The Biden administration is prepared to impose further sanctions and ratchet up diplomatic pressure on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government following elections set for this Sunday, senior US&nbsp;officials said.

Escalating US&nbsp;criticism of Ortega as he is firmly favored to win a fourth consecutive term, a senior State Department official said on Friday that Washington sees the vote as ushering in a "dictatorship" in the Central American nation.

Since the last election in 2016, Ortega has abolished presidential term limits, expanded his family's business empire and piled pressure on independent media. In recent months, he has jailed opposition contenders, activists, journalists and business leaders. Other critics have gone into exile.

The United States will maintain its diplomatic presence in Nicaragua despite regarding the election as the end of Ortega's democratic mandate, the official told reporters.

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But President Joe Biden's administration will limit certain trade "interactions" with Managua and uses its vote in international financial institutions to discourage lending to a "corrupt government."

Biden is likely to add his voice to condemnation of Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla, by issuing a statement on Sunday, a senior administration official said.

Biden also intends to sign legislation to increase pressure on Ortega, who has arrested opponents and cracked down on critical media, all but guaranteeing his re-election, the official said.

"You're going to see broad international rejection of fraudulent elections," the administration official told reporters.

Reuters reported last week that Washington was readying targeted sanctions for after the election. This would add to the punitive measures already rolled out, including on Ortega family members. read more

The State Department official confirmed more sanctions were in the works, though earlier actions have not deterred Ortega. Many analysts are skeptical, with sanctions having done little to effect change in Cuba and Venezuela.

US&nbsp;officials hope to gain leverage by coordinating sanctions with others, such as the European Union and Canada, even as Nicaragua's neighbors have resisted going beyond tough words.

"We're prepared to focus our attention through sanctions and diplomacy on imposing costs on those involved in repression in Nicaragua," the State Department official said.

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Ortega, the longest-serving leader in the Americas, has said that sanctions would not deter him and his government was upholding the law by arresting people conspiring against him.

The State Department official said the Organization of American States is expected to send a "strong message" when it meets this month. Seven nations - including Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and Honduras - abstained in October on a resolution expressing alarm at Ortega's actions.

US&nbsp;options appear limited. The State Department official said Washington would be very careful about hitting sectors of Nicaragua's economy that "might impact the population." This would appear to leave only individuals, security units and government-controlled companies as future targets.

Washington has begun a review of Nicaragua's membership in the Central America free trade agreement. But the administration is mindful that Nicaragua's suspension could hurt its struggling economy and possibly spur further migration to the US-Mexico border.

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The State Department official said the administration was willing to study what additional measures could be taken under CAFTA-DR, which gives preferential treatment for regional exports, but stopped short of saying it would consider Nicaragua's suspension.

The Biden administration is prepared to impose further sanctions and ratchet up diplomatic pressure on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government following elections set for this Sunday, senior US officials said.

The Biden administration is prepared to impose further sanctions and ratchet up diplomatic pressure on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government following elections set for this Sunday, senior US officials said. Escalating US criticism of Ortega as he is firmly favored to win a fourth consecutive term, a senior State Department official said on Friday that Washington sees the vote as ushering in a "dictatorship" in the Central American nation. Since the last election in 2016, Ortega has abolished presidential term limits, expanded his family's business empire and piled pressure on independent media. In recent months, he has jailed opposition contenders, activists, journalists and business leaders. Other critics have gone into exile. The United States will maintain its diplomatic presence in Nicaragua despite regarding the election as the end of Ortega's democratic mandate, the official told reporters. Also Read | Chinese spy convicted of trying to steal US aviation trade secrets But President Joe Biden's administration will limit certain trade "interactions" with Managua and uses its vote in international financial institutions to discourage lending to a "corrupt government." Biden is likely to add his voice to condemnation of Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla, by issuing a statement on Sunday, a senior administration official said. Biden also intends to sign legislation to increase pressure on Ortega, who has arrested opponents and cracked down on critical media, all but guaranteeing his re-election, the official said. "You're going to see broad international rejection of fraudulent elections," the administration official told reporters. Reuters reported last week that Washington was readying targeted sanctions for after the election. This would add to the punitive measures already rolled out, including on Ortega family members. read more The State Department official confirmed more sanctions were in the works, though earlier actions have not deterred Ortega. Many analysts are skeptical, with sanctions having done little to effect change in Cuba and Venezuela. US officials hope to gain leverage by coordinating sanctions with others, such as the European Union and Canada, even as Nicaragua's neighbors have resisted going beyond tough words. "We're prepared to focus our attention through sanctions and diplomacy on imposing costs on those involved in repression in Nicaragua," the State Department official said. Also Read | UN Security Council calls for end to Ethiopia conflict Ortega, the longest-serving leader in the Americas, has said that sanctions would not deter him and his government was upholding the law by arresting people conspiring against him. The State Department official said the Organization of American States is expected to send a "strong message" when it meets this month. Seven nations - including Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and Honduras - abstained in October on a resolution expressing alarm at Ortega's actions. US options appear limited. The State Department official said Washington would be very careful about hitting sectors of Nicaragua's economy that "might impact the population." This would appear to leave only individuals, security units and government-controlled companies as future targets. Washington has begun a review of Nicaragua's membership in the Central America free trade agreement. But the administration is mindful that Nicaragua's suspension could hurt its struggling economy and possibly spur further migration to the US-Mexico border. Also Read | US journalist detained in Myanmar hit with third charge, says lawyer The State Department official said the administration was willing to study what additional measures could be taken under CAFTA-DR, which gives preferential treatment for regional exports, but stopped short of saying it would consider Nicaragua's suspension.

US prepares sanctions, pressure on Nicaragua after election -officials

It was a split second decision. Mirza Ali Ahmadi and his wife Suraya found themselves and their five children on Aug. 19 in a chaotic crowd outside the gates of the Kabul airport in Afghanistan when a US&nbsp;soldier, from over the tall fence, asked if they needed help.

Fearing their two-month old baby Sohail would get crushed in the melee, they handed him to the soldier, thinking they would soon get to the entrance, which was only about 16 feet (5 meters) away.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unicef-aiming-to-fund-afghan-school-teachers-without-giving-money-to-taliban-report-426685">UNICEF aiming to fund Afghan school teachers without giving money to Taliban: Report</a>

But at that moment, Mirza Ali said, the Taliban - which had swiftly taken over the country as US&nbsp;troops withdrew - began pushing back hundreds of hopeful evacuees. It took the rest of the family more than a half hour to get to the other side of the airport fence.

Once they were inside, Sohail was nowhere to be found.

Mirza Ali, who said he worked as a security guard at the US embassy for 10 years, began desperately asking every official he encountered about his baby's whereabouts. He said a military commander told him the airport was too dangerous for a baby and that he might have been taken to a special area for children. But when they got there it was empty.

"He walked with me all around the airport to search everywhere," Mirza Ali said in an interview through a translator. He said he never got the commander's name, as he didn't speak English and was relying on Afghan colleagues from the embassy to help communicate. Three days went by.

"I spoke to maybe more than 20 people," he said. "Every officer - military or civilian - I came across I was asking about my baby."

He said one of the civilian officials he spoke to told him Sohail might have been evacuated by himself. "They said 'we don't have resources to keep the baby here.'

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Mirza Ali, 35, Suraya, 32, and their other children, 17, 9, 6 and 3 years old, were put on an evacuation flight to Qatar and then to Germany and eventually landed in the United States. The family is now at Fort Bliss in Texas with other Afghan refugees waiting to be resettled somewhere in the United States. They have no relatives here.

Mirza Ali said he saw other families handing their babies over the Kabul airport fence to soldiers at the same time. One video clip of a small baby in a diaper being hoisted by her arm over razor wire went viral on social media. She was later reunited with her parents.

Ever since his baby went missing dates are a blur, Mirza Ali said. Every person he comes across - aid workers, US&nbsp;officials - he tells them about Sohail. "Everyone promises they will do their best, but they are just promises," he said.

An Afghan refugee support group created a "Missing Baby" sign with Sohail's picture on it and are circulating it among their networks in the hopes that someone will recognize him.

A US government official familiar with the situation said the case had been flagged for all the agencies involved, including the US&nbsp;bases and overseas locations. The child was last seen being handed to a U.S. soldier during the chaos at the Kabul airport but "unfortunately no one can find the child," the official said.

A Department of Defense spokesperson and a spokesperson for the US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security, which is overseeing resettlement efforts, referred queries on the matter to the State Department, since the separation took place overseas.

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A State Department spokesperson said the government is working with international partners and the international community "to explore every avenue to locate the child, which includes an international amber alert that was issued through the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children."

Suraya, who also spoke through a translator, said she cries most of the time and that her other children are distraught.

"All I am doing is thinking about my child," Suraya said. "Everyone that is calling me, my mother, my father, my sister, they all comfort me and say 'don't worry, God is kind, your son will be found.'"

It was a split second decision. Mirza Ali Ahmadi and his wife Suraya found themselves and their five children on Aug. 19 in a chaotic crowd outside the gates of the Kabul airport in Afghanistan when a US soldier, from over the tall fence, asked if they needed help.

It was a split second decision. Mirza Ali Ahmadi and his wife Suraya found themselves and their five children on Aug. 19 in a chaotic crowd outside the gates of the Kabul airport in Afghanistan when a US soldier, from over the tall fence, asked if they needed help. Fearing their two-month old baby Sohail would get crushed in the melee, they handed him to the soldier, thinking they would soon get to the entrance, which was only about 16 feet (5 meters) away. Also Read | UNICEF aiming to fund Afghan school teachers without giving money to Taliban: Report But at that moment, Mirza Ali said, the Taliban - which had swiftly taken over the country as US troops withdrew - began pushing back hundreds of hopeful evacuees. It took the rest of the family more than a half hour to get to the other side of the airport fence. Once they were inside, Sohail was nowhere to be found. Mirza Ali, who said he worked as a security guard at the US embassy for 10 years, began desperately asking every official he encountered about his baby's whereabouts. He said a military commander told him the airport was too dangerous for a baby and that he might have been taken to a special area for children. But when they got there it was empty. "He walked with me all around the airport to search everywhere," Mirza Ali said in an interview through a translator. He said he never got the commander's name, as he didn't speak English and was relying on Afghan colleagues from the embassy to help communicate. Three days went by. "I spoke to maybe more than 20 people," he said. "Every officer - military or civilian - I came across I was asking about my baby." He said one of the civilian officials he spoke to told him Sohail might have been evacuated by himself. "They said 'we don't have resources to keep the baby here.' Also Read | Afghanistan: Attacks on Shia minority trigger mass exodus to Iran Mirza Ali, 35, Suraya, 32, and their other children, 17, 9, 6 and 3 years old, were put on an evacuation flight to Qatar and then to Germany and eventually landed in the United States. The family is now at Fort Bliss in Texas with other Afghan refugees waiting to be resettled somewhere in the United States. They have no relatives here. Mirza Ali said he saw other families handing their babies over the Kabul airport fence to soldiers at the same time. One video clip of a small baby in a diaper being hoisted by her arm over razor wire went viral on social media. She was later reunited with her parents. Ever since his baby went missing dates are a blur, Mirza Ali said. Every person he comes across - aid workers, US officials - he tells them about Sohail. "Everyone promises they will do their best, but they are just promises," he said. An Afghan refugee support group created a "Missing Baby" sign with Sohail's picture on it and are circulating it among their networks in the hopes that someone will recognize him. A US government official familiar with the situation said the case had been flagged for all the agencies involved, including the US bases and overseas locations. The child was last seen being handed to a U.S. soldier during the chaos at the Kabul airport but "unfortunately no one can find the child," the official said. A Department of Defense spokesperson and a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security, which is overseeing resettlement efforts, referred queries on the matter to the State Department, since the separation took place overseas. Also Read | 19 dead in attack on Kabul military hospital; gunmen killed, says Taliban A State Department spokesperson said the government is working with international partners and the international community "to explore every avenue to locate the child, which includes an international amber alert that was issued through the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children." Suraya, who also spoke through a translator, said she cries most of the time and that her other children are distraught. "All I am doing is thinking about my child," Suraya said. "Everyone that is calling me, my mother, my father, my sister, they all comfort me and say 'don't worry, God is kind, your son will be found.'"

Afghan baby handed to US soldiers amid chaos at Kabul airport still missing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Vietnam counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and had a productive exchange on the sideline of COP26 in Glasgow, informed the Embassy of India in Hanoi on Wednesday.

India and Vietnam reaffirming comprehensive strategic partnership, it added.

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"Reaffirming Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! Prime Minister @narendramodiand Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a productive exchange on the sidelines of #COP26 in Glasgow," tweeted Indian Embassy in Vietnam.

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Reaffirming 🇮🇳🇻🇳 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! 
 
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a productive exchange on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP26</a> in Glasgow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVietnam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVietnam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/6INz4MHrg8">pic.twitter.com/6INz4MHrg8</a>
— India in Vietnam (@AmbHanoi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbHanoi/status/1455704988789841923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi was on his five-day foreign visit to Rome, Italy and Glasgow, UK. He returned to India on Wednesday morning after enhancing India's self-declared renewable energy commitments at COP26 in Glasgow, and outlining India's position on global issues at G20 Summit.

PM Modi also held various bilateral meetings with several heads of the state on the sidelines of the G20.

He met German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Pope Francis, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

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In Rome, Prime Minister also met Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong.

The Prime Minister also met French President Emmanuel Macron. During his COP26 address on Monday, Prime Minister Modi announced five "amrit tatva" including the target to attain net-zero emissions by 2070.

He declared that India will increase its capacity of non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW and meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Vietnam counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and had a productive exchange on the sideline of COP26 in Glasgow, informed the Embassy of India in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Vietnam counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and had a productive exchange on the sideline of COP26 in Glasgow, informed the Embassy of India in Hanoi on Wednesday. India and Vietnam reaffirming comprehensive strategic partnership, it added. Also Read | COP26: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with British PM Johnson "Reaffirming Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! Prime Minister @narendramodiand Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a productive exchange on the sidelines of #COP26 in Glasgow," tweeted Indian Embassy in Vietnam. Reaffirming 🇮🇳🇻🇳 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a productive exchange on the sidelines of #COP26 in Glasgow.#IndiaVietnam @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/6INz4MHrg8 — India in Vietnam (@AmbHanoi) November 3, 2021 × PM Modi was on his five-day foreign visit to Rome, Italy and Glasgow, UK. He returned to India on Wednesday morning after enhancing India's self-declared renewable energy commitments at COP26 in Glasgow, and outlining India's position on global issues at G20 Summit. PM Modi also held various bilateral meetings with several heads of the state on the sidelines of the G20. He met German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Pope Francis, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Also Read | COP26: Major takeaways from PM Modi's speech at the climate sumit In Rome, Prime Minister also met Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong. The Prime Minister also met French President Emmanuel Macron. During his COP26 address on Monday, Prime Minister Modi announced five "amrit tatva" including the target to attain net-zero emissions by 2070. He declared that India will increase its capacity of non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW and meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.

Indian PM Modi, Vietnam's Pham Minh Chinh meet on sidelines of COP26, reaffirm strategic ties

About 37,000 people, including women and children, are now displaced in Myanmar's northwest and many have fled their homes in anticipation of the current fighting, including into India, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

The UN team in Myanmar remains deeply concerned over the recent escalation in fighting in the northwest between the Myanmar Military and the local Popular Defence Forces in Chin State, as well as Magway and Sagaing regions, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Florencia Soto Nino said at the daily press briefing Monday.

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She said this has led to more people being displaced and the property being destroyed, nine months after the military seized control over the Government of Myanmar on February 1. There have also been worrying reports in recent days of the shelling and burning of more than 160 houses of civilians in the town of Thantlang in western Chin.

Our humanitarian colleagues say that some 37,000 people, including women and children, are now displaced in the country's northwest. Many have fled their homes in anticipation of the current fighting, including into India,&nbsp;Nino said adding that this is in addition to more than 7,000 people who remain displaced from the previous fighting since December 2019.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/information-combat-inside-the-fight-for-myanmars-soul-the-armys-parallel-fight-online-426151">&nbsp;'Information combat': Inside the fight for Myanmar's soul. The army's parallel fight online</a>

The UN team repeats its calls for parties to the conflict to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and humanitarians, and reiterates that aid workers and their properties should never be a target, she said.&nbsp;

About 37,000 people, including women and children, are now displaced in Myanmar's northwest and many have fled their homes in anticipation of the current fighting, including into India, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

About 37,000 people, including women and children, are now displaced in Myanmar's northwest and many have fled their homes in anticipation of the current fighting, including into India, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. The UN team in Myanmar remains deeply concerned over the recent escalation in fighting in the northwest between the Myanmar Military and the local Popular Defence Forces in Chin State, as well as Magway and Sagaing regions, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Florencia Soto Nino said at the daily press briefing Monday. Also Read | Three Chinese hostages in Mali rescued after escape She said this has led to more people being displaced and the property being destroyed, nine months after the military seized control over the Government of Myanmar on February 1. There have also been worrying reports in recent days of the shelling and burning of more than 160 houses of civilians in the town of Thantlang in western Chin. Our humanitarian colleagues say that some 37,000 people, including women and children, are now displaced in the country's northwest. Many have fled their homes in anticipation of the current fighting, including into India, Nino said adding that this is in addition to more than 7,000 people who remain displaced from the previous fighting since December 2019. Also Read | 'Information combat': Inside the fight for Myanmar's soul. The army's parallel fight online The UN team repeats its calls for parties to the conflict to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and humanitarians, and reiterates that aid workers and their properties should never be a target, she said.

About 37,000 people displaced in Myanmar's northwest, many have fled into India

The Taliban announced a complete ban on the use of foreign currency in Afghanistan and warned of action for violators, reports said.

The move to shift to local currency, Afghani, is certain to cause further disruption to the Afghanistan economy that is already on the brink of collapse.

"The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) instructs all citizens, shopkeepers, traders, businessmen and the general public to&nbsp;conduct all transactions in Afghanis and strictly refrain from using foreign currency," a statement by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said.

Also Read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-controversy-erupts-over-container-full-of-bodies-426236">Kabul: Controversy erupts over 'container full of bodies'</a>

"Anyone violating this order will face legal action," the statement further read.

Till now, the&nbsp;US dollar was widely used in Afghanistan's markets while&nbsp;bordering areas use the currency of neighbouring countries like Pakistan for trade purposes.

Afghanistan's access to more than $9.5 billion has been blocked by the US, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the Taliban takeover of&nbsp;Kabul on August 15.

Millions of Afghans have been internally displaced, and thousands have left the country, giving rise to a growing humanitarian crisis.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-airlifts-winter-shelters-for-displaced-afghans-426167">UN airlifts winter shelters for displaced Afghans</a>

The country is in a dire economic situation with no international support and connectivity, resulting in an extremely difficult situation for ordinary people.

The Taliban announced a complete ban on the use of foreign currency in Afghanistan and warned of action for violators, reports said. The move to shift to local currency, Afghani, is certain to cause further disruption to the Afghanistan economy that is already on the brink of collapse.

The Taliban announced a complete ban on the use of foreign currency in Afghanistan and warned of action for violators, reports said. The move to shift to local currency, Afghani, is certain to cause further disruption to the Afghanistan economy that is already on the brink of collapse. "The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) instructs all citizens, shopkeepers, traders, businessmen and the general public to conduct all transactions in Afghanis and strictly refrain from using foreign currency," a statement by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said. Also Read | Kabul: Controversy erupts over 'container full of bodies' "Anyone violating this order will face legal action," the statement further read. Till now, the US dollar was widely used in Afghanistan's markets while bordering areas use the currency of neighbouring countries like Pakistan for trade purposes. Afghanistan's access to more than $9.5 billion has been blocked by the US, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15. Millions of Afghans have been internally displaced, and thousands have left the country, giving rise to a growing humanitarian crisis. Also Read | UN airlifts winter shelters for displaced Afghans The country is in a dire economic situation with no international support and connectivity, resulting in an extremely difficult situation for ordinary people.

Taliban ban use of foreign currency in Afghanistan

China "resolutely opposes" Washington's revocation of China Telecom Corp Inc's licence to operate in the United States, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said in a statement on Wednesday.

"In recent years, the United States has repeatedly sanctioned Chinese companies on the grounds of national security and disregarding facts," the regulator wrote.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-rapid-progress-in-development-of-silos-missiles-that-could-launch-nuclear-weapons-report-426276">China making rapid progress in development of silos missiles that could launch nuclear weapons: Report</a>

"This is an unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises by abuse of state power and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules," it added.

MIIT urged Washington to reverse its decision.

Late last month the US&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to revoke the authorization for China Telecom’s US&nbsp;subsidiary to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns. The decision means China Telecom Americas must now discontinue US&nbsp;services within 60 days.

The US&nbsp;government said in April 2020 that China Telecom targets its mobile virtual network to more than 4 million Chinese Americans; 2 million Chinese tourists a year visiting the United States; 300,000 Chinese students at American colleges; and the more than 1,500 Chinese businesses in America.

Soon after Washington's decision, a spokesperson for China's commerce ministry said that Beijing had issued a formal complaint about it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-reference-to-heated-exchange-with-wfp-elon-musks-cryptic-poem-goes-viral-on-chinese-social-media-426129">A reference to heated exchange with WFP?, Elon Musk's cryptic poem goes viral on Chinese social media</a>

In March, the FCC began efforts to revoke authorization for China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and its wholly-owned subsidiary ComNet to provide US&nbsp;telecommunications services.

In May 2019, the FCC voted unanimously to deny another state-owned Chinese telecommunications company, China Mobile, the right to provide US&nbsp;services.

China "resolutely opposes" Washington's revocation of China Telecom Corp Inc's licence to operate in the United States, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said in a statement on Wednesday.

China "resolutely opposes" Washington's revocation of China Telecom Corp Inc's licence to operate in the United States, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said in a statement on Wednesday. "In recent years, the United States has repeatedly sanctioned Chinese companies on the grounds of national security and disregarding facts," the regulator wrote. Also Read | China making rapid progress in development of silos missiles that could launch nuclear weapons: Report "This is an unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises by abuse of state power and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules," it added. MIIT urged Washington to reverse its decision. Late last month the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to revoke the authorization for China Telecom’s US subsidiary to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns. The decision means China Telecom Americas must now discontinue US services within 60 days. The US government said in April 2020 that China Telecom targets its mobile virtual network to more than 4 million Chinese Americans; 2 million Chinese tourists a year visiting the United States; 300,000 Chinese students at American colleges; and the more than 1,500 Chinese businesses in America. Soon after Washington's decision, a spokesperson for China's commerce ministry said that Beijing had issued a formal complaint about it. Also Read | A reference to heated exchange with WFP?, Elon Musk's cryptic poem goes viral on Chinese social media In March, the FCC began efforts to revoke authorization for China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and its wholly-owned subsidiary ComNet to provide US telecommunications services. In May 2019, the FCC voted unanimously to deny another state-owned Chinese telecommunications company, China Mobile, the right to provide US services.

China opposes US revocation of China Telecom licence

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba departed for United Kingdom on Friday to attend the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, in his first foreign visit since&nbsp; assuming office in July.&nbsp;

He will hold bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other heads of state and government on the sidelines of COP26.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-cop26-india-rejects-calls-for-net-zero-carbon-emissions-target-424774">Ahead of COP26, India rejects calls for net-zero carbon emissions target</a>

Deuba will attend the official opening ceremony of COP26 on November 1, 2021, and will deliver Nepal’s national statement at the summit.&nbsp;

"Nepal reiterates its commitment to 1.5 degree pathways and calls upon international community for more ambitious targets with adequate support measures," the prime minister had said in September.&nbsp;

Watch: Is COP26 failing before it begins?

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According to the foreign ministry, Prime Minister Deuba will attend the reception to be hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in honour of the participating Heads of State and Governments.&nbsp;

Deuba is also scheduled to attend and address the welcome event being hosted by All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nepal (APPG-N) and UK-Nepal Trade and Investment Forum in London on October 30.

The prime minister will receive the representatives of Britain-Nepal Society, Non-Residential Nepali Association and representatives of Nepali community residing in the UK.

PM Deuba will also attend a reception hosted in his honor by the Chargé d’affaires. at the Embassy of Nepal in London.&nbsp;

He will meet with the representatives of Gurkha Veterans’ organisations, members of British Parliament and other members of Nepali diaspora.&nbsp;

The prime minister is also scheduled to visit Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh on November 3, 2021, and address a gathering there. He will plant a sapling in the Nepali Garden.

On his first foreign visit, Deuba will be accompanied by Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, minister for forests and environment, as well as senior officials of the government of Nepal.

PM Deuba&nbsp;will return to Kathmandu on November 4.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba departed for United Kingdom on Friday to attend the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, in his first foreign visit since assuming office in July.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba departed for United Kingdom on Friday to attend the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, in his first foreign visit since assuming office in July. He will hold bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other heads of state and government on the sidelines of COP26. Also read Ahead of COP26, India rejects calls for net-zero carbon emissions target Deuba will attend the official opening ceremony of COP26 on November 1, 2021, and will deliver Nepal’s national statement at the summit. "Nepal reiterates its commitment to 1.5 degree pathways and calls upon international community for more ambitious targets with adequate support measures," the prime minister had said in September. Watch: Is COP26 failing before it begins? × According to the foreign ministry, Prime Minister Deuba will attend the reception to be hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in honour of the participating Heads of State and Governments. Deuba is also scheduled to attend and address the welcome event being hosted by All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nepal (APPG-N) and UK-Nepal Trade and Investment Forum in London on October 30. The prime minister will receive the representatives of Britain-Nepal Society, Non-Residential Nepali Association and representatives of Nepali community residing in the UK. PM Deuba will also attend a reception hosted in his honor by the Chargé d’affaires. at the Embassy of Nepal in London. He will meet with the representatives of Gurkha Veterans’ organisations, members of British Parliament and other members of Nepali diaspora. The prime minister is also scheduled to visit Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh on November 3, 2021, and address a gathering there. He will plant a sapling in the Nepali Garden. On his first foreign visit, Deuba will be accompanied by Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, minister for forests and environment, as well as senior officials of the government of Nepal. PM Deuba will return to Kathmandu on November 4.

Nepal PM Deuba departs for UK to attend COP26 in first foreign trip since taking charge

Protesters started gathering Friday in the heart of London's historic financial district to lobby against the use of fossil fuels in the run-up to the start of the UN climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

The protests in London, which were set to be joined by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are part of a worldwide day of action before leaders head to Glasgow for the start of the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-youths-take-to-streets-in-fridays-for-future-climate-protests-423195#act-now-423194">In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests</a>

Many environmentalists are calling the October&nbsp;31-November&nbsp;12 gathering the world's last chance to turn the tide in the battle against climate change.

Activists in London started their day of action at the Climate Justice Memorial outside the insurance marketplace of Lloyd's of London They laid red flowers spelling out 'Rise Remember Resist'&nbsp;at the protest site.

The protesters are demanding that the global financial system stop investing in the use of fossil fuels. 
They are expected to campaign outside a number of London locations throughout the day.

International bank Standard Chartered is set to be the focus of the main action in the early afternoon, followed later by a vigil at the Bank of England. There are also actions planned at British banks Lloyds and Barclays.

The protesters included people who traveled from the front line of climate change in Asia and the Pacific to call out the banks they say are responsible for financing activities they blame for the destruction of their homes.

Across the world, demonstrators were taking to the streets to urge action now, including in coal-reliant Poland where city sirens sounded at noon in Warsaw and other major cities.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fridays-for-future-activists-in-bern-demand-climate-strike-ahead-of-cop26-423112">&nbsp;'Fridays for Future': Activists in Bern demand climate strike ahead of COP26</a>

Poland's government has been slow in embracing new climate goals, arguing that the country needs time to phase out its dependence on coal and pivot toward more renewable sources.

The summit in Glasgow is taking place a year late because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Six years ago in Paris, nearly 200 countries agreed to individualized plans to fight global warming. 
Under the Paris pact, nations must revisit their previous pledges to curb carbon pollution every five years and then announce plans to cut even more and do it faster.

The hope is that world leaders will cajole each other into doing more, while ensuring that poorer nations struggling to tackle climate change get the financial support they need.

The headline goal set in Paris was to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times.

Protesters started gathering Friday in the heart of London's historic financial district to lobby against the use of fossil fuels in the run-up to the start of the UN climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Protesters started gathering Friday in the heart of London's historic financial district to lobby against the use of fossil fuels in the run-up to the start of the UN climate summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow. The protests in London, which were set to be joined by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are part of a worldwide day of action before leaders head to Glasgow for the start of the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26. Also Read | In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests Many environmentalists are calling the October 31-November 12 gathering the world's last chance to turn the tide in the battle against climate change. Activists in London started their day of action at the Climate Justice Memorial outside the insurance marketplace of Lloyd's of London They laid red flowers spelling out 'Rise Remember Resist' at the protest site. The protesters are demanding that the global financial system stop investing in the use of fossil fuels. They are expected to campaign outside a number of London locations throughout the day. International bank Standard Chartered is set to be the focus of the main action in the early afternoon, followed later by a vigil at the Bank of England. There are also actions planned at British banks Lloyds and Barclays. The protesters included people who traveled from the front line of climate change in Asia and the Pacific to call out the banks they say are responsible for financing activities they blame for the destruction of their homes. Across the world, demonstrators were taking to the streets to urge action now, including in coal-reliant Poland where city sirens sounded at noon in Warsaw and other major cities. Also Read | 'Fridays for Future': Activists in Bern demand climate strike ahead of COP26 Poland's government has been slow in embracing new climate goals, arguing that the country needs time to phase out its dependence on coal and pivot toward more renewable sources. The summit in Glasgow is taking place a year late because of the coronavirus pandemic. Six years ago in Paris, nearly 200 countries agreed to individualized plans to fight global warming. Under the Paris pact, nations must revisit their previous pledges to curb carbon pollution every five years and then announce plans to cut even more and do it faster. The hope is that world leaders will cajole each other into doing more, while ensuring that poorer nations struggling to tackle climate change get the financial support they need. The headline goal set in Paris was to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times.

COP26: Protesters gather in London ahead of climate summit

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds.

The Group of 20, whose leaders gather on Saturday and Sunday in Rome before heading to Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations gathering, will pledge to take urgent steps to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-lobbying-to-reduce-climate-change-goals-ahead-of-cop26-reveal-leaked-documents-422610">&nbsp;Countries lobbying to reduce climate change goals ahead of COP26, reveal leaked documents</a>

While the landmark 2015 Paris agreement committed signatories to keeping global warming to "well below" 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5 degrees, carbon levels in the atmosphere have since grown.

"We commit to tackle the existential challenge of climate change," the G20 draft, which might still be changed, said as people around the world prepared to take to the streets to demonstrate their desire for political action.

"We recognise that the impacts of climate change at 1.5 degrees are much lower than at 2 degrees and that immediate action must be taken to keep 1.5 degrees within reach."

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will join his G20 counterparts after a setback on Thursday when the House of Representatives abandoned plans for a vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which would have represented the biggest investment in climate action in US&nbsp;history.

Biden had hoped to reach an agreement before COP26, where he wants to present a message that the United States has resumed the fight against global warming.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis joined in the chorus calling for action at COP26, which runs from October&nbsp;31 to November&nbsp;12, saying the world's political leaders must give future generations "concrete hope" that they are taking the radical steps needed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-deal-will-be-harder-than-paris-accord-says-alok-sharma-423292">Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma</a>

The 84-year-old pope, who will not attend COP26 following surgery earlier this year, called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action, saying that while talks would be tough, they offered an opportunity.

"These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said, adding: "moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the event, this week said the outcome of COP26 hangs in the balance.

Matter Of Survival

The statement from the G20, which represents an estimated 80 per cent&nbsp;of global greenhouse gas emissions, said its members acknowledged "the key relevance of achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality by 2050".

But the countries on the front line in the campaign against climate change as they struggle against rising sea levels want immediate action.

"We need concrete action now. We cannot wait until 2050, it is a matter of our survival," Anote Tong, a former president of Kiribati and twice a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said.

UN climate experts say a 2050 deadline is crucial to meet the 1.5 degree limit, but some of the world's biggest polluters say they cannot reach it, with China, by far the largest carbon emitter, aiming for 2060.

In the G20 draft communique, the 2050 date appears in brackets, indicating it is still subject to negotiation. 
Current commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions put the planet on track for an average 2.7C temperature rise this century, a UN report said on Tuesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-sponsors-deem-the-climate-summit-as-mismanaged-and-very-last-minute-421757">COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'</a>

Tong has predicted his country of 33 atolls and islands that stand just metres above sea level, will likely become uninhabitable in 30 to 60 years&nbsp;time and Pacific Island leaders said they would demand immediate action in Glasgow, with an initial focus on G20 leaders, on sweeping changes.

"A strong commitment and outcome from the G20 Rome Summit will pave the way for an ambitious and successful COP26," Henry Puna, former Cook Islands prime minister and now secretary of the Pacific Islands Forum, said in a statement.

"We do not have the luxury of time and must join forces urgently and deliver the required ambition at COP26 to safeguard the future of all humankind, and our planet," Puna added.

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds.

Leaders of the 20 richest countries will recognise the existential threat of climate change, a draft communique seen by Reuters shows, as Pope Francis on Friday said the COP26 summit must give future generations "concrete hope" by matching words with deeds. The Group of 20, whose leaders gather on Saturday and Sunday in Rome before heading to Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations gathering, will pledge to take urgent steps to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Also Read | Countries lobbying to reduce climate change goals ahead of COP26, reveal leaked documents While the landmark 2015 Paris agreement committed signatories to keeping global warming to "well below" 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to 1.5 degrees, carbon levels in the atmosphere have since grown. "We commit to tackle the existential challenge of climate change," the G20 draft, which might still be changed, said as people around the world prepared to take to the streets to demonstrate their desire for political action. "We recognise that the impacts of climate change at 1.5 degrees are much lower than at 2 degrees and that immediate action must be taken to keep 1.5 degrees within reach." US President Joe Biden will join his G20 counterparts after a setback on Thursday when the House of Representatives abandoned plans for a vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which would have represented the biggest investment in climate action in US history. Biden had hoped to reach an agreement before COP26, where he wants to present a message that the United States has resumed the fight against global warming. Meanwhile, Pope Francis joined in the chorus calling for action at COP26, which runs from October 31 to November 12, saying the world's political leaders must give future generations "concrete hope" that they are taking the radical steps needed. Also Read | Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma The 84-year-old pope, who will not attend COP26 following surgery earlier this year, called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action, saying that while talks would be tough, they offered an opportunity. "These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said, adding: "moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the event, this week said the outcome of COP26 hangs in the balance. Matter Of Survival The statement from the G20, which represents an estimated 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, said its members acknowledged "the key relevance of achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions or carbon neutrality by 2050". But the countries on the front line in the campaign against climate change as they struggle against rising sea levels want immediate action. "We need concrete action now. We cannot wait until 2050, it is a matter of our survival," Anote Tong, a former president of Kiribati and twice a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, said. UN climate experts say a 2050 deadline is crucial to meet the 1.5 degree limit, but some of the world's biggest polluters say they cannot reach it, with China, by far the largest carbon emitter, aiming for 2060. In the G20 draft communique, the 2050 date appears in brackets, indicating it is still subject to negotiation. Current commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions put the planet on track for an average 2.7C temperature rise this century, a UN report said on Tuesday. Also Read | COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute' Tong has predicted his country of 33 atolls and islands that stand just metres above sea level, will likely become uninhabitable in 30 to 60 years time and Pacific Island leaders said they would demand immediate action in Glasgow, with an initial focus on G20 leaders, on sweeping changes. "A strong commitment and outcome from the G20 Rome Summit will pave the way for an ambitious and successful COP26," Henry Puna, former Cook Islands prime minister and now secretary of the Pacific Islands Forum, said in a statement. "We do not have the luxury of time and must join forces urgently and deliver the required ambition at COP26 to safeguard the future of all humankind, and our planet," Puna added.

Rich nations acknowledge climate threat as Pope, Pacific Islands urge action

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said.

The gray pebbles were spewed and floating from the Fukutokuokanoba undersea volcano in the Ogasawara island chain, which erupted in mid-August. The island is about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Tokyo.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told reporters Friday that the pumice pebble damages have so far affected 11 ports on Okinawa and 19 others in the Kagoshima prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-effect-japanese-ships-sunk-during-world-war-2-resurface-at-iwo-jima-422586">Volcano effect: Japanese ships sunk during World War 2 resurface at Iwo Jima</a>

About 40 fishing boats have been damaged, including six that were unable to move, and ferry services connecting remote islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima have been temporarily suspended.

He warned that the pebbles are moving farther to the north and could affect entire Japanese coasts. 
At the Kunigami village on the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, a shovel car started scooping up the massive pebbles that filled the port like a landfill.

The government task force, at its first meeting late Thursday, decided to provide support for local municipalities as a disaster recovery project, and that damages to fishing industries will be covered by insurance, Isozaki said.

The total cost of damages from the volcanic pebbles is still unknown.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lava-blocks-the-size-of-buildings-falling-from-la-palma-volcano-419644">Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano</a>

Okinawa government&nbsp;Denny Tamaki, at a prefectural task force meeting, said there has been a huge impact on the fisheries and tourism industries as well as the environment&nbsp;and that the problem must be tackled quickly.

Japan Coast Guard's regional divisions routinely monitor the coasts and distribute photos and pebble pileup updates on a map. The Nuclear Regulation Authority also watches the pebble movements to avoid any impact on Japan's coastal nuclear power plants.

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said.

Massive amounts of volcanic pumice pebbles spewed from an undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean have been piling up on southern Japanese coasts, damaging ports and fishing boats, and prompting the central government to establish a task force to deal with the unwanted arrivals as a natural disaster, officials said. The gray pebbles were spewed and floating from the Fukutokuokanoba undersea volcano in the Ogasawara island chain, which erupted in mid-August. The island is about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of Tokyo. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told reporters Friday that the pumice pebble damages have so far affected 11 ports on Okinawa and 19 others in the Kagoshima prefecture on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu. Also Read | Volcano effect: Japanese ships sunk during World War 2 resurface at Iwo Jima About 40 fishing boats have been damaged, including six that were unable to move, and ferry services connecting remote islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima have been temporarily suspended. He warned that the pebbles are moving farther to the north and could affect entire Japanese coasts. At the Kunigami village on the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, a shovel car started scooping up the massive pebbles that filled the port like a landfill. The government task force, at its first meeting late Thursday, decided to provide support for local municipalities as a disaster recovery project, and that damages to fishing industries will be covered by insurance, Isozaki said. The total cost of damages from the volcanic pebbles is still unknown. Also Read | Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano Okinawa government Denny Tamaki, at a prefectural task force meeting, said there has been a huge impact on the fisheries and tourism industries as well as the environment and that the problem must be tackled quickly. Japan Coast Guard's regional divisions routinely monitor the coasts and distribute photos and pebble pileup updates on a map. The Nuclear Regulation Authority also watches the pebble movements to avoid any impact on Japan's coastal nuclear power plants.

Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday.

"A Huthi ballistic missile hit the house of Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Qibli in Al-Jawba on Thursday evening during a meeting with tribal leaders fighting on the government's side," a government military official said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-says-killed-over-260-yemen-rebels-423646">Saudi-led coalition says killed over 260 Yemen rebels</a>

"Thirteen people, including a child, were killed," he said. The death toll was confirmed by a medical source in the area.

Marib, capital of the oil-rich province of the same name, is the internationally recognised government's last bastion in northern Yemen.

The Iran-backed Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they have renewed their offensive in recent weeks.

They claimed this week to have reached the vicinity of Marib city and to have nearly surrounded it.

As well as the child, Thursday evening's missile strike also killed four tribal leaders, said the military official.

Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Twitter that at least 12 people were killed, including two sons of Qibli, whose fate was unknown.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-unrest-two-ex-soldiers-arrested-in-germany-over-bid-to-form-paramilitary-unit-422470">Yemen unrest: Two ex-soldiers arrested in Germany over bid to form paramilitary unit</a>

The Huthi "militia continues to systematically and deliberately bombard villages and homes... in order to inflict max casualties among civilians" forcing hundreds of families and displaced to flee, he wrote.

The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government has been conducting a fierce air campaign since October 11 to prevent the rebels from reaching Marib city.

Since then, around 2,000 Huthi fighters have been killed in Al-Jawba about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Marib and two other districts, according to the coalition.

The rebels rarely comment on losses, and AFP could not independently verify the toll.

Fierce fighting has gripped Al-Jawba district in recent days, according to the military official.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-dead-in-yemen-blast-targeting-aden-governor-security-sources-419660">Five dead in Yemen blast targeting Aden governor: security sources</a>

Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Marib city had between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants before the war but its population ballooned to hundreds of thousands as Yemenis fled frontline cities for its relative stability.

But with about 139 refugee camps in the province, according to the government, hosting around 2.2 million people, many displaced civilians have become caught in the line of fire once again.

Tens of thousands have been displaced in the province this year, including nearly 10,000 in September alone, said the UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration.

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday.

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday. "A Huthi ballistic missile hit the house of Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Qibli in Al-Jawba on Thursday evening during a meeting with tribal leaders fighting on the government's side," a government military official said. Also Read | Saudi-led coalition says killed over 260 Yemen rebels "Thirteen people, including a child, were killed," he said. The death toll was confirmed by a medical source in the area. Marib, capital of the oil-rich province of the same name, is the internationally recognised government's last bastion in northern Yemen. The Iran-backed Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they have renewed their offensive in recent weeks. They claimed this week to have reached the vicinity of Marib city and to have nearly surrounded it. As well as the child, Thursday evening's missile strike also killed four tribal leaders, said the military official. Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Twitter that at least 12 people were killed, including two sons of Qibli, whose fate was unknown. Also Read | Yemen unrest: Two ex-soldiers arrested in Germany over bid to form paramilitary unit The Huthi "militia continues to systematically and deliberately bombard villages and homes... in order to inflict max casualties among civilians" forcing hundreds of families and displaced to flee, he wrote. The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government has been conducting a fierce air campaign since October 11 to prevent the rebels from reaching Marib city. Since then, around 2,000 Huthi fighters have been killed in Al-Jawba about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Marib and two other districts, according to the coalition. The rebels rarely comment on losses, and AFP could not independently verify the toll. Fierce fighting has gripped Al-Jawba district in recent days, according to the military official. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Also Read | Five dead in Yemen blast targeting Aden governor: security sources Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Marib city had between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants before the war but its population ballooned to hundreds of thousands as Yemenis fled frontline cities for its relative stability. But with about 139 refugee camps in the province, according to the government, hosting around 2.2 million people, many displaced civilians have become caught in the line of fire once again. Tens of thousands have been displaced in the province this year, including nearly 10,000 in September alone, said the UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration.

Child among 13 killed by Yemen rebel missile: military

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday.

The United Nation's COP26 summit runs from October&nbsp;31 to November&nbsp;12 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Pope Francis called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-deal-will-be-harder-than-paris-accord-says-alok-sharma-423292">Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma</a>

"It is essential that each of us be committed to this urgent change of direction," he said on BBC Radio.

"The political decision makers who will meet at COP26 in Glasgow are urgently summoned to provide effective responses to the present ecological crisis and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the summit is unbelievably important, but the outcome is in the balance as talks will be difficult.

Pope Francis said the summit would be tough, but also represents an opportunity.

"These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said.

"At the same time, moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste."

The Vatican is sending a delegation to the summit, but the 84-year-old pope will not be going following surgery earlier this year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-may-not-attend-cop26-report-424175">Chinese President Xi may not attend COP26: Report</a>

Pope Francis warned against the danger of isolationism and protectionism in dealing with the climate crisis. 
"We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation. Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense," he said.

"This last approach alone can guide us towards a brighter horizon."

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday.

Political leaders must give "concrete hope" to future generations that they are taking the radical steps needed to tackle climate change when they meet at COP26, Pope Francis said in a message released in Friday. The United Nation's COP26 summit runs from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, and Pope Francis called for a "renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world" to spur action. Also Read | Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma "It is essential that each of us be committed to this urgent change of direction," he said on BBC Radio. "The political decision makers who will meet at COP26 in Glasgow are urgently summoned to provide effective responses to the present ecological crisis and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the summit is unbelievably important, but the outcome is in the balance as talks will be difficult. Pope Francis said the summit would be tough, but also represents an opportunity. "These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy," he said. "At the same time, moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste." The Vatican is sending a delegation to the summit, but the 84-year-old pope will not be going following surgery earlier this year. Also Read | Chinese President Xi may not attend COP26: Report Pope Francis warned against the danger of isolationism and protectionism in dealing with the climate crisis. "We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation. Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense," he said. "This last approach alone can guide us towards a brighter horizon."

Pope Francis: COP26 must offer concrete hope to future generations

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