The United Kingdom's Home Secretary Priti Patel said that the preparations for future flights and the next flights have already begun after the government's plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The British government is working on its plan of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, on Tuesday, there was a last-minute intervention by European judges as they had grounded the first plane minutes before it was due to depart.&nbsp;

Despite the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)'s intervention, the government appears to be firm in its decision of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. Patel told parliament that the government was committed to the policy. She said, "We will not be put off by the inevitable legal last-minute challenges nor we will allow mobs...to block removals."&nbsp;

"We believe that we are fully compliant with our domestic and international obligations, and preparations for our future flights and the next flights have already begun," the interior minister said, adding that it cost 5 million pounds a day to accommodate the migrants.&nbsp;

The statement has sparked fury among Conservatives. Also, the United Nations' refugee chief has called the policy "catastrophic". On the other hand, the entire leadership of the Church of England labelled it as immoral and shameful.&nbsp;

Importantly, the ECHR is not related to the European Union, which Britain left in January 2020.&nbsp;

London and Rwanda agreed in April that tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrived illegally in Britain will be sent to the East African country to have their claims processed. Rwanda said it also remained fully committed to the plan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United Kingdom's Home Secretary Priti Patel said that the preparations for future flights and the next flights have already begun after the government's plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically on Tuesday.

The United Kingdom's Home Secretary Priti Patel said that the preparations for future flights and the next flights have already begun after the government's plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically on Tuesday. The British government is working on its plan of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, on Tuesday, there was a last-minute intervention by European judges as they had grounded the first plane minutes before it was due to depart. Despite the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)'s intervention, the government appears to be firm in its decision of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. Patel told parliament that the government was committed to the policy. She said, "We will not be put off by the inevitable legal last-minute challenges nor we will allow mobs...to block removals." "We believe that we are fully compliant with our domestic and international obligations, and preparations for our future flights and the next flights have already begun," the interior minister said, adding that it cost 5 million pounds a day to accommodate the migrants. The statement has sparked fury among Conservatives. Also, the United Nations' refugee chief has called the policy "catastrophic". On the other hand, the entire leadership of the Church of England labelled it as immoral and shameful. Importantly, the ECHR is not related to the European Union, which Britain left in January 2020. London and Rwanda agreed in April that tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrived illegally in Britain will be sent to the East African country to have their claims processed. Rwanda said it also remained fully committed to the plan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rwanda deportations: Will UK ditch European rights pact? Priti Patel says preparing for the next flight

Many states across the United States are facing scorching heat right now. This year, the US has recorded a historic heat wave, with temperatures going up to 10 to 30 degrees above normal.

Many states across the United States are facing scorching heat right now. This year, the US has recorded a historic heat wave, with temperatures going up to 10 to 30 degrees above normal. The National Weather Service has advised people to stay indoors as much as possible, take care of their health and stay hydrated. More than 100 million people are expected to be affected by the heatwave. The warnings were also issued for Illinois and Indiana along with parts of southern Michigan and north-western Ohio from Tuesday through Wednesday night according to the National Weather Service. Many parts of the Midwest and South were mainly affected. Many areas suffer power outages in United States Due to the extreme weather conditions and severe storms in the many areas of the Midwest, more than 620,000 people had to go without power early Tuesday, according to Power Outage US, with more than 370,000 outages in Ohio alone. Also read | Extreme heat wave in US: 100 million Americans asked to stay indoors Many people tweeted and mentioned the problems they are facing due to the power outage. Ballina Shire Council mayor, Sharon Cadwallader said that "the resulting power outages have left residents in a communication black-hole". While some said that they are unable to do the daily chores. Concerns for animals rise Heatwaves not only affect humans but also animals. Due to the temperatures increasing rapidly, it’s difficult for the animals to grasp all the changes. Drought-like conditions are increased temperatures that have resulted in wildfires, which result in the death of many wildlife animals. Heat can dry up rivers and plants, which are a source of food and water for animals. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, an estimated 80 per cent of the shrub-steppe has been lost. While researchers estimate that more than a billion marine animals along the coast were killed by extreme temperatures in Pacific Northwest. Rabbits, cattle and stationary organisms are at a higher risk. Watch | Severe storms wreak havoc in South US, government buildings and houses destroyed Florida, Ohio, Chicago, Kansas, Texas, Georgia are majorly affected According to statesatrisk.org, Florida currently has an average of 25 dangerous heatwaves each year. The temperature may go the to upper 90s and the heat indices near 110 degrees this week. A heat advisory is already in effect for the state of Florida. In Ohio, Kansas and Chicago as well an excessive heat warning is in effect. The temperature is expected to rise between 100 to 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago is also one of the worst affected states. Texas has broken the power demand record during the heat wave. Georgia officials have also raised health concerns over heat waves. According to a report it currently averages about 20 dangerous heat days a year. When will the heatwave end? As of now, no information is given by the respected departments and officials about the end of the heatwave. However, last year's temperature dipped gradually for some weeks. Causes of the heatwave Many experts have already said about the linkage of the heatwave with climate change. Due to increased global warming, and pollution, the earth is getting warmer day by day. They have also pointed out the importance to take necessary steps to protect our environment, in order to prevent future problems. We can easily see with the adverse climate conditions in the US as well as other parts of the world, including Spain, India, etc. that there is an urgent need to take necessary steps for environmental protection. Along with the heatwaves, the US is also suffering from other climate-related catastrophes. Everyone hopes that the conditions get better soon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Historic heatwave scorches US: When is it expected to end?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia on Wednesday (June 15) said that it has destroyed an ammunition warehouse for weapons in Ukraine's western Lviv region. The weapons were apparently donated by NATO countries. The Russian defence ministry said some of the ammunition was to be used for US-produced M777 howitzers, a type of artillery weapon. In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said: "Near the town of Zolochiv in Lviv region, high-precision long-range Kalibr missiles destroyed an ammunition depot of foreign weapons transferred to Ukraine by NATO countries, including 155-mm M777 howitzers. Recently, Russia has made claims that it has targeted weapons in Ukraine, which were said to be supplied by the West. Moscow also claimed that they have destroyed such arms depots. Russia has constantly criticised the West for supplying weapons to Ukraine and accused the NATO nations that they have aggravated the crisis. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States saying that Russia would strike new targets if the West supplied longer-range missiles to Ukraine for use in high-precision mobile rocket systems. Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Tuesday it had received just 10 per cent of the weapons it requested from the West to deter Russia's military intervention. UK to deliver rocket launchers UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Wednesday that Britain will soon deliver multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine. London had announced on June 6 that it would send Ukraine its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, which has better range and precision than Russia's artillery. "I think it's imminent, their delivery, and the munition has to go alongside", Wallace told reporters in Oslo on the sidelines of a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force grouping 10 Northern European countries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says howitzers among other NATO weapons destroyed in western Ukraine

From Shanghai to Paris: Here are world's most expensive cities to live in for rich people

Thailand took a step towards marriage equality Wednesday as lawmakers gave initial approval to legalising same-sex unions, prompting celebrations outside the parliament building.

It is a significant landmark in a Buddhist-majority country with a highly visible LGBTQ community but whose members still face major barriers and discrimination.

The legislation must clear several more hurdles before becoming law. If it succeeds, Thailand would be the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same sex unions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-opposition-files-no-confidence-motion-against-flawed-pm-488416">Thai opposition files no-confidence motion against 'flawed' PM</a>

The lower house approved two bills that would allow same-sex marriages and also two others that would permit civil partnerships.

A committee of lawmakers will now scrutinise the bills in detail and consolidate them into two proposals, to give MPs a choice between backing civil partnerships and full same-sex marriage.

After the vote a small but enthusiastic group of activists celebrated noisily outside parliament, weeping, hugging and waving rainbow flags.

"I am very happy and glad, it is a good sign in Pride month that there are MPs who want equality and vote for the bills," LGBTQ activist Nada Chaiyajit told AFP.

"But there is a long way to go."

Watch |&nbsp;Thailand legalises cannabis – What does this mean? Are there restrictions on use?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-legalises-cannabis-what-does-this-mean-are-there-restrictions-on-use-486727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the opposition Move Forward Party which proposed one of the same-sex marriage bills, said the vote should give people hope.

"Today is an answer that politics is possible here in Thailand," Pita told the celebrating activists outside parliament.&nbsp;

"No matter who you are, there is a place for you in this country."

Demands for marriage equality were a theme at Bangkok's Pride parade earlier this month the Thai capital's first such event in nearly 16 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-giving-away-one-million-marijuana-plants-to-develop-as-cash-crop-486934">Thailand giving away one million marijuana plants to develop as cash crop</a>

Ryan Figueiredo, executive director of LGBT rights campaign group the Equal Asia Foundation, welcomed the vote but warned "there is a lot of work to be done on the ground in terms of moving the needle of public opinion and also talking to parliamentarians."

Figueiredo also urged the Thai parliament to back full marriage.

"Civil partnerships are not equal to marriage equality, it creates an entire different class of people," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"Civil partnerships seem like a consolation prize."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Thailand took a step towards marriage equality Wednesday as lawmakers gave initial approval to legalising same-sex unions, prompting celebrations outside the parliament building.

Thailand took a step towards marriage equality Wednesday as lawmakers gave initial approval to legalising same-sex unions, prompting celebrations outside the parliament building. It is a significant landmark in a Buddhist-majority country with a highly visible LGBTQ community but whose members still face major barriers and discrimination. The legislation must clear several more hurdles before becoming law. If it succeeds, Thailand would be the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same sex unions. Also read | Thai opposition files no-confidence motion against 'flawed' PM The lower house approved two bills that would allow same-sex marriages and also two others that would permit civil partnerships. A committee of lawmakers will now scrutinise the bills in detail and consolidate them into two proposals, to give MPs a choice between backing civil partnerships and full same-sex marriage. After the vote a small but enthusiastic group of activists celebrated noisily outside parliament, weeping, hugging and waving rainbow flags. "I am very happy and glad, it is a good sign in Pride month that there are MPs who want equality and vote for the bills," LGBTQ activist Nada Chaiyajit told AFP. "But there is a long way to go." Watch | Thailand legalises cannabis – What does this mean? Are there restrictions on use? Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the opposition Move Forward Party which proposed one of the same-sex marriage bills, said the vote should give people hope. "Today is an answer that politics is possible here in Thailand," Pita told the celebrating activists outside parliament. "No matter who you are, there is a place for you in this country." Demands for marriage equality were a theme at Bangkok's Pride parade earlier this month the Thai capital's first such event in nearly 16 years. Also read | Thailand giving away one million marijuana plants to develop as cash crop Ryan Figueiredo, executive director of LGBT rights campaign group the Equal Asia Foundation, welcomed the vote but warned "there is a lot of work to be done on the ground in terms of moving the needle of public opinion and also talking to parliamentarians." Figueiredo also urged the Thai parliament to back full marriage. "Civil partnerships are not equal to marriage equality, it creates an entire different class of people," he told AFP. "Civil partnerships seem like a consolation prize." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand takes step towards same-sex marriage with parliament vote

The chairman of the British Museum believes a deal is possible to share the Parthenon Marbles with Greece, which has long sought their return. &nbsp;

The 2,500-year-old friezes taken from Athens in the 19th century are at the centre of a long-running row with London, which insists they are protected at the British Museum where the world can see them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-is-poised-to-sink-into-recession-with-biggest-financial-squeeze-since-the-1950s-industry-body-warns-487763">Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s, industry body warns</a>

But museum chairman George Osborne, Britain's former finance minister&nbsp;said in an interview Tuesday night that he believed there is a "deal to be done" to share the priceless artworks.

"In the British Museum they tell a story about civilisation compared to all the other civilisations, China, India, other parts of the Mediterranean," he told LBC radio.

"In Greece they only tell the story of Greek civilisation."

"I think there is a deal to be done where we can tell both stories, in Athens and in London, if we both approach this without a load of preconditions, without a load of red lines."

Watch |&nbsp;Greece: Firefighters control wildfire

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-firefighters-control-wildfire-485750/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I think sensible people can arrange something that makes the most of the Parthenon Marbles, but if either side says there's no give at all, then there won't be a deal."

The Parthenon temple was built in the 5th century BCE on the Acropolis to honour Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

In the early 1800s, workmen took friezes from the monument on the orders of the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Scottish nobleman Thomas Bruce, known as Lord Elgin.

Elgin sold the marbles to the British government, which in 1817 passed them on to the British Museum where they remain one of its most prized exhibits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-tayyip-erdogan-halts-talks-with-greece-as-tensions-flare-again-484229">Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan halts talks with Greece as tensions flare again</a>

Athens insists the sculptures were stolen.

In an interview last year, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruled out the return of the marbles, insisting they were legally acquired by Britain and legally owned by the British Museum's trustees since their acquisition.

Osborne noted that "I don't want to speak for all the trustees of the British Museum, we'd have to properly look at everything."

"Sensible people should come up with something so you can see them in their splendour in Athens, and you can see them alongside the splendours of other civilisations in London," he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The chairman of the British Museum believes a deal is possible to share the Parthenon Marbles with Greece, which has long sought their return. The 2,500-year-old friezes taken from Athens in the 19th century are at the centre of a long-running row with London, which insists they are protected at the British Museum where the world can see them.

The chairman of the British Museum believes a deal is possible to share the Parthenon Marbles with Greece, which has long sought their return. The 2,500-year-old friezes taken from Athens in the 19th century are at the centre of a long-running row with London, which insists they are protected at the British Museum where the world can see them. Also read | Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s, industry body warns But museum chairman George Osborne, Britain's former finance minister said in an interview Tuesday night that he believed there is a "deal to be done" to share the priceless artworks. "In the British Museum they tell a story about civilisation compared to all the other civilisations, China, India, other parts of the Mediterranean," he told LBC radio. "In Greece they only tell the story of Greek civilisation." "I think there is a deal to be done where we can tell both stories, in Athens and in London, if we both approach this without a load of preconditions, without a load of red lines." Watch | Greece: Firefighters control wildfire "I think sensible people can arrange something that makes the most of the Parthenon Marbles, but if either side says there's no give at all, then there won't be a deal." The Parthenon temple was built in the 5th century BCE on the Acropolis to honour Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. In the early 1800s, workmen took friezes from the monument on the orders of the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Scottish nobleman Thomas Bruce, known as Lord Elgin. Elgin sold the marbles to the British government, which in 1817 passed them on to the British Museum where they remain one of its most prized exhibits. Also read | Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan halts talks with Greece as tensions flare again Athens insists the sculptures were stolen. In an interview last year, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruled out the return of the marbles, insisting they were legally acquired by Britain and legally owned by the British Museum's trustees since their acquisition. Osborne noted that "I don't want to speak for all the trustees of the British Museum, we'd have to properly look at everything." "Sensible people should come up with something so you can see them in their splendour in Athens, and you can see them alongside the splendours of other civilisations in London," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British Museum head says 'deal to be done' on Elgin Marbles

Swedish furniture giant Ikea said Wednesday it would "scale down" its activities in Russia and Belarus, after putting them on hold following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Along with a slew of Western companies, Ikea announced in early March that it was suspending its Russian and Belarusian activities, affecting nearly 15,000 employees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justice-for-ukraine-no-longer-the-top-concern-for-european-public-new-survey-shows-488378">‘Justice for Ukraine’ no longer the top concern for European public, new survey shows</a>

"Unfortunately, the circumstances have not improved, and the devastating war continues," Ingka Group, which manages the majority of Ikea's stores, said in a statement Wednesday.

"Businesses and supply chains across the world have been heavily impacted and we do not see that it is possible to resume operations any time soon," the company said, adding that it and the Inter Ikea Group had "decided to enter a new phase to further scale down the Ikea business in Russia and Belarus."

The group said the retail business "will remain stopped, and the workforce will be reduced, meaning that many co-workers will be affected."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Europe looks to West Asia for gas supplies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-europe-looks-to-west-asia-for-gas-supplies-488263/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ikea has a total of 15,000 employees in Russia, including 12,500 employed by Ingka Group, the company said.

An Ingka Group spokesman said the company was not yet able to provide details on how many would be let go.

The company added that it planned "to sell out its home furnishing inventory in Russia," and that&nbsp;the production side in Russia will "reduce the workforce and start the process of finding new ownership for all four factories."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-moved-to-strict-regime-penal-colony-488438">Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony</a>

Two purchasing and logistics offices in Moscow and Minsk would also be permanently closed.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, along with triggering unprecedented sanctions, sparked an exodus of foreign corporations including H&amp;M, Starbucks and McDonalds.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Swedish furniture giant Ikea said Wednesday it would "scale down" its activities in Russia and Belarus, after putting them on hold following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Swedish furniture giant Ikea said Wednesday it would "scale down" its activities in Russia and Belarus, after putting them on hold following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Along with a slew of Western companies, Ikea announced in early March that it was suspending its Russian and Belarusian activities, affecting nearly 15,000 employees. Also read | ‘Justice for Ukraine’ no longer the top concern for European public, new survey shows "Unfortunately, the circumstances have not improved, and the devastating war continues," Ingka Group, which manages the majority of Ikea's stores, said in a statement Wednesday. "Businesses and supply chains across the world have been heavily impacted and we do not see that it is possible to resume operations any time soon," the company said, adding that it and the Inter Ikea Group had "decided to enter a new phase to further scale down the Ikea business in Russia and Belarus." The group said the retail business "will remain stopped, and the workforce will be reduced, meaning that many co-workers will be affected." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Europe looks to West Asia for gas supplies Ikea has a total of 15,000 employees in Russia, including 12,500 employed by Ingka Group, the company said. An Ingka Group spokesman said the company was not yet able to provide details on how many would be let go. The company added that it planned "to sell out its home furnishing inventory in Russia," and that the production side in Russia will "reduce the workforce and start the process of finding new ownership for all four factories." Also read | Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony Two purchasing and logistics offices in Moscow and Minsk would also be permanently closed. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, along with triggering unprecedented sanctions, sparked an exodus of foreign corporations including H&M, Starbucks and McDonalds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ikea to 'scale down' Russia, Belarus operations over Ukraine war

Shares in China's New Oriental climbed for a fourth straight day on Wednesday, with analysts saying its new live-streaming sales strategy could help it recover from a regulatory crackdown that decimated its education business.

The company was once one of China's largest private tutoring firms but its fortunes changed overnight in July last year when Beijing enforced sweeping new rules on private education that barred tutoring for profit. New Oriental's shares plunged and it dismissed tens of thousands of staff.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-chinese-textbooks-say-hong-kong-was-not-a-british-colony-report-488096">&nbsp;New Chinese textbooks say Hong Kong was not a British colony: Report</a>

It tried to pivot to sectors unaffected by the regulations, including dancing and drawing classes, and in December ventured into selling agricultural products online via live streaming, with its founder Yu Minhong, well-known in China for his entrepreneurial undertakings, occasionally hosting the sessions.

The company's sales were lacklustre, however, until late last week when its hosts, former New Oriental teachers, started using the sessions to teach English to viewers as well.

In one video that went viral on Chinese social media, the New Oriental host, after promoting a set deal for steaks, pulls out a small whiteboard where he wrote words including "steak" and "seasoning" in English, explaining how to use them in sentences before encouraging viewers to buy.

Sales from New Oriental's live-streaming platform, which had been stuck at less than 1 million yuan ($148,858) a day, leapt past the 15 million yuan mark on Friday, according to data from live-streaming tracking platform Huitun.

Watch |&nbsp;'China's attack on Taiwan would hit Global trade,' says Taiwan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-attack-on-taiwan-would-hit-global-trade-says-taiwan-488355/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shares in Koolearn Technology, which operates New Oriental's live-stream e-commerce business through a studio called Dongfang Zhenxuan on Douyin, surged 54.2 per cent&nbsp;on Wednesday.

Shares listed in Hong Kong in New Oriental, which holds 55.7 per cent&nbsp;of Koolearn, jumped 22.5 per cent on Wednesday and are up 54 per cent since the open on Friday.

However, they are still only worth about a third of their value before the new rules came in last year. New Oriental is also listed in the United States.

Citi analysts, who have a "buy" rating on New Oriental, called Koolearn's online live broadcasting a bright spot and estimated it could achieve more than 7 billion yuan in annual gross merchandise value if it maintained the current run rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-rise-as-tight-supply-counters-china-covid-recession-worries-488026">Oil prices rise as tight supply counters China COVID, recession worries</a>

China banned tutoring for profit in an attempt to ease pressure on children and parents, but it also led to a wave of school closures and layoffs across the private education sector.

Some customers who purchased products from New Oriental after watching the live streams on Friday said they were impressed by the company's never-say-die attitude.

"I burst into tears when I watched it," said Kong Ling, a tech worker in Hangzhou. "I'm watching a warrior who stands up firmly despite being beaten by the iron fist of life and I wanted to buy to show my support."

($1 = 6.7178 Chinese yuan renminbi)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Shares in China's New Oriental climbed for a fourth straight day on Wednesday, with analysts saying its new live-streaming sales strategy could help it recover from a regulatory crackdown that decimated its education business.

Shares in China's New Oriental climbed for a fourth straight day on Wednesday, with analysts saying its new live-streaming sales strategy could help it recover from a regulatory crackdown that decimated its education business. The company was once one of China's largest private tutoring firms but its fortunes changed overnight in July last year when Beijing enforced sweeping new rules on private education that barred tutoring for profit. New Oriental's shares plunged and it dismissed tens of thousands of staff. Also read | New Chinese textbooks say Hong Kong was not a British colony: Report It tried to pivot to sectors unaffected by the regulations, including dancing and drawing classes, and in December ventured into selling agricultural products online via live streaming, with its founder Yu Minhong, well-known in China for his entrepreneurial undertakings, occasionally hosting the sessions. The company's sales were lacklustre, however, until late last week when its hosts, former New Oriental teachers, started using the sessions to teach English to viewers as well. In one video that went viral on Chinese social media, the New Oriental host, after promoting a set deal for steaks, pulls out a small whiteboard where he wrote words including "steak" and "seasoning" in English, explaining how to use them in sentences before encouraging viewers to buy. Sales from New Oriental's live-streaming platform, which had been stuck at less than 1 million yuan ($148,858) a day, leapt past the 15 million yuan mark on Friday, according to data from live-streaming tracking platform Huitun. Watch | 'China's attack on Taiwan would hit Global trade,' says Taiwan Shares in Koolearn Technology, which operates New Oriental's live-stream e-commerce business through a studio called Dongfang Zhenxuan on Douyin, surged 54.2 per cent on Wednesday. Shares listed in Hong Kong in New Oriental, which holds 55.7 per cent of Koolearn, jumped 22.5 per cent on Wednesday and are up 54 per cent since the open on Friday. However, they are still only worth about a third of their value before the new rules came in last year. New Oriental is also listed in the United States. Citi analysts, who have a "buy" rating on New Oriental, called Koolearn's online live broadcasting a bright spot and estimated it could achieve more than 7 billion yuan in annual gross merchandise value if it maintained the current run rate. Also read | Oil prices rise as tight supply counters China COVID, recession worries China banned tutoring for profit in an attempt to ease pressure on children and parents, but it also led to a wave of school closures and layoffs across the private education sector. Some customers who purchased products from New Oriental after watching the live streams on Friday said they were impressed by the company's never-say-die attitude. "I burst into tears when I watched it," said Kong Ling, a tech worker in Hangzhou. "I'm watching a warrior who stands up firmly despite being beaten by the iron fist of life and I wanted to buy to show my support." ($1 = 6.7178 Chinese yuan renminbi) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's New Oriental education giant finds new life in English live streaming

Ecuador's police on Tuesday detained the leader of the country's largest indigenous organization, Leonidas Iza, after he led blockades on several highways and other allegedly violent acts in protest against the government's economic policies.

Iza's lawyer called the detention illegal and said it was unclear what crime he is accused of.

Indigenous groups began on Monday what they said will be an ongoing protest to demand President Guillermo Lasso freeze the price of gasoline, declare a moratorium on small farmers' bank debts and limit oil and mining expansion in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-frogs-at-the-center-of-a-battle-against-mining-in-ecuador-484382">Two frogs are at the centre of a battle against mining in Ecuador</a>

On Monday night protesters burned a patrol car and attacked police officers, extinguished a pressure pump in an oil field and damaged infrastructure in some flower farms, the government said.

Iza's arrest on Tuesday prompted further protests, while violence rose in some parts of the country.

"He was intercepted and detained in a violent way, incommunicado for five hours, we didn't know where he was and we still don't know what crime he is accused of," Iza's lawyer Lenin Sarzosa told journalists in Quito. "We have presented a habeas petition for illegal detention."

Iza's organization CONAIE tweeted a video of his detention, describing it as "violent, illegal and arbitrary."

Four people who allegedly participated in crimes and one person who is an intellectual author are awaiting a hearing, Interior Minister Patricio Carrillo wrote on Twitter.

Watch |&nbsp;Violent protests erupt in Ecuador against govt's economic policies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violent-protests-erupt-in-ecuador-against-govts-economic-policies-488395/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Protest is a right that we defend as the government, but not chaos and much less violence," the minister added.

Hundreds of indigenous people arrived in Latacunga, south of capital city Quito, to support Iza on Tuesday afternoon. Other marches were reported in small towns with indigenous populations.

Ecuador's police said officers had been assaulted and several of them detained by protesters in Latacunga.

Community and student groups were also protesting against Lasso's economic reforms in Quito in the afternoon, culminating in an attack on a police car, according to Reuters witnesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/violence-over-prophet-remarks-in-west-bengal-over-200-arrested-kolkata-police-summon-nupur-sharma-487810">Violence over Prophet remarks: In West Bengal, over 200 arrested; Kolkata police summon Nupur Sharma</a>

"Whatever happens, whatever it costs, even if we have to rot in jail, we will keep fighting," said Marlon Vargas, the head of Amazonian indigenous group, Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE).

Lasso has said he will not allow protests to affect economic recovery and will punish any vandalism during protests.

Ecuadorean oil company PetroOriental said it was losing production of some 1,400 barrels per day and had shuttered eight wells in Orellana province after a small group from the Yawepare community occupied its installations, blocked access roads and damaged the tires of military vehicles with spears.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ecuador's police on Tuesday detained the leader of the country's largest indigenous organization, Leonidas Iza, after he led blockades on several highways and other allegedly violent acts in protest against the government's economic policies.

Ecuador's police on Tuesday detained the leader of the country's largest indigenous organization, Leonidas Iza, after he led blockades on several highways and other allegedly violent acts in protest against the government's economic policies. Iza's lawyer called the detention illegal and said it was unclear what crime he is accused of. Indigenous groups began on Monday what they said will be an ongoing protest to demand President Guillermo Lasso freeze the price of gasoline, declare a moratorium on small farmers' bank debts and limit oil and mining expansion in the country. Also read | Two frogs are at the centre of a battle against mining in Ecuador On Monday night protesters burned a patrol car and attacked police officers, extinguished a pressure pump in an oil field and damaged infrastructure in some flower farms, the government said. Iza's arrest on Tuesday prompted further protests, while violence rose in some parts of the country. "He was intercepted and detained in a violent way, incommunicado for five hours, we didn't know where he was and we still don't know what crime he is accused of," Iza's lawyer Lenin Sarzosa told journalists in Quito. "We have presented a habeas petition for illegal detention." Iza's organization CONAIE tweeted a video of his detention, describing it as "violent, illegal and arbitrary." Four people who allegedly participated in crimes and one person who is an intellectual author are awaiting a hearing, Interior Minister Patricio Carrillo wrote on Twitter. Watch | Violent protests erupt in Ecuador against govt's economic policies "Protest is a right that we defend as the government, but not chaos and much less violence," the minister added. Hundreds of indigenous people arrived in Latacunga, south of capital city Quito, to support Iza on Tuesday afternoon. Other marches were reported in small towns with indigenous populations. Ecuador's police said officers had been assaulted and several of them detained by protesters in Latacunga. Community and student groups were also protesting against Lasso's economic reforms in Quito in the afternoon, culminating in an attack on a police car, according to Reuters witnesses. Also read | Violence over Prophet remarks: In West Bengal, over 200 arrested; Kolkata police summon Nupur Sharma "Whatever happens, whatever it costs, even if we have to rot in jail, we will keep fighting," said Marlon Vargas, the head of Amazonian indigenous group, Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE). Lasso has said he will not allow protests to affect economic recovery and will punish any vandalism during protests. Ecuadorean oil company PetroOriental said it was losing production of some 1,400 barrels per day and had shuttered eight wells in Orellana province after a small group from the Yawepare community occupied its installations, blocked access roads and damaged the tires of military vehicles with spears. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ecuadorean police detain indigenous leader, violence rises

Ryanair&nbsp;has dropped a requirement for South African passengers to prove their nationality before travelling by completing a test in Afrikaans, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said after the policy drew a backlash among South Africans.

The South African government said last week it was taken aback by the low cost carrier's decision to force UK-bound travelers holding the country's passport to take the test, calling the move a "backward profiling system".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-airport-labour-strife-staff-shortages-disrupt-summer-travel-486652">European airport labour strife, staff shortages disrupt summer travel</a>

Afrikaans is spoken by just 12 per cent&nbsp;of the 58 million people in the country and often associated with apartheid and white minority rule.

O'Leary, whose airline does not operate flights to and from South Africa but carries more passengers around Europe than anyone else, described the South African government's profiling accusation as "rubbish" but said the test had been dropped.

Watch |&nbsp;Europe's largest Airline Ryanair faces outrage over test in Afrikaans for South Africans

"The South African government have acknowledged that there's a problem with the vast number of false or fake South African passports", O'Leary told a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday, citing a surge in false South African passports on a route between Turkey and Ireland.

"Our team issued a test in Afrikaans of 12 simple questions like what's the name of the mountain outside Pretoria. They have no difficulty completing that, but we've we didn't think it was appropriate either. So we have ended the Afrikaans test because doesn't make any sense".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europes-largest-airline-ryanair-faces-outrage-over-test-in-afrikaans-for-south-africans-486116/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ryanair has dropped a requirement for South African passengers to prove their nationality before travelling by completing a test in Afrikaans, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said after the policy drew a backlash among South Africans.

Ryanair has dropped a requirement for South African passengers to prove their nationality before travelling by completing a test in Afrikaans, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said after the policy drew a backlash among South Africans. The South African government said last week it was taken aback by the low cost carrier's decision to force UK-bound travelers holding the country's passport to take the test, calling the move a "backward profiling system". Also read | European airport labour strife, staff shortages disrupt summer travel Afrikaans is spoken by just 12 per cent of the 58 million people in the country and often associated with apartheid and white minority rule. O'Leary, whose airline does not operate flights to and from South Africa but carries more passengers around Europe than anyone else, described the South African government's profiling accusation as "rubbish" but said the test had been dropped. Watch | Europe's largest Airline Ryanair faces outrage over test in Afrikaans for South Africans "The South African government have acknowledged that there's a problem with the vast number of false or fake South African passports", O'Leary told a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday, citing a surge in false South African passports on a route between Turkey and Ireland. "Our team issued a test in Afrikaans of 12 simple questions like what's the name of the mountain outside Pretoria. They have no difficulty completing that, but we've we didn't think it was appropriate either. So we have ended the Afrikaans test because doesn't make any sense".

Ryanair drops Afrikaans test after backlash in South Africa

South&nbsp;Korea's unionised&nbsp;truckers&nbsp;headed back on the roads on Wednesday after the union and the transport ministry reached a tentative late-night agreement, ending a nationwide strike that crippled ports and industrial hubs.

The transport ministry and&nbsp;truckers&nbsp;union agreed on late Tuesday to extend the&nbsp;truckers&nbsp;minimum freight rates and continue discussing expanding a guarantee of minimum pay for carrying cargo to cover additional products. The transport ministry will also review expanding fuel subsidies.

Shares in some affected industries rose after the eight-day strike had delayed cargo shipments from autos to cement and alcohol, costing&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;more than 1.2 billion dollars in lost output and unfilled deliveries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trucker-strike-snarls-supply-chains-488159">South Korean trucker strike snarls supply chains</a>

"So the strike has been called off until our demands are passed in parliament", said Park Jung-hoon, an official at the union's Busan chapter, referring to the process the transport ministry must undertake to implement the agreement.

"In the next two to three days, 100 per cent of unionised&nbsp;truckers&nbsp;at Busan port are expected to return to work after they get some rest. There might be some shippers who seek retributions, and in such cases, we will respond strongly".

The strike had been an early test of the new government of President Yoon Suk-yeol and had further stretched global supply chains already disrupted by China's COVID-19 curbs and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Woo Sang-ho, the interim leader of the opposition liberal Democratic Party which has a majority in parliament, welcomed the agreement but said the issue of guaranteeing freight rates required legislation and called for "fundamental improvement" to address conditions faced by the&nbsp;truckers.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea truckers return to work after strike ends

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-truckers-return-to-work-after-strike-ends-488351/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The ruling party must not remain a mediator, but should promote directly" the minimum freight rate system as it is directly tied to people's safety, a joint statement with the union and a Democratic Party committee said on Wednesday.

There was confusion about whether the government and Yoon's ruling conservatives agreed to make the minimum pay system a permanent feature or merely extend a temporary measure for another fixed period, union official Kim Jae-gwang said.

Business lobby group&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;International Trade Association said the minimum freight rate system "does not take into account market functions", reduces production and weakens international competitiveness by "placing a one-sided burden on the shipper".

SHARES GAIN, PRODUCTION RESUMES

Still, investors responded positively, with shares in Hyundai Motor gaining as much as 4.4 per cent&nbsp;while shares in Hanil Cement rose as much as 7 per cent, outperforming the benchmark KOSPI's 1.8% fall.

"Production has been normalised at our Ulsan Plant and we will continue to minimise customer inconvenience from the production disruption", Hyundai Motor said in a statement on Wednesday.

Yoo Ji-woong, an analyst at Daol Securities estimated the strike had impacted about 5,000 vehicles each for both Hyundai and Kia but said there were sufficient opportunities to make up for lost production during June through overtime.

Steelmaker POSCO, a unit of POSCO Holdings, halted work at some plants on Monday due to a lack of space to store unshipped products, but plans to achieve originally planned production output by adjusting its maintenance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-north-korea-fires-multiple-artillery-shots-from-rocket-launchers-487600">South Korea says North Korea fires multiple artillery shots from rocket launchers</a>

"We plan to resume our overland transport of steel products out of Pohang and Gwangyang steel plants starting 1 pm (0400 GMT) on Wednesday", a spokesperson said.

Korea&nbsp;Zinc said its shipments of sulphuric acid, a key raw material of semiconductors, are back on track after strikers retreated from its production base in Ulsan.

An official at SK Plasma, which manufactures medicines with plasma, said shipments of plasma supplies, which had been trapped in Busan port, partially resumed on Wednesday.

But shares in drinks company HiteJinro rose as much as 4.5 per cent&nbsp;in early trade, as subcontracted&nbsp;truckers&nbsp;had still not returned to work as of Wednesday morning because they had additional demands for a pay hike, a HiteJinro official said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

South Korea's unionised truckers headed back on the roads on Wednesday after the union and the transport ministry reached a tentative late-night agreement, ending a nationwide strike that crippled ports and industrial hubs.

South Korea's unionised truckers headed back on the roads on Wednesday after the union and the transport ministry reached a tentative late-night agreement, ending a nationwide strike that crippled ports and industrial hubs. The transport ministry and truckers union agreed on late Tuesday to extend the truckers minimum freight rates and continue discussing expanding a guarantee of minimum pay for carrying cargo to cover additional products. The transport ministry will also review expanding fuel subsidies. Shares in some affected industries rose after the eight-day strike had delayed cargo shipments from autos to cement and alcohol, costing South Korea more than 1.2 billion dollars in lost output and unfilled deliveries. Also read | South Korean trucker strike snarls supply chains "So the strike has been called off until our demands are passed in parliament", said Park Jung-hoon, an official at the union's Busan chapter, referring to the process the transport ministry must undertake to implement the agreement. "In the next two to three days, 100 per cent of unionised truckers at Busan port are expected to return to work after they get some rest. There might be some shippers who seek retributions, and in such cases, we will respond strongly". The strike had been an early test of the new government of President Yoon Suk-yeol and had further stretched global supply chains already disrupted by China's COVID-19 curbs and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Woo Sang-ho, the interim leader of the opposition liberal Democratic Party which has a majority in parliament, welcomed the agreement but said the issue of guaranteeing freight rates required legislation and called for "fundamental improvement" to address conditions faced by the truckers. Watch | South Korea truckers return to work after strike ends "The ruling party must not remain a mediator, but should promote directly" the minimum freight rate system as it is directly tied to people's safety, a joint statement with the union and a Democratic Party committee said on Wednesday. There was confusion about whether the government and Yoon's ruling conservatives agreed to make the minimum pay system a permanent feature or merely extend a temporary measure for another fixed period, union official Kim Jae-gwang said. Business lobby group Korea International Trade Association said the minimum freight rate system "does not take into account market functions", reduces production and weakens international competitiveness by "placing a one-sided burden on the shipper". SHARES GAIN, PRODUCTION RESUMES Still, investors responded positively, with shares in Hyundai Motor gaining as much as 4.4 per cent while shares in Hanil Cement rose as much as 7 per cent, outperforming the benchmark KOSPI's 1.8% fall. "Production has been normalised at our Ulsan Plant and we will continue to minimise customer inconvenience from the production disruption", Hyundai Motor said in a statement on Wednesday. Yoo Ji-woong, an analyst at Daol Securities estimated the strike had impacted about 5,000 vehicles each for both Hyundai and Kia but said there were sufficient opportunities to make up for lost production during June through overtime. Steelmaker POSCO, a unit of POSCO Holdings, halted work at some plants on Monday due to a lack of space to store unshipped products, but plans to achieve originally planned production output by adjusting its maintenance. Also read | South Korea says North Korea fires multiple artillery shots from rocket launchers "We plan to resume our overland transport of steel products out of Pohang and Gwangyang steel plants starting 1 pm (0400 GMT) on Wednesday", a spokesperson said. Korea Zinc said its shipments of sulphuric acid, a key raw material of semiconductors, are back on track after strikers retreated from its production base in Ulsan. An official at SK Plasma, which manufactures medicines with plasma, said shipments of plasma supplies, which had been trapped in Busan port, partially resumed on Wednesday. But shares in drinks company HiteJinro rose as much as 4.5 per cent in early trade, as subcontracted truckers had still not returned to work as of Wednesday morning because they had additional demands for a pay hike, a HiteJinro official said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea truckers return to work after strike deal; shares rally

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday.

The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

"In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara&nbsp;(IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-forecast-department-anticipates-heatwave-to-hit-france-early-this-year-487803">France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year</a>

The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said.&nbsp;

Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added.

A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021.

An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso.

He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said.

France is to complete its&nbsp;withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces.

Watch |&nbsp;French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-parliament-elections-set-to-begin-polls-predict-macrons-coalition-will-win-260-300-seats-487374/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Re-positioning'

On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali".&nbsp;

Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020.

The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group.

For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.

France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north.

But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break.

In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels&nbsp;a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-france-reach-555-million-euro-settlement-deal-487133">Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal</a>

Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it.

In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries.

An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force. "In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP. Also read | France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said. Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added. A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021. An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso. He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said. France is to complete its withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces. Watch | French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats 'Re-positioning' On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali". Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020. The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group. For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north. But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break. In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021. Also read | Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it. In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries. An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France claims capture of senior Islamic State figure in Mali

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Srishti Sisodia

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.