US&nbsp;losses from coronavirus-related&nbsp;fraud&nbsp;and identity theft have reached nearly $100 million since the pandemic emerged in March, while complaints of COVID-19 scams have at least doubled in most states, a consumer protection group said on Tuesday.

A report from the group, based on government data, highlighted the vast scope of a fast-growing criminal cottage industry,&nbsp;from phony stimulus-check offers to shopping scams and fake cures,&nbsp;preying on Americans already distressed by the pandemic and its economic fallout.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the study found California, Florida, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania - the most populous&nbsp;of the 50 US&nbsp;states, to be the five most targeted by coronavirus&nbsp;scams in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-chief-to-visit-taiwan-likely-angering-china-318231" hreflang="en">US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China</a>

Together they accounted for about a third of more than 150,000 instances of COVID-related&nbsp;fraud&nbsp;reported nationally by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from mid-March, when the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, through July, the report&nbsp; showed.

Those cases have cost victims a total of $97.5 million to date, according to the FTC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-unclear-whether-us-government-will-get-cut-of-tiktok-sale-318229" hreflang="en">White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale</a>

Even relatively small states saw huge spikes in COVID-related&nbsp;fraud&nbsp;in recent months, led by Maine, whose monthly complaints of coronavirus&nbsp;scams and identity theft quadrupled between March and July, the study said.

The report was published by the internet-based nonprofit group SocialCatfish.com, which helps consumers avoid being defrauded online by determining the true identity of individuals or organizations hiding behind a phony persona.

Scams taking advantage of Americans' desperation in the midst of a deadly pandemic and accompanying economic upheaval "are running rampant," said Richard Neil, a spokesman for the report's authors.

Several newly flourishing forms of&nbsp;fraud&nbsp;involve fake promises of government stimulus&nbsp;checks, often perpetuated through "robocalls," texts, or emails seeking personal and financial information the caller supposedly needs to deposit benefits into the victim's account, according to the report.

Price-gouging and other consumer product scams have also become widespread, the study warned.

US losses from coronavirus-related fraud and identity theft have reached nearly $100 million since the pandemic emerged in March, while complaints of COVID-19 scams have at least doubled in most states, a consumer protection group said on Tuesday.

US losses from coronavirus-related fraud and identity theft have reached nearly $100 million since the pandemic emerged in March, while complaints of COVID-19 scams have at least doubled in most states, a consumer protection group said on Tuesday. A report from the group, based on government data, highlighted the vast scope of a fast-growing criminal cottage industry, from phony stimulus-check offers to shopping scams and fake cures, preying on Americans already distressed by the pandemic and its economic fallout. Perhaps not surprisingly, the study found California, Florida, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania - the most populous of the 50 US states, to be the five most targeted by coronavirus scams in the country. Also read: US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China Together they accounted for about a third of more than 150,000 instances of COVID-related fraud reported nationally by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from mid-March, when the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, through July, the report showed. Those cases have cost victims a total of $97.5 million to date, according to the FTC. Also read: White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale Even relatively small states saw huge spikes in COVID-related fraud in recent months, led by Maine, whose monthly complaints of coronavirus scams and identity theft quadrupled between March and July, the study said. The report was published by the internet-based nonprofit group SocialCatfish.com, which helps consumers avoid being defrauded online by determining the true identity of individuals or organizations hiding behind a phony persona. Scams taking advantage of Americans' desperation in the midst of a deadly pandemic and accompanying economic upheaval "are running rampant," said Richard Neil, a spokesman for the report's authors. Several newly flourishing forms of fraud involve fake promises of government stimulus checks, often perpetuated through "robocalls," texts, or emails seeking personal and financial information the caller supposedly needs to deposit benefits into the victim's account, according to the report. Price-gouging and other consumer product scams have also become widespread, the study warned.

US coronavirus fraud losses near $100 million as COVID scams double

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users.

"We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest... that there is any misuse of any people's data," he told the Aspen Security Forum meeting in Aspen, Colorado.

"There are plenty of things that are on TikTok that are embarrassing enough in public, but it's that sort of social media device," he said via videoconference, chuckling.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-reports-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-318237" hreflang="en">Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic</a>

However, he said, Australians need to be "very aware" that TikTok and other social media platforms, including US-owned companies, reap enormous amounts of information on users and subscribers.

The difference with TikTok, he said, is "that information can be accessed at a sovereign state level," a reference to Chinese companies' legal obligation to share data with state intelligence services if they want it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-unclear-whether-us-government-will-get-cut-of-tiktok-sale-318229" hreflang="en">White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale</a>

"But I think people should understand -- and there's a sort of buyer-beware process,&nbsp;there is nothing at this point that would suggest to us that security interests have been compromised."

Citing a national security threat, President Donald Trump on Monday gave TikTok's parent ByteDance six weeks to sell the app to an American company or find it shut down.

Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance, and any deal could include TikTok's Australia business. But Morrison downplayed the immediate threat.

"There is no reason for us to restrict those applications at this point. We'll obviously kep watching them."

Nevertheless, he stressed that people "need to understand where the extension cord goes back to."

Earlier, China's ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, told the Aspen Security Forum that the US move to force the sale of TikTok violated free market principles.

"There is such a degree of political intervention -- government intervention -- into the market, there is such discrimination against Chinese companies, and these companies are just private companies," he said.

"To accuse China of not giving American companies a level playing field while at the same time they themselves are denying Chinese companies such a level playing field, this is extremely unfair."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users. "We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday there was no evidence that Chinese-owned TikTok had abused the data of its hundreds of millions of users. "We have had a good look at this, and there is no evidence for us to suggest... that there is any misuse of any people's data," he told the Aspen Security Forum meeting in Aspen, Colorado. "There are plenty of things that are on TikTok that are embarrassing enough in public, but it's that sort of social media device," he said via videoconference, chuckling. Also read: Australia's Victoria reports deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic However, he said, Australians need to be "very aware" that TikTok and other social media platforms, including US-owned companies, reap enormous amounts of information on users and subscribers. The difference with TikTok, he said, is "that information can be accessed at a sovereign state level," a reference to Chinese companies' legal obligation to share data with state intelligence services if they want it. Also read: White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale "But I think people should understand -- and there's a sort of buyer-beware process, there is nothing at this point that would suggest to us that security interests have been compromised." Citing a national security threat, President Donald Trump on Monday gave TikTok's parent ByteDance six weeks to sell the app to an American company or find it shut down. Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance, and any deal could include TikTok's Australia business. But Morrison downplayed the immediate threat. "There is no reason for us to restrict those applications at this point. We'll obviously kep watching them." Nevertheless, he stressed that people "need to understand where the extension cord goes back to." Earlier, China's ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, told the Aspen Security Forum that the US move to force the sale of TikTok violated free market principles. "There is such a degree of political intervention -- government intervention -- into the market, there is such discrimination against Chinese companies, and these companies are just private companies," he said. "To accuse China of not giving American companies a level playing field while at the same time they themselves are denying Chinese companies such a level playing field, this is extremely unfair."

No evidence of TikTok misusing data, says Australian PM Scott Morrison

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event.

Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-you-should-know-before-ram-mandir-bhoomi-puja-318075">In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony</a>

Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night.

Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World,&nbsp;a statement issued by the community leaders here said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-ayodhya-gears-for-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-all-decked-up-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a>

The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya.

Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion.

Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5.

Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders.

Temples across the US have announced special events to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of the historic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with a tableau truck displaying digital images of the Ram Temple going around the US Capitol Hill on Tuesday, according to Hindu community leaders. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the temple would take place on August 5 in the holy town of Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the event. Temples across the US will perform special poojas and prayers, while a large number of Indian-Americans have said that they would lit diya to celebrate the bhoomi poojan of the Ram Temple. Also see: In pics: What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony Indian-Americans from in and around Washington DC said that a tableau truck with a big LED display on Sri Ram Mandir will go around the Capitol Hill and the White house on Tuesday night. Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir Tableau will go around the US Capitol Hill marking the beginning of the historic Temple construction at the holiest site for billion strong Hindus around the World, a statement issued by the community leaders here said. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony The Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference and Hindu Mandir Priests' Conference have also called for a virtual collective national prayer across America to rejoice the upcoming Shree Ram Mandir Poojan at Ayodhya. Similarly in the city of New York as well, Hindu community leaders have decided to celebrate the historic occasion. Images of Lord Ram and 3D portraits of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be beamed across the giant billboards in the iconic Times Square on August 5. Prominent community leader and President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sewhani said that among the prominent billboards that are being leased for the occasion are the giant Nasdaq screen and the 17,000-square-foot wrap-around LED display screen, considered among the largest continuous exterior displays in the world and the highest-resolution exterior LED screen in Times Square.

Indian-Americans to celebrate Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony

August 5 in history: Installation of world's first electric traffic signal, discovery of Marilyn Monroe's dead body and more

What you should know about Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony

Afghan authorities were searching Tuesday for about 270 inmates, most of them Islamic State fighters, who remained on the loose after escaping during a deadly prison raid.

At least 29 people were killed when Islamic State (IS) gunmen attacked the facility in Jalalabad on Sunday, with fierce fighting lasting until Monday afternoon.

More than 1,300 inmates tried to escape, a senior Afghan security official said but most were either swiftly re-arrested or surrendered when surrounded by security forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-grand-assembly-to-decide-fate-of-taliban-prisoners-on-friday-318105" hreflang="en">Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday</a>

But some 270 prisoners are "still on the loose", the official said.

"Most of those who escaped are from ISKP," he said, referring to IS's Afghan branch, known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province.

They included militants responsible for several bloody attacks, a second security official told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-24-dead-in-mass-jailbreak-in-afghanistan-scores-of-prisoners-flee-317759" hreflang="en">At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee</a>

Nangarhar provincial governor's spokesman Attaullah Khogyani confirmed many prisoners were still missing, but couldn't say how many were IS members.

Officials also said that security forces had shot dead on Tuesday another group of IS fighters who had launched a mortar attack targeting Jalalabad airport from a neighbourhood in the city around the same time when the prison raid commenced.

Several mortar shells and other ammunition seized from a house in the neighbourhood were shown to journalists.

The brazen prison raid came a day after&nbsp;Afghanistan's intelligence agency announced the killing of a top IS commander near Jalalabad.

Nangarhar province, where IS got its first foothold in&nbsp;Afghanistan, has seen repeated attacks by the group, including a suicide bomb that killed 32 mourners at a funeral in May.

Calm shattered

The attacks have continued even though officials last year claimed IS had been defeated in Nangarhar.

"A large number of their leadership was arrested or killed... so it (the prison raid) was some sort of revenge to free some of their comrades," a senior Afghan security official said.

Some local officials and analysts, however, have cautioned that elements of group remained.

"They (IS) want to challenge the monopoly of the Taliban over militancy or anti-state violence in the country," said Abdul Sayed, independent researcher on jihadism in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and Pakistan.

He said the Taliban, Kabul and Washington miscalculated about IS's defeat in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"They (IS) now seem to have changed their strategies to (launch) high profile terrorist attacks in Nanagarhar to Kabul to provide proof of their existence," Sayed told AFP.

The prison raid shattered the relative calm of the final day of a three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghan forces.

IS was not part of the truce.&nbsp;

The Afghan government still attempted to link the raid to the Taliban, which it said had violated the ceasefire 38 times.

Acting Interior Minister Massoud Andrabi said on Twitter that IS's new head in&nbsp;Afghanistan, Shahab Al-Mahajir, was a member of the Haqqani network, considered linked to the Taliban.

Washington has branded the Haqqani network, accused of carrying out numerous deadly attacks in&nbsp;Afghanistan, a terrorist organisation.

Afghan authorities were searching Tuesday for about 270 inmates, most of them Islamic State fighters, who remained on the loose after escaping during a deadly prison raid.

Afghan authorities were searching Tuesday for about 270 inmates, most of them Islamic State fighters, who remained on the loose after escaping during a deadly prison raid. At least 29 people were killed when Islamic State (IS) gunmen attacked the facility in Jalalabad on Sunday, with fierce fighting lasting until Monday afternoon. More than 1,300 inmates tried to escape, a senior Afghan security official said but most were either swiftly re-arrested or surrendered when surrounded by security forces. Also read: Afghan grand assembly to decide fate of Taliban prisoners on Friday But some 270 prisoners are "still on the loose", the official said. "Most of those who escaped are from ISKP," he said, referring to IS's Afghan branch, known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province. They included militants responsible for several bloody attacks, a second security official told AFP. Also read: At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee Nangarhar provincial governor's spokesman Attaullah Khogyani confirmed many prisoners were still missing, but couldn't say how many were IS members. Officials also said that security forces had shot dead on Tuesday another group of IS fighters who had launched a mortar attack targeting Jalalabad airport from a neighbourhood in the city around the same time when the prison raid commenced. Several mortar shells and other ammunition seized from a house in the neighbourhood were shown to journalists. The brazen prison raid came a day after Afghanistan's intelligence agency announced the killing of a top IS commander near Jalalabad. Nangarhar province, where IS got its first foothold in Afghanistan, has seen repeated attacks by the group, including a suicide bomb that killed 32 mourners at a funeral in May. Calm shattered The attacks have continued even though officials last year claimed IS had been defeated in Nangarhar. "A large number of their leadership was arrested or killed... so it (the prison raid) was some sort of revenge to free some of their comrades," a senior Afghan security official said. Some local officials and analysts, however, have cautioned that elements of group remained. "They (IS) want to challenge the monopoly of the Taliban over militancy or anti-state violence in the country," said Abdul Sayed, independent researcher on jihadism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He said the Taliban, Kabul and Washington miscalculated about IS's defeat in Afghanistan. "They (IS) now seem to have changed their strategies to (launch) high profile terrorist attacks in Nanagarhar to Kabul to provide proof of their existence," Sayed told AFP. The prison raid shattered the relative calm of the final day of a three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and Afghan forces. IS was not part of the truce. The Afghan government still attempted to link the raid to the Taliban, which it said had violated the ceasefire 38 times. Acting Interior Minister Massoud Andrabi said on Twitter that IS's new head in Afghanistan, Shahab Al-Mahajir, was a member of the Haqqani network, considered linked to the Taliban. Washington has branded the Haqqani network, accused of carrying out numerous deadly attacks in Afghanistan, a terrorist organisation.

Islamic State jihadists on the run after Afghan prison raid

China said Wednesday a visit by a top US cabinet member to Taiwan was endangering peace and stability in the region, with relations between the two powers at historic lows.

Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said US health secretary Alex Azar would lead a delegation to the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as part of China and has vowed to one day seize.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-chief-to-visit-taiwan-likely-angering-china-318231" hreflang="en">US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China</a>

"China firmly opposes official exchanges between the US and Taiwan," Wang Wenbin, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing.&nbsp;

"We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle... to avoid seriously endangering Sino-US relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan&nbsp;Strait."

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979.

It remains the leading arms supplier to the island, but has historically been cautious in holding official contacts with it.

Taiwan's foreign ministry has confirmed the trip and said Azar would meet President Tsai Ing-wen.

Neither side said when the trip would happen in their statements.&nbsp;

China said Wednesday a visit by a top US cabinet member to Taiwan was endangering peace and stability in the region, with relations between the two powers at historic lows.

China said Wednesday a visit by a top US cabinet member to Taiwan was endangering peace and stability in the region, with relations between the two powers at historic lows. Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said US health secretary Alex Azar would lead a delegation to the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as part of China and has vowed to one day seize. Also read: US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China "China firmly opposes official exchanges between the US and Taiwan," Wang Wenbin, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing. "We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle... to avoid seriously endangering Sino-US relations, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979. It remains the leading arms supplier to the island, but has historically been cautious in holding official contacts with it. Taiwan's foreign ministry has confirmed the trip and said Azar would meet President Tsai Ing-wen. Neither side said when the trip would happen in their statements.

China says US cabinet visit to Taiwan 'endangering peace'

A video of a&nbsp;31-year-old male model&nbsp;Merden Ghappar first shared by BBC, gives a rare glimpse inside internment of the Uighur Muslims in China.

In the video, Ghappar, a model&nbsp;for the massive Chinese online retailer Taobao, can be seen handcuffed to the&nbsp;metal frame of the bed. It also&nbsp;reveals his dirty clothes, his swollen ankles.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
UNVERIFIED 
 
This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uyghur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uyghur</a> man is apparently under quarantine for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> but he’s handcuffed to a bed. He managed to sneak in his phone which shows that security isn’t as tight as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConcentrationCamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ConcentrationCamps</a>. 
 
I’ll update thread once more info comes to light. 
 
Part 2 and source👇🏻 <a href="https://t.co/0OKMgcJ5uW">pic.twitter.com/0OKMgcJ5uW</a>
— Arslan Hidayat.ئارسلان ھىدايەت (@arslan_hidayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/arslan_hidayat/status/1236900946820685824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He juxtaposes his present miserable condition to the past when he was well paid to flaunt his good looks in slick promotional videos for clothing brands.

Ghappar&nbsp;explicates how&nbsp;Uighurs are still being detained in significant numbers, held without charge and being dragged into in&nbsp;China's highly secure and secretive detention system.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Young Uighur man’s video gives a rare glimpse inside internment <a href="https://t.co/SfuNeDq3Lt">https://t.co/SfuNeDq3Lt</a>
— Catherine Rampell (@crampell) <a href="https://twitter.com/crampell/status/1290852293097775104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The video sheds light on the&nbsp;"three evil forces" of separatism, terrorism, and extremism in the country's far western region of Xinjiang.

Ghappar's family shared the video along a photograph&nbsp;which calls on children as young as 13 to "repent and surrender" to expose the&nbsp;psychological pressure placed on Uighur communities.

<img alt="Uighur Muslims" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fe324cd-e8c6-4b4c-91e6-0d1e835d0073" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113807295_documentfoundintoilet.jpg" />

They met him five months ago, but lost touch with him after his phone was confiscated by the detention authorities. Despite being aware that&nbsp;aware that the release of the four minute, thirty-eight second video of him in his cell might increase the pressure and punishment he faces, his family released the video to highlight his plight along with the Uighur Muslims in general.

Xinjiang's capital, Urumqi,&nbsp;home to 3.5 million people, has reported&nbsp;a new wave of coronavirus cases.

China's ruling Communist Party is under growing international pressure over the fate of minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang.

More than one million ethnic Uighurs and other minorities, mostly Muslim Turkic peoples, have been herded into internment camps where they undergo political indoctrination, according to rights groups and experts.

Chinese health authority said Wednesday that it received reports of 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Tuesday, including 22 locally-transmitted ones.

All locally-transmitted cases were reported in&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;Uygur Autonomous Region, the National Health Commission said in its daily report.

A video of a 31-year-old male model Merden Ghappar first shared by BBC, gives a rare glimpse inside internment of the Uighur Muslims in China. In the video, Ghappar, a model for the massive Chinese online retailer Taobao, can be seen handcuffed to the metal frame of the bed.

A video of a 31-year-old male model Merden Ghappar first shared by BBC, gives a rare glimpse inside internment of the Uighur Muslims in China. In the video, Ghappar, a model for the massive Chinese online retailer Taobao, can be seen handcuffed to the metal frame of the bed. It also reveals his dirty clothes, his swollen ankles. UNVERIFIED This #Uyghur man is apparently under quarantine for #coronavirus but he’s handcuffed to a bed. He managed to sneak in his phone which shows that security isn’t as tight as the #ConcentrationCamps. I’ll update thread once more info comes to light. Part 2 and source👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/0OKMgcJ5uW — Arslan Hidayat.ئارسلان ھىدايەت (@arslan_hidayat) March 9, 2020 × He juxtaposes his present miserable condition to the past when he was well paid to flaunt his good looks in slick promotional videos for clothing brands. Ghappar explicates how Uighurs are still being detained in significant numbers, held without charge and being dragged into in China's highly secure and secretive detention system. Young Uighur man’s video gives a rare glimpse inside internment https://t.co/SfuNeDq3Lt — Catherine Rampell (@crampell) August 5, 2020 × The video sheds light on the "three evil forces" of separatism, terrorism, and extremism in the country's far western region of Xinjiang. Ghappar's family shared the video along a photograph which calls on children as young as 13 to "repent and surrender" to expose the psychological pressure placed on Uighur communities. They met him five months ago, but lost touch with him after his phone was confiscated by the detention authorities. Despite being aware that aware that the release of the four minute, thirty-eight second video of him in his cell might increase the pressure and punishment he faces, his family released the video to highlight his plight along with the Uighur Muslims in general. Xinjiang's capital, Urumqi, home to 3.5 million people, has reported a new wave of coronavirus cases. China's ruling Communist Party is under growing international pressure over the fate of minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang. More than one million ethnic Uighurs and other minorities, mostly Muslim Turkic peoples, have been herded into internment camps where they undergo political indoctrination, according to rights groups and experts. Chinese health authority said Wednesday that it received reports of 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Tuesday, including 22 locally-transmitted ones. All locally-transmitted cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the National Health Commission said in its daily report.

Model's rare video highlights plight of Uighur Muslims in China

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities.

Nearly 5,900 people are dying every 24 hours from COVID-19 on average, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the past two weeks. That equates to 247 people per hour, or one person every 15 seconds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-global-tally-rises-to-18469834-death-toll-nears-nears-700000-318251" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000</a>

President Donald Trump said the coronavirus outbreak is as under control as it can get in the United States, where more than 155,000 people have died amid a patchy response to the public health crisis that has failed to stem a rise in cases.

"They are dying, that's true," Trump said in an interview with the Axios news website. "It is what it is. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latin-america-now-has-worlds-highest-coronavirus-death-toll-318236" hreflang="en">Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll</a>

In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has minimized the gravity of the pandemic and opposed lockdown measures, even as he and several of his cabinet tested positive for the virus.

The pandemic was initially slower to reach Latin America, which is home to about 640 million people, than much of the world. But officials have since struggled to control its spread because of the region's poverty and densely packed cities.

More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic.

Even in parts of the world that had appeared to have curbed the spread of the virus, countries have recently seen single-day records in new cases, signaling the battle is far from over.

Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Uzbekistan and Israel all recently had record increases in cases.

Australia also reported a record number of new deaths on Wednesday, taking the country's total to 247.

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities.

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities. Nearly 5,900 people are dying every 24 hours from COVID-19 on average, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the past two weeks. That equates to 247 people per hour, or one person every 15 seconds. Also read: COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000 President Donald Trump said the coronavirus outbreak is as under control as it can get in the United States, where more than 155,000 people have died amid a patchy response to the public health crisis that has failed to stem a rise in cases. "They are dying, that's true," Trump said in an interview with the Axios news website. "It is what it is. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it. This is a horrible plague." Also read: Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has minimized the gravity of the pandemic and opposed lockdown measures, even as he and several of his cabinet tested positive for the virus. The pandemic was initially slower to reach Latin America, which is home to about 640 million people, than much of the world. But officials have since struggled to control its spread because of the region's poverty and densely packed cities. More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic. Even in parts of the world that had appeared to have curbed the spread of the virus, countries have recently seen single-day records in new cases, signaling the battle is far from over. Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Uzbekistan and Israel all recently had record increases in cases. Australia also reported a record number of new deaths on Wednesday, taking the country's total to 247.

Global coronavirus deaths exceed 700,000, one person dies every 15 seconds on average

Pakistan has reported 15 more deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking its death toll to 6,014 while the total number of infections in the country stand at 281,136, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of National Health Services said a total of 675 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the country.

The total number of infected cases reached 281,136 after 675 new cases were detected while the death toll due to the infection has surged to 6,014,&nbsp;the ministry said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pia-sacks-63-employees-for-fake-degrees-embezzlement-318150" hreflang="en">PIA sacks 63 employees for fake degrees, embezzlement</a>

The ministry said 254,286 people have fully recovered across the country. However, another 872 were in critical condition.

Sindh province registered a total 122,016 patients, Punjab 93,571, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34,324, Islamabad 15,122, Balochistan 11,780, Gilgit-Baltistan 2,218 and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir has reported 2,105 patients.

Another 11,915 tests were done in the country during the last 24 hours, taking the number of total tests done so far to 2,043,870.

Pakistan has reported 15 more deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking its death toll to 6,014 while the total number of infections in the country stand at 281,136, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

Pakistan has reported 15 more deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking its death toll to 6,014 while the total number of infections in the country stand at 281,136, the health ministry said on Wednesday. The Ministry of National Health Services said a total of 675 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the country. The total number of infected cases reached 281,136 after 675 new cases were detected while the death toll due to the infection has surged to 6,014, the ministry said in a statement. Also read: PIA sacks 63 employees for fake degrees, embezzlement The ministry said 254,286 people have fully recovered across the country. However, another 872 were in critical condition. Sindh province registered a total 122,016 patients, Punjab 93,571, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34,324, Islamabad 15,122, Balochistan 11,780, Gilgit-Baltistan 2,218 and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir has reported 2,105 patients. Another 11,915 tests were done in the country during the last 24 hours, taking the number of total tests done so far to 2,043,870.

Pakistan's death toll due to coronavirus crosses 6,000: Ministry

Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades.&nbsp;

These include notably at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 that killed 15 and was ruled deliberate, and another at a chemical plant in Toulouse, France in 2001 that killed 31 people but was accidental.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a>

When combined with fuel oils, ammonium nitrate creates a potent explosive widely used in the construction industry, but also by insurgent groups such as the Taliban for improvised explosives.

Two tonnes of it was used to create the bomb in the 1995 Oklahoma City attack that destroyed a federal building, leaving 168 people dead.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a>

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored for years in a&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;portside warehouse had blown up, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage to the Lebanese capital.

In agriculture, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is applied in granule form and quickly dissolves under moisture, allowing nitrogen, which is key to plant growth,&nbsp;to be released into the soil.

However, under normal storage conditions and without very high heat, it is difficult to ignite ammonium nitrate, Jimmie Oxley, a chemistry professor at the University of Rhode Island, told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276" hreflang="en">Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross</a>

"If you look at the video (of the&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;explosion), you saw the black smoke, you saw the red smoke, that was an incomplete reaction," she said.&nbsp;

"I am assuming that there was a small explosion that instigated the reaction of the ammonium nitrate, whether that small explosion was an accident or something on purpose I haven't heard yet."

That's because ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer, it intensifies combustion and allows other substances to ignite more readily, but is not itself very combustible.

For these reasons, there are generally very strict rules about where it can be stored: for example, it must be kept away from fuels and sources of heat.

In fact, many countries in the European Union require that calcium carbonate to be added to ammonium nitrate to create calcium ammonium nitrate, which is safer.

In the United States, regulations were tightened significantly after the Oklahoma City attack.&nbsp;

Under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, for example, facilities that store more than 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate are subject to inspections.

Despite its dangers, Oxley said legitimate uses of ammonium nitrate in agriculture and construction have made it indispensable.

"We wouldn't have this modern world without explosives, and we wouldn't feed the population we have today without ammonium nitrate fertilizer," she said.

"We need ammonium nitrate, we just need to pay good attention to what we're doing with it."

Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating Beirut blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades.

Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating Beirut blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades. These include notably at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 that killed 15 and was ruled deliberate, and another at a chemical plant in Toulouse, France in 2001 that killed 31 people but was accidental. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline When combined with fuel oils, ammonium nitrate creates a potent explosive widely used in the construction industry, but also by insurgent groups such as the Taliban for improvised explosives. Two tonnes of it was used to create the bomb in the 1995 Oklahoma City attack that destroyed a federal building, leaving 168 people dead. Also read: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored for years in a Beirut portside warehouse had blown up, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage to the Lebanese capital. In agriculture, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is applied in granule form and quickly dissolves under moisture, allowing nitrogen, which is key to plant growth, to be released into the soil. However, under normal storage conditions and without very high heat, it is difficult to ignite ammonium nitrate, Jimmie Oxley, a chemistry professor at the University of Rhode Island, told AFP. Also read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross "If you look at the video (of the Beirut explosion), you saw the black smoke, you saw the red smoke, that was an incomplete reaction," she said. "I am assuming that there was a small explosion that instigated the reaction of the ammonium nitrate, whether that small explosion was an accident or something on purpose I haven't heard yet." That's because ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer, it intensifies combustion and allows other substances to ignite more readily, but is not itself very combustible. For these reasons, there are generally very strict rules about where it can be stored: for example, it must be kept away from fuels and sources of heat. In fact, many countries in the European Union require that calcium carbonate to be added to ammonium nitrate to create calcium ammonium nitrate, which is safer. In the United States, regulations were tightened significantly after the Oklahoma City attack. Under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, for example, facilities that store more than 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate are subject to inspections. Despite its dangers, Oxley said legitimate uses of ammonium nitrate in agriculture and construction have made it indispensable. "We wouldn't have this modern world without explosives, and we wouldn't feed the population we have today without ammonium nitrate fertilizer," she said. "We need ammonium nitrate, we just need to pay good attention to what we're doing with it."

Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer behind many industrial accidents

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in&nbsp;Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades and the coronavirus pandemic.

UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences ... following the horrific explosions in&nbsp;Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a>

US President Donald Trump said "it looks like a terrible attack" and that US generals had told him that the powerful explosions appeared to have been caused by a "bomb of some kind", without offering evidence.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that "we are monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this horrible tragedy".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-lebanons-capital-scarred-amid-civil-war-and-violence-318281" hreflang="en">Beirut: Lebanon's capital scarred amid civil war and violence</a>

In the region, Gulf&nbsp;nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response.&nbsp;

Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon."

Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276" hreflang="en">Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross</a>

Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions".

And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid, to a country with which it is still technically at war.

"Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government, via international intermediaries, medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance," a statement read.

'Stay strong, Lebanon'&nbsp;

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stay strong, Lebanon."

Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad wrote to Lebanese President Michel Aoun that "on behalf of the Syrian Arab people, we extend our sincere condolences to you and the Lebanese people".

Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement.

"I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities".

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson&nbsp;called the pictures and videos from&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;"shocking".

"All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident," he wrote on Twitter. "The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say "we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We're ready to help you."

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in. Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades and the coronavirus pandemic. UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences ... following the horrific explosions in Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline US President Donald Trump said "it looks like a terrible attack" and that US generals had told him that the powerful explosions appeared to have been caused by a "bomb of some kind", without offering evidence. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that "we are monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this horrible tragedy". Also read: Beirut: Lebanon's capital scarred amid civil war and violence In the region, Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response. Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon." Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid. Also read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions". And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid, to a country with which it is still technically at war. "Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government, via international intermediaries, medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance," a statement read. 'Stay strong, Lebanon' Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary". "Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stay strong, Lebanon." Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad wrote to Lebanese President Michel Aoun that "on behalf of the Syrian Arab people, we extend our sincere condolences to you and the Lebanese people". Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement. "I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected." French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities". Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the pictures and videos from Beirut "shocking". "All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident," he wrote on Twitter. "The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say "we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We're ready to help you."

World offers support, condolences to 'disaster-stricken' Beirut after devastating blasts

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