The crisis in Niger is taking a toll on the lives and livelihoods of millions. UN agency UNICEF has said that more than 2 million children have been impacted by the crisis and are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance the crisis it's now spilling over into neighbouring African nations.

UNICEF: 2 million kids affected by Niger Crisis

<p>The occupied West Bank witnessed another episode of violence on Saturday (August 19) when two Israeli civilians lost their lives in a suspected shooting attack. This unfortunate incident was confirmed by the Israeli army in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>The attack in Huwara</strong></h2>

<p>The suspected shooting attack took place in the vicinity of the town of Huwara, targeting a group of Israeli civilians. As the details of this tragedy unfolded, the army statement tragically announced the loss of two civilian lives.</p>

<h2><strong>Escalating violence in the West Bank</strong></h2>

<p>The West Bank, a region marred by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has experienced a significant escalation in violence since early last year. This surge in unrest has been characterised by a series of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, extensive Israeli army operations, and incidents of violence involving Jewish settlers against Palestinian communities.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Palestine: Clashes between Fatah &amp; Hamas continue, Hezbollah Chief calls for halt to fighting</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Human toll of the conflict</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing conflict has exacted a harrowing toll on both sides. In the current year alone, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 218 Palestinians due to violence associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</p>

<p>On the Israeli side, the conflict has brought about the tragic loss of approximately 30 Israeli lives, along with one Ukrainian and one Italian national. This toll was compiled by AFP based on official sources from both sides of the conflict. Notably, these casualties encompass a diverse range of individuals, including combatants, civilians, and even members of the Arab minority on the Israeli side.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-rejects-jerusalem-diplomatic-base-for-saudi-envoy-to-palestinian-authority-625116">Israel rejects Jerusalem diplomatic base for Saudi envoy to Palestinian authority</a></p>

<p>This heartbreaking incident serves as yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The perpetual cycle of violence continues to extract a devastating human cost, affecting individuals from all walks of life.</p>

<p>International efforts and diplomatic initiatives persist in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. However, the challenges are formidable, and the road to reconciliation remains fraught with difficulties.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The occupied West Bank witnessed another episode of violence on Saturday (August 19) when two Israeli civilians lost their lives in a suspected shooting attack. This unfortunate incident was confirmed by the Israeli army in a statement.

The occupied West Bank witnessed another episode of violence on Saturday (August 19) when two Israeli civilians lost their lives in a suspected shooting attack. This unfortunate incident was confirmed by the Israeli army in a statement. The attack in Huwara The suspected shooting attack took place in the vicinity of the town of Huwara, targeting a group of Israeli civilians. As the details of this tragedy unfolded, the army statement tragically announced the loss of two civilian lives. Escalating violence in the West Bank The West Bank, a region marred by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has experienced a significant escalation in violence since early last year. This surge in unrest has been characterised by a series of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, extensive Israeli army operations, and incidents of violence involving Jewish settlers against Palestinian communities. ALSO WATCH | Palestine: Clashes between Fatah & Hamas continue, Hezbollah Chief calls for halt to fighting Human toll of the conflict The ongoing conflict has exacted a harrowing toll on both sides. In the current year alone, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 218 Palestinians due to violence associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On the Israeli side, the conflict has brought about the tragic loss of approximately 30 Israeli lives, along with one Ukrainian and one Italian national. This toll was compiled by AFP based on official sources from both sides of the conflict. Notably, these casualties encompass a diverse range of individuals, including combatants, civilians, and even members of the Arab minority on the Israeli side. Also read | Israel rejects Jerusalem diplomatic base for Saudi envoy to Palestinian authority This heartbreaking incident serves as yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The perpetual cycle of violence continues to extract a devastating human cost, affecting individuals from all walks of life. International efforts and diplomatic initiatives persist in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. However, the challenges are formidable, and the road to reconciliation remains fraught with difficulties. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

West Bank shooting attack kills 2 Israeli civilians, confirms army

<p>Two Ukrainians in the south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia are making significant contributions to the military's frontline efforts by repurposing car engines into essential evacuation buggies, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Friends Dmytro and Volodymyr are behind this innovation. They dedicate the majority of their time to a garage in the Zaporizhzhia region in an undisclosed location.</p>

<p>With a remarkable blend of ingenuity and skill, they have successfully crafted five of these specialised vehicles from scratch, with an additional five currently in progress.</p>

<p>Dmytro, aged 34, and his 33-year-old friend Volodymyr have individual roles to play.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-cases-of-bubonic-plague-detected-in-china-625031">Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China</a></p>

<p>While Volodymyr focuses on securing sponsors, soliciting donations, and acquiring car engines, Dmytro, the elder of the two, meticulously assembles and constructs the vehicles.</p>

<h2><strong>Multi-purpose frontline buggies for military support</strong></h2>

<p>The heart of their project lies in the creation of swift and adaptable frontline buggies that serve multiple critical functions.</p>

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<p>These vehicles possess the agility to swiftly navigate challenging terrains and carry light ammunition loads.</p>

<p>Their most crucial role, however, is the safe transport of wounded soldiers to medical stabilisation points. The buggies are ingeniously designed to accommodate two stretchers on either side, enabling the efficient evacuation of injured personnel.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maui-wildfires-death-toll-climbs-to-93-hundreds-still-missing-top-points-625038">Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 93, hundreds still missing&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Volodymyr elaborated on the distinct advantages of their creations.</p>

<p>"There's a vehicle for every task. Ours cannot drive with such power like an armoured personnel carrier. But it is mobile, light, it’s hard to aim for it, it’s next to impossible to destroy it with an anti-tank missile," Volodymyr said, adding, "And it glides over terrain where the armoured personnel carrier will not pass. But on the other hand, wherever an armoured personnel carrier can pass through, the buggy can't. That is, different tasks, different vehicles. Plus we have two stretchers mounted on each side for evacuating the wounded."</p>

<p>Dmytro said,&nbsp;"At the beginning of constructing each buggy, you're like 'Oh no, and again, how does this work, where does this go.' You make one step, and then you just walk straightaway, you walk and walk, and then 'Oh wow, I'm done building it!'"</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM</strong></p>

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<p>The initiative undertaken by Dmytro and Volodymyr is a broader trend in Ukraine, where volunteers with technical expertise are uniting to design and manufacture an array of ground and aerial vehicles on a limited budget.</p>

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Two Ukrainians in the south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia are making significant contributions to the military's frontline efforts by repurposing car engines into essential evacuation buggies, Reuters reported.

Two Ukrainians in the south-eastern region of Zaporizhzhia are making significant contributions to the military's frontline efforts by repurposing car engines into essential evacuation buggies, Reuters reported. Friends Dmytro and Volodymyr are behind this innovation. They dedicate the majority of their time to a garage in the Zaporizhzhia region in an undisclosed location. With a remarkable blend of ingenuity and skill, they have successfully crafted five of these specialised vehicles from scratch, with an additional five currently in progress. Dmytro, aged 34, and his 33-year-old friend Volodymyr have individual roles to play. Also Read | Fresh cases of bubonic plague detected in China While Volodymyr focuses on securing sponsors, soliciting donations, and acquiring car engines, Dmytro, the elder of the two, meticulously assembles and constructs the vehicles. Multi-purpose frontline buggies for military support The heart of their project lies in the creation of swift and adaptable frontline buggies that serve multiple critical functions. × These vehicles possess the agility to swiftly navigate challenging terrains and carry light ammunition loads. Their most crucial role, however, is the safe transport of wounded soldiers to medical stabilisation points. The buggies are ingeniously designed to accommodate two stretchers on either side, enabling the efficient evacuation of injured personnel. Also Read | Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 93, hundreds still missing Volodymyr elaborated on the distinct advantages of their creations. "There's a vehicle for every task. Ours cannot drive with such power like an armoured personnel carrier. But it is mobile, light, it’s hard to aim for it, it’s next to impossible to destroy it with an anti-tank missile," Volodymyr said, adding, "And it glides over terrain where the armoured personnel carrier will not pass. But on the other hand, wherever an armoured personnel carrier can pass through, the buggy can't. That is, different tasks, different vehicles. Plus we have two stretchers mounted on each side for evacuating the wounded." Dmytro said, "At the beginning of constructing each buggy, you're like 'Oh no, and again, how does this work, where does this go.' You make one step, and then you just walk straightaway, you walk and walk, and then 'Oh wow, I'm done building it!'" Watch | Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM × The initiative undertaken by Dmytro and Volodymyr is a broader trend in Ukraine, where volunteers with technical expertise are uniting to design and manufacture an array of ground and aerial vehicles on a limited budget. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | These Ukrainians transform car engines into life-saving evacuation buggies to support army

As part of a last-ditch regional effort to restore civilian authority that includes religious leaders, the ECOWAS bloc of West Africa is to send a parliamentary delegation to Niger to meet with coup leaders who took control last month.

ECOWAS Parliament council to visit Niger

Is Niger a victim of foreign exploitation? Did external influence & interference trigger the coup? Is the military junta seeking power or complete decolonisation? Here's what Molly Gambhir has to say on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Is Niger a victim of foreign exploitation?

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the top general of the military and directed officials to make more preparations&nbsp;in the wake of the increasing possibility of war, by expanding military drills and increasing weapons production, reported state media KCNA on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments were made by Kim at one of the meetings of the Central Military Commission in which they discussed plans for countermeasures to deter the enemies of North Korea, which were not named, said the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korea's top general, Chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il was "dismissed", reported KCNA. The official had been serving in the government as the military's top general for about seven months.</p>

<p>General Ri Yong Gil, who had earlier held the position of the country's defence minister and also the top commander of its conventional troops, replaced Pak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-defends-its-nuclear-weapons-slams-us-622655">North Korea defends its nuclear weapons, slams US</a></p>

<p>Ri was also previously appointed as the army chief of staff. In 2016 when he was replaced, Ri's sacking and his non-attendance at official events sparked rumours of his execution in South Korea. However, a few months later, he reappeared after his name was proposed for another senior post.</p>

<p>Kim also decided on a target for the expansion of weapons production capacity, said the report, without giving any further details. The leader visited weapons factories last week where he asked to increase the number of missile engines, artillery and other weapons to be built.</p>

<p>In the photos released by KCNA, Kim was seen pointing at Seoul and areas surrounding the capital of South Korea on a map.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea to stage militia parade on September 9</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea has been accused by the United States of providing arms to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which includes artillery shells, rockets and missiles. The claims have been denied by Russia and North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military was also asked by Kim Jong Un to conduct drills with the latest weapons and equipment of the country to keep its forces ready for combat, stated the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kim Jong-un inspects arms units in North Korea</strong></p>

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<p>North Korea will be staging a militia parade on September 9, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. The country has numerous paramilitary groups which it uses to bolster its military forces.</p>

<p>The United States and South Korea will be conducting military drills between August 21 and August 24, which is seen as a threat to security by North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the top general of the military and directed officials to make more preparations in the wake of the increasing possibility of war, by expanding military drills and increasing weapons production, reported state media KCNA on Thursday (August 10).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the top general of the military and directed officials to make more preparations in the wake of the increasing possibility of war, by expanding military drills and increasing weapons production, reported state media KCNA on Thursday (August 10). The comments were made by Kim at one of the meetings of the Central Military Commission in which they discussed plans for countermeasures to deter the enemies of North Korea, which were not named, said the report. North Korea's top general, Chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il was "dismissed", reported KCNA. The official had been serving in the government as the military's top general for about seven months. General Ri Yong Gil, who had earlier held the position of the country's defence minister and also the top commander of its conventional troops, replaced Pak. ALSO READ | North Korea defends its nuclear weapons, slams US Ri was also previously appointed as the army chief of staff. In 2016 when he was replaced, Ri's sacking and his non-attendance at official events sparked rumours of his execution in South Korea. However, a few months later, he reappeared after his name was proposed for another senior post. Kim also decided on a target for the expansion of weapons production capacity, said the report, without giving any further details. The leader visited weapons factories last week where he asked to increase the number of missile engines, artillery and other weapons to be built. In the photos released by KCNA, Kim was seen pointing at Seoul and areas surrounding the capital of South Korea on a map. North Korea to stage militia parade on September 9 North Korea has been accused by the United States of providing arms to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which includes artillery shells, rockets and missiles. The claims have been denied by Russia and North Korea. The military was also asked by Kim Jong Un to conduct drills with the latest weapons and equipment of the country to keep its forces ready for combat, stated the report. WATCH | Kim Jong-un inspects arms units in North Korea North Korea will be staging a militia parade on September 9, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. The country has numerous paramilitary groups which it uses to bolster its military forces. The United States and South Korea will be conducting military drills between August 21 and August 24, which is seen as a threat to security by North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea's Kim asks army to prepare for possible war, dismisses top general

The West African nation of Niger gained independence from its former colonial power, France, on the 3rd of August, 1960. But since its independence, it has witnessed five coups, the most recent of which took place on the 26th of July, when the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was toppled by the military, thereby bringing to an end the seventh Republic. On the 28th of July, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, chief of the presidential guard which detained President Bazoum, declared himself to be the de facto head of state of the country. More than a week after President Bazoum's ouster, hundreds of supporters of Niger's military junta and civil society groups gathered in the capital Niamey on Niger's Independence Day to protest foreign interference. Anti-French sentiment has been running high and support for Russia growing stronger by the day in Niger. Increasingly, Niger is emerging as yet another battleground for Russia and Western countries vying for influence in the fight against extremism. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Adverse effect of Niger coup on France’s energy portfolio

The military junta have announced the formation of a new government as the West African Bloc gathers for a key Summit to discuss the course of action. Military leaders continue to defy the Bloc's deadline newly instated prime minister Ali Lamine Zeine will lead the 21-member government and the generals from the new military governing council.

New Niger Prime Minister Lamine Zeine to lead government

It has been exactly two weeks since the coup was announced in Niger and the West-backed president Muhammad Bazoum has been thrown out and military leaders are currently controlling the country. The situation could mark a new phase in Africa and the thought of this has divided the ECOWAS group.

West vs Sahel coup leaders: All eyes on Russia's next moves

ECOWAS and the West impose sanctions against Niger

It has been exactly two weeks since the coup was announced in Niger and the West-backed president Muhammad Bazoum has been thrown out and military leaders are currently controlling the country. The situation could mark a new phase in Africa and the thought of this has divided the ECOWAS group. To know more watch this interview with the Director of the Geneva Centre for Africa Security & Strategic Studies, David Otto.

What is France gaining from its presence in Niger?

Niger's government has fallen. The Presidential Guard has taken over. What explains their actions? Are there vested interests? Is Niger about to become the turf for another proxy war? Molly Gambhir explains on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Niger Coup: Who is the real culprit? | Is Africa headed for war?

Friday's torrential downpours in Slovenia's northern and western regions resulted in at least two fatalities as well as flooding, power outages, and traffic disruptions. According to the Slovenian press agency STA, two Dutch men perished, possibly from lightning strikes. The deaths were confirmed by the Dutch authorities, but the cause was not.

Slovenian army deploys rubber boats, helicopters for evacuation

An Indian Army soldier has been reported missing from the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The 25-year-old soldier Javaid Ahmed Wani went missing on Saturday evening. As per the latest update security forces have launched a massive operation for Wani.

India: 25-year-old Army soldier missing in Jammu & Kashmir, officials say he was on leave

The European Union has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger following immediate effect after the military coup. The West African nation has a new leader now the coup leaders declared General Abdourahmane Tchiani as the head of state.

Niger coup: US rules out involvement of Wagner group

Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum has been overthrown by the very people who were supposed to protect and uphold his office - the presidential guards who stood watch outside his palace. General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself president on state TV. Niger's situation is not an isolated case in the Sahel, the decline of democracy and the rise of coup d’états in Sub-Saharan Africa, is concerning. WION's Eric Njoka talks to the Director for Geneva Centre for Africa Security and Strategic studies, David Otto, for a perspective on the West African dilemma.

Niger coup leader warns against 'foreign' intervention

Mohamed Bazoum has been removed from office, according to a group of soldiers who appeared on Niger's national television late on Wednesday, hours after the president was detained at the presidential palace. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the chief of the presidential guard, led the coup against Bazoum and declared himself the new president of the country.

Niger coup: The United Nations offers full support to President Bazoum

The military in Niger says that they have removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. Armed troops blocked the Presidential Palace and then addressed the national television and then said that the President has been detained. To know more watch this interview with the Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts, Ambrose Igboke.

Chaos in Niamey as Niger's army declares support for military coup

Niger is a landlocked nation and has seen five coups in the last five decades which is why it has the reputation of being one of the world's most unstable Nations. And for president Mohamed Bazoum itself this was the third coup attempt. Earlier in 2021 just before he was supposed to be sworn in there had been an attempt of a coup to try and depose him before he had even been sworn in and another one in the month of March this year.

Coup d'état in Niger: Military detains Niger's President Bazoum

<p>Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said.</p>

<p>The latest battle between rival gangs at the overcrowded, violence-hobbled Guayas 1 prison in the port city of Guayaquil has left 31 people dead and 14 wounded, the public prosecutor's office said, updating an earlier death toll from 18.</p>

<p>Riots regularly pit prison gangs with links to drug traffickers against one another in Ecuador, a country that has recently emerged as a key player in the South American cocaine trade.</p>

<p>A string of bloody clashes has claimed at least 420 lives in Ecuadoran prisons since 2021 -- many of the victims beheaded or burnt alive, others shot as widespread corruption among guards allows inmates to obtain guns and explosives.</p>

<p>Among those wounded in the latest round of violence was a police officer, said the prosecutor's office.</p>

<p>The armed forces, for its part, said soldiers and police entered Guayas 1 on Tuesday to put down the riot that started Saturday and had left an initial toll of six dead inmates.</p>

<p>At least one of the dead had been beheaded, according to a government decree issued Tuesday announcing a 60-day state of emergency in all Ecuador's prisons.</p>

<p>The government, via its communications secretariat Segcom, said "total control" had been regained at Guayas 1, which houses over 5,600 inmates.</p>

<p>Officers seized nine rifles, a grenade launcher, four pistols, two revolvers and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to officials.</p>

<p>The public prosecutor's office on Tuesday announced the opening of a murder investigation over the deaths as well as a terrorism probe, due to the "explosions and the quantity of weapons and ammunition found inside the prison."</p>

<h2><strong>'We want peace'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dozens of people gathered outside Guayas 1 on Tuesday, frantic for news about their loved ones inside.</p>

<p>Some carried white balloons and placards proclaiming: "We want peace."</p>

<p>"The prisoners don't interest them (the authorities)," said a woman desperate for news on her husband, and who did not want to be named as she feared for her safety.</p>

<p>"It's as if they (the inmates) were rats. They are human beings!" she told AFP.</p>

<p>Family members said they feared the prisoners would be moved to other facilities -- something which in the past has resulted in deadly clashes between newcomers and the old guard, who are often aligned with rival groups.</p>

<p>President Guillermo Lasso in a message on social media insisted the government "will never yield" to criminal violence.</p>

<p>He posted photos of heavily-armed security forces standing guard over dozens of prisoners with naked torsos and hands tied.</p>

<p>The Prison Observatory, a rights group, claimed on social media that inmates at Guayas 1 have been "without food and water for more than three days."</p>

<h2><strong>'Torture centres'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The SNAI prison authority, meanwhile, announced that 106 prison guards -- among the dozens taken hostage Monday at prisons in five provinces -- had since been released. It did not say how many still had to be freed.</p>

<p>Fewer than 3,000 guards are in charge of more than 31,000 inmates in 36 prisons around Ecuador, many of them overpopulated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A committee appointed by Lasso to look into prison conditions last year found that the country's penitentiaries were akin to "torture centres"</p>

<p>Guayaquil, on Ecuador's southern Pacific coast, is the country's largest city, biggest port and economic hub, but in recent years has become the increasingly bloody centre&nbsp;of a gang turf war.</p>

<p>The location of the city, home to three million of Ecuador's 18 million people, makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Tucked between Colombia and Peru, the world's main cocaine producers, once peaceful Ecuador has seized 455 tons of drugs since May 2021.</p>

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Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said.

Some 2,700 soldiers on Tuesday stormed a prison in Ecuador, retaking control of the facility as the death toll from a riot that started over the weekend rose to 31 inmates, authorities said. The latest battle between rival gangs at the overcrowded, violence-hobbled Guayas 1 prison in the port city of Guayaquil has left 31 people dead and 14 wounded, the public prosecutor's office said, updating an earlier death toll from 18. Riots regularly pit prison gangs with links to drug traffickers against one another in Ecuador, a country that has recently emerged as a key player in the South American cocaine trade. A string of bloody clashes has claimed at least 420 lives in Ecuadoran prisons since 2021 -- many of the victims beheaded or burnt alive, others shot as widespread corruption among guards allows inmates to obtain guns and explosives. Among those wounded in the latest round of violence was a police officer, said the prosecutor's office. The armed forces, for its part, said soldiers and police entered Guayas 1 on Tuesday to put down the riot that started Saturday and had left an initial toll of six dead inmates. At least one of the dead had been beheaded, according to a government decree issued Tuesday announcing a 60-day state of emergency in all Ecuador's prisons. The government, via its communications secretariat Segcom, said "total control" had been regained at Guayas 1, which houses over 5,600 inmates. Officers seized nine rifles, a grenade launcher, four pistols, two revolvers and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to officials. The public prosecutor's office on Tuesday announced the opening of a murder investigation over the deaths as well as a terrorism probe, due to the "explosions and the quantity of weapons and ammunition found inside the prison." 'We want peace' Dozens of people gathered outside Guayas 1 on Tuesday, frantic for news about their loved ones inside. Some carried white balloons and placards proclaiming: "We want peace." "The prisoners don't interest them (the authorities)," said a woman desperate for news on her husband, and who did not want to be named as she feared for her safety. "It's as if they (the inmates) were rats. They are human beings!" she told AFP. Family members said they feared the prisoners would be moved to other facilities -- something which in the past has resulted in deadly clashes between newcomers and the old guard, who are often aligned with rival groups. President Guillermo Lasso in a message on social media insisted the government "will never yield" to criminal violence. He posted photos of heavily-armed security forces standing guard over dozens of prisoners with naked torsos and hands tied. The Prison Observatory, a rights group, claimed on social media that inmates at Guayas 1 have been "without food and water for more than three days." 'Torture centres' The SNAI prison authority, meanwhile, announced that 106 prison guards -- among the dozens taken hostage Monday at prisons in five provinces -- had since been released. It did not say how many still had to be freed. Fewer than 3,000 guards are in charge of more than 31,000 inmates in 36 prisons around Ecuador, many of them overpopulated. A committee appointed by Lasso to look into prison conditions last year found that the country's penitentiaries were akin to "torture centres" Guayaquil, on Ecuador's southern Pacific coast, is the country's largest city, biggest port and economic hub, but in recent years has become the increasingly bloody centre of a gang turf war. The location of the city, home to three million of Ecuador's 18 million people, makes it a strategic launch point for shipments of drugs to the United States and Europe. Tucked between Colombia and Peru, the world's main cocaine producers, once peaceful Ecuador has seized 455 tons of drugs since May 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ecuador forces wrest back control of prison as riot death toll climbs to 31

Pakistan top military officials gathered at the 258th Co-commanders Conference in Rawalpindi on Monday. This high-level meeting focused on internal security matters of the country against the backdrop of endless economic woes and political turmoil. Chief of Army Staff General Syed General Asim Munir presided over the Conference.

Pakistan Army Chief attends key conference

Indian army divisions are practising crossing the Indus River in eastern Ladakh and attacking enemy positions. The world's highest river valleys have seen a significant deployment of tanks and armoured vehicles when Chinese forces began acting aggressively in the eastern and dark sector by redirecting training exercise soldiers there.

Indian army deploys tanks and infantry vehicles in the valley

Having deployed a large number of tanks and armoured vehicles in the world's highest river valleys, Indian Army formations carried out drills in Eastern Ladakh to cross the Indus River and attack enemy positions.

Ladakh: Army tanks, combat vehicles carry out drills

A call for strengthening the Russian military has been made. A senior Russian lawmaker called to build a professional army of seven million. This to ensure that no mercenary groups are needed for the country's security. Russia has been shaken by the failed mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin & his Wagner mercenary troops.

Why is this senior Russian lawmaker calling for a professional army of seven million?

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