatically if Pakistan fail to beat Bangladesh by one of these highly unlikely margins.

Pakistan will take on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-bangladesh-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive-with-62-run-win-over-afghanistan-230128&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHwZ235prjAhWBFYgKHYkGDbEQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JPwlCPamZyM8YaHDhHLgh">Bangladesh </a>on Friday at &nbsp;Lord's in London.

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday. Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis.

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday. Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis. Pakistan are placed fifth in the points table with nine points from eight matches. Pakistan are just below New Zealand, who are placed fourth with eleven points from nine matches and have a net run rate of +0.175 even after their loss to England. Pakistan have a net run rate of -0.792 which will probably cost them their chance to qualify for the semis. There are very slim chances of Pakistan to qualify to the semifinal but it is mathematically possible. Here are the probable ways for Pakistan to reach the semis: If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350 or If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400 or If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450. And if Pakistan are made to bowl first, they will be out of the semifinal race even before the first ball is bowled at Lord's on Friday. New Zealand who are placed fourth will qualify automatically if Pakistan fail to beat Bangladesh by one of these highly unlikely margins. Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on Friday at Lord's in London.

Pakistan may get 'tossed' out of World Cup even before a ball is bowled in Bangladesh match

Iran will increase its level of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-was-violating-nuclear-deal-with-us-long-before-i-became-president-trump-232663">uranium enrichment after July 7</a> to whatever levels it needs beyond the 3.67% cap set in the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, according to the IRIB news agency.

If the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal with world powers do not fulfil their promises, then the Arak nuclear reactor will return to its previous activities after July 7, Rouhani said.

Iran had recently breached the nuclear stockpile limit. Iran Fars news agency had reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile had passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the nuclear deal.

Rouhani's announcement came just hours after US President Trump alleged that &nbsp;Iran was violating the nuclear deal long before he became president.

"Iran was violating the 150 billion dollar (plus 1.8 billion dollars in cash) nuclear deal with the United States, and others who paid nothing," he said on Twitter, adding,"long before I became president - and they have now breached their stockpile limit. Not good!"

The US had walked out of the Iran nuclear deal in May last year after President Trump alleged that Iran hadn't done enough to address its missile programme. 
&nbsp;

Iran will increase its level of uranium enrichment after July 7 to whatever levels it needs beyond the 3.67% cap set in the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, according to the IRIB news agency.

Iran will increase its level of uranium enrichment after July 7 to whatever levels it needs beyond the 3.67% cap set in the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, according to the IRIB news agency. If the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal with world powers do not fulfil their promises, then the Arak nuclear reactor will return to its previous activities after July 7, Rouhani said. Iran had recently breached the nuclear stockpile limit. Iran Fars news agency had reported that the country's enriched uranium stockpile had passed the 300-kg(661 lb) limit allowed under the nuclear deal. Rouhani's announcement came just hours after US President Trump alleged that Iran was violating the nuclear deal long before he became president. "Iran was violating the 150 billion dollar (plus 1.8 billion dollars in cash) nuclear deal with the United States, and others who paid nothing," he said on Twitter, adding,"long before I became president - and they have now breached their stockpile limit. Not good!" The US had walked out of the Iran nuclear deal in May last year after President Trump alleged that Iran hadn't done enough to address its missile programme.

Will increase uranium enrichment level after July 7 to whatever levels Iran needs: Rouhani

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-donald-trumps-gross-interference-in-hong-kong-232352">President Donald Trump's government</a> on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents.

The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling that the case for adding the citizenship question was not convincing.

Trump's initial reaction to the ruling had been to call for a delay in the imminent printing of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-blocks-trumps-census-citizenship-question-for-now-230965">2020 census</a> forms, holding up the census in order to allow time for a new appeal.

That bid has now been dropped, ending any chance of changing the format of the massive, once-every-decade survey.

"We're glad the #2020Census will begin printing without a citizenship question," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states challenging the administration on the issue.

Just this Monday, Trump had been defiant, telling reporters he wanted the census to find out who was a citizen "as opposed to an illegal."

"It is a big difference to me between being a citizen of the United States and being illegal," he said.

Opponents argued that the question which has not been included since 1950 would drive many immigrants to avoid answering out of fear of being caught up in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

This would render them invisible, skewing the population count and resulting in fewer government resources for the areas they live in while distorting the lines of congressional districts, which are based on numbers of residents.

This was the intention all along, said Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the contest to become the Democratic opponent to Trump in 2020 presidential elections.

"Make no mistake, the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the Census to deliberately cut out the voices of immigrants and communities of colour. It's wrong and goes against our core values as a nation," Biden tweeted.

The Census Bureau's experts said that 1.6 to 6.5 million immigrants, notably Hispanics, would avoid the census or lie to census takers if faced with the citizenship question. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's government on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents.

President Donald Trump's government on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents. The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling that the case for adding the citizenship question was not convincing. Trump's initial reaction to the ruling had been to call for a delay in the imminent printing of the 2020 census forms, holding up the census in order to allow time for a new appeal. That bid has now been dropped, ending any chance of changing the format of the massive, once-every-decade survey. "We're glad the #2020Census will begin printing without a citizenship question," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states challenging the administration on the issue. Just this Monday, Trump had been defiant, telling reporters he wanted the census to find out who was a citizen "as opposed to an illegal." "It is a big difference to me between being a citizen of the United States and being illegal," he said. Opponents argued that the question which has not been included since 1950 would drive many immigrants to avoid answering out of fear of being caught up in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. This would render them invisible, skewing the population count and resulting in fewer government resources for the areas they live in while distorting the lines of congressional districts, which are based on numbers of residents. This was the intention all along, said Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the contest to become the Democratic opponent to Trump in 2020 presidential elections. "Make no mistake, the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the Census to deliberately cut out the voices of immigrants and communities of colour. It's wrong and goes against our core values as a nation," Biden tweeted. The Census Bureau's experts said that 1.6 to 6.5 million immigrants, notably Hispanics, would avoid the census or lie to census takers if faced with the citizenship question.

Donald Trump abandons controversial census change

Bangladesh's high court has granted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/climate-change-blights-childrens-lives-in-bangladesh-208060">country's rivers</a> the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday.

The court on Monday published a landmark verdict on a 2016 petition filed by a Dhaka-based rights group, saying all of the country's hundreds of rivers would now be treated as legal persons, litigator Manzil Murshid said.

"We filed the petition to save our rivers from powerful encroachers. The court has declared that all the rivers should now have the same rights as legal persons or living entities," he told AFP.

The verdict came just months after the country, much of it crisscrossed by thousands of streams, tributaries and rivers, became the fourth nation after Colombia, India and New Zealand to honour its waterways with such status.

The court appointed the country's River Conservation Commission as the legal guardian of all waterways and directed other state agencies to fully assist them.

Experts said the verdict would save rivers from illegal encroachment in the densely populated country of 165 million people and where land is precious as gold. 
They said many of the country's rivers are struggling to survive thanks to illegal sand dredging and large-scale industrial pollution.

"This verdict is very good news for us. We hope the commission can now work freely and save the rivers from premature deaths," said Sheikh Rokon, a spokesman for the Riverine People group.

He said the high court would empower the commission to take strict action against encroachers, polluters and illegal dredging companies.

National River Conservation Commission of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasinas-8-year-old-grandson-killed-in-shangri-la-hotel-blast-212627">Bangladesh</a> chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the "unprecedented order would help the vast ecology and biodiversity" of Bangladesh's rich river system.

"We feel strengthened. It reminds us the rivers are not anybody's property. We can now enforce a zero-tolerance policy against encroachers," he told AFP.

Bangladesh's river transport authority has already started a massive eviction drive along the banks of the rivers around the capital Dhaka, demolishing over 4,000 illegal establishments since January.

The authorities have recovered some 190 acres (77 hectares) of land during the drive.

Most of Bangladesh's rivers are branches and tributaries of two main Himalayan rivers the Ganges and the Brahmaputra which flow through Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh's high court has granted the country's rivers the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday.

Bangladesh's high court has granted the country's rivers the rights and status of "living entities" in a bid to save them from encroachment, a lawyer said Tuesday. The court on Monday published a landmark verdict on a 2016 petition filed by a Dhaka-based rights group, saying all of the country's hundreds of rivers would now be treated as legal persons, litigator Manzil Murshid said. "We filed the petition to save our rivers from powerful encroachers. The court has declared that all the rivers should now have the same rights as legal persons or living entities," he told AFP. The verdict came just months after the country, much of it crisscrossed by thousands of streams, tributaries and rivers, became the fourth nation after Colombia, India and New Zealand to honour its waterways with such status. The court appointed the country's River Conservation Commission as the legal guardian of all waterways and directed other state agencies to fully assist them. Experts said the verdict would save rivers from illegal encroachment in the densely populated country of 165 million people and where land is precious as gold. They said many of the country's rivers are struggling to survive thanks to illegal sand dredging and large-scale industrial pollution. "This verdict is very good news for us. We hope the commission can now work freely and save the rivers from premature deaths," said Sheikh Rokon, a spokesman for the Riverine People group. He said the high court would empower the commission to take strict action against encroachers, polluters and illegal dredging companies. National River Conservation Commission of Bangladesh chairman Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the "unprecedented order would help the vast ecology and biodiversity" of Bangladesh's rich river system. "We feel strengthened. It reminds us the rivers are not anybody's property. We can now enforce a zero-tolerance policy against encroachers," he told AFP. Bangladesh's river transport authority has already started a massive eviction drive along the banks of the rivers around the capital Dhaka, demolishing over 4,000 illegal establishments since January. The authorities have recovered some 190 acres (77 hectares) of land during the drive. Most of Bangladesh's rivers are branches and tributaries of two main Himalayan rivers the Ganges and the Brahmaputra which flow through Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh declares its rivers 'legal persons'

Belgian liberal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-one-flag-two-belgiums-seek-one-government-after-vote-222028">Charles Michel</a>, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around.

He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years.

Michel became his country's youngest prime minister in 2014 when he took office aged 38 as only Belgium's second premier from the French-speaking liberals.

He was also the first Belgian leader to become a father while in office, his partner's first pregnancy effectively divulged by Barack Obama during a visit to the White House in 2015. He has an older son from a previous relationship.

A lawyer by training, studying in Brussels and Amsterdam, he entered politics as a provincial counsellor aged 18 and then entered the national parliament at 23.

Michel is currently heading a caretaker administration in Belgium after an inconclusive election in May, with talks on forming a new government continuing.

He is the oldest son of Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid from 2004-2009.

Aides say Michel enjoys reading and cooking on a barbecue but his chief passion outside the office is biking, initially doing moto-cross with a friend and is now still hooked on bike road trips, saying a more direct connection with nature gives them a "sensual dimension".

Belgian liberal Charles Michel, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around. He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years.

Belgian liberal Charles Michel, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around. He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years. Michel became his country's youngest prime minister in 2014 when he took office aged 38 as only Belgium's second premier from the French-speaking liberals. He was also the first Belgian leader to become a father while in office, his partner's first pregnancy effectively divulged by Barack Obama during a visit to the White House in 2015. He has an older son from a previous relationship. A lawyer by training, studying in Brussels and Amsterdam, he entered politics as a provincial counsellor aged 18 and then entered the national parliament at 23. Michel is currently heading a caretaker administration in Belgium after an inconclusive election in May, with talks on forming a new government continuing. He is the oldest son of Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid from 2004-2009. Aides say Michel enjoys reading and cooking on a barbecue but his chief passion outside the office is biking, initially doing moto-cross with a friend and is now still hooked on bike road trips, saying a more direct connection with nature gives them a "sensual dimension".

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel named European Union Council chief

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital.

At least 70 were also wounded in the raid on Tajoura, an emergency services spokesman told AFP.

"This is a preliminary assessment and the toll could rise," said spokesman Osama Ali.

He said 120 migrants were detained in the hangar which was directly hit by the strike.

Bodies were strewn on the floor of the hangar, mixed with the belongings and blood-soaked clothes of migrants, an AFP photographer said.

Rescuers were searching for survivors under the rubble, while dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene.&nbsp;

In a statement, the internationally recognised national unity government (GNA) based in Tripoli denounced the attack as a "heinous crime" and blamed it on the "war criminal Khalifar Haftar".

Haftar, who controls much of eastern and southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-90000-displaced-in-libya-due-to-fighting-in-tripoli-un-223422">Libya</a>, in early April, launched an offensive to take the capital.

The GNA accused pro-Haftar forces of having carried out a "premeditated" and "precise" attack on the migrant centre.

No one has so far claimed responsibility but pro-Haftar media reported Tuesday night a "series of air raids" in Tripoli and Tajoura.

The suburb of Tajoura, which has several military sites belonging to pro-GNA armed groups, is regularly targeted in air raids by Khalifa's forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Migrants 'at risk'&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-unanimously-extends-libyas-arms-embargo-for-1-year-226208">United Nation </a>refugee agency said it was "extremely concerned" at reports of the strikes on the migrant centre.

"UNHCR is extremely concerned about news of air strikes targeting Tajoura detention centre east of Tripoli, and accounts of refugees and migrants deceased," it tweeted. "Civilians should never be a target."

Libya, wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising against dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has become a major conduit for migrants seeking to reach Europe.

Rights groups say migrants face horrifying abuses in the North African country, which remains prey to a multitude of militias vying for control of the oil-rich country.

The plight of migrants has worsened since Haftar launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of an internationally recognised unity government in early April.

Since then, fighting has killed more than 700 and wounded 4,000, while nearly 100,000 have been displaced, according to UN agencies.&nbsp;

Haftar's forces have pledged to intensify air strikes against their GNA rivals after losing a key town to unity government forces.

The two rival camps accuse each other of using foreign mercenaries and enjoying military support, especially air, from foreign powers.

The UN's mission in Libya has said around 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone are at risk.

UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have regularly voiced their opposition to migrants arrested at sea being brought back to Libya, where they are "arbitrarily detained" or at the mercy of militias.

Despite chronic instability, Libya remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital.

Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an airstrike Tuesday night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital. At least 70 were also wounded in the raid on Tajoura, an emergency services spokesman told AFP. "This is a preliminary assessment and the toll could rise," said spokesman Osama Ali. He said 120 migrants were detained in the hangar which was directly hit by the strike. Bodies were strewn on the floor of the hangar, mixed with the belongings and blood-soaked clothes of migrants, an AFP photographer said. Rescuers were searching for survivors under the rubble, while dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene. In a statement, the internationally recognised national unity government (GNA) based in Tripoli denounced the attack as a "heinous crime" and blamed it on the "war criminal Khalifar Haftar". Haftar, who controls much of eastern and southern Libya, in early April, launched an offensive to take the capital. The GNA accused pro-Haftar forces of having carried out a "premeditated" and "precise" attack on the migrant centre. No one has so far claimed responsibility but pro-Haftar media reported Tuesday night a "series of air raids" in Tripoli and Tajoura. The suburb of Tajoura, which has several military sites belonging to pro-GNA armed groups, is regularly targeted in air raids by Khalifa's forces. Migrants 'at risk' The United Nation refugee agency said it was "extremely concerned" at reports of the strikes on the migrant centre. "UNHCR is extremely concerned about news of air strikes targeting Tajoura detention centre east of Tripoli, and accounts of refugees and migrants deceased," it tweeted. "Civilians should never be a target." Libya, wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising against dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has become a major conduit for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Rights groups say migrants face horrifying abuses in the North African country, which remains prey to a multitude of militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. The plight of migrants has worsened since Haftar launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of an internationally recognised unity government in early April. Since then, fighting has killed more than 700 and wounded 4,000, while nearly 100,000 have been displaced, according to UN agencies. Haftar's forces have pledged to intensify air strikes against their GNA rivals after losing a key town to unity government forces. The two rival camps accuse each other of using foreign mercenaries and enjoying military support, especially air, from foreign powers. The UN's mission in Libya has said around 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone are at risk. UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have regularly voiced their opposition to migrants arrested at sea being brought back to Libya, where they are "arbitrarily detained" or at the mercy of militias. Despite chronic instability, Libya remains an important transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and instability in other parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Nearly 40 killed in air strike on Libya migrant centre

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.