Spain is facing one of its most serious migration emergencies after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish authorities say at least 67 migrants died during the mass crossing, with many drowning at sea or being crushed near the border breakwater.

Officials estimate that around 50,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, while local authorities put the figure even higher. Most migrants have since returned voluntarily to Morocco, but the humanitarian and political fallout continues to grow.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity and blamed human trafficking networks for spreading false hopes among migrants. Spain has also installed an inflatable sea barrier to strengthen border security.

Spain's Ceuta Migrant Crisis Deepens | 67 Dead As Tens Of Thousands Return To Morocco

A major escalation is unfolding in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels exchange fire, ending years of relative calm in the region. The latest developments come amid intensifying US-Iran tensions, with the Houthis claiming attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, triggering emergency alerts and raising concerns over regional security. In this detailed report, we analyse the growing Saudi-Houthi conflict, the maritime blockade announced by the Houthis, and Saudi Arabia's retaliatory air strikes on Houthi targets. The escalation has put key shipping routes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, under renewed pressure.
The Red Sea corridor remains a critical global trade route, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal. Any disruption in this strategic passage could impact international shipping, energy supplies, and global markets.

Canada-US Trade War Escalates As Gordie Howe Bridge Opens Without US Officials

Iraq has reopened a key border crossing with Syria after a decade, aiming to boost fuel oil exports and strengthen regional trade routes. The move is expected to improve energy flow and economic cooperation between the two countries, marking a significant step in restoring cross-border connectivity amid shifting Middle East trade dynamics.


Iraq-Syria Border Crossing Reopens For First Time In Over A Decade 

US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new executive order that will significantly limit asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border, reports said.&nbsp;This order will halt asylum requests once daily crossings exceed 2,500 outside of legal ports of entry and resume the request only when the number drops below 1,500.

This decision comes as Biden faces mounting pressure from Republicans and some Democrats over border security, with many Americans expressing dissatisfaction with the current handling of the border situation. Critics argue that it reflects a rightward shift in Biden's immigration policy, similar to the hardline stance of his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-netanyahu-to-address-us-congress-over-jewish-holiday-728637">Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday</a>

The administration plans to use Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to implement this policy, western media reports said.

<h2>Republicans accuse Biden of delaying decisive action</h2>

Republicans accuse Biden of delaying decisive action on border control, while members of his own party and human rights groups condemn the increased restrictions on asylum seekers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-uses-western-weapons-to-strike-missile-systems-in-russian-territory-728632">Ukraine uses Western weapons to strike missile systems in Russian territory</a>

Spokesman for the National Republican senatorial committee&nbsp;Philip Letsou said,&nbsp;“Joe Biden’s latest border scam isn’t fooling anyone – as migrant crossings hit record highs year after year on his watch, he refused to shut down the border.”&nbsp; 
 
“But now that he’s up for re-election and trailing badly, Biden’s changed his mind," he added.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Israel, Gaza War | The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it?

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There has been some reduction in unauthorised crossings in recent months. However, keeping up with the pressure, the Republican Party continues to highlight border security as a critical issue for the upcoming 2024 election.

Biden's move follows his earlier policy to send back 30,000 asylum seekers&nbsp;from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti while allowing the same number of people from these countries to enter the US with work authorisation upon conditions like&nbsp;sponsors in the country and background clearance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new executive order that will significantly limit asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border, reports said. This order will halt asylum requests once daily crossings exceed 2,500 outside of legal ports of entry and resume the request only when the number drops below 1,500.

US President Joe Biden is set to announce a new executive order that will significantly limit asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border, reports said. This order will halt asylum requests once daily crossings exceed 2,500 outside of legal ports of entry and resume the request only when the number drops below 1,500. This decision comes as Biden faces mounting pressure from Republicans and some Democrats over border security, with many Americans expressing dissatisfaction with the current handling of the border situation. Critics argue that it reflects a rightward shift in Biden's immigration policy, similar to the hardline stance of his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Also Read | Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday The administration plans to use Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to implement this policy, western media reports said. Republicans accuse Biden of delaying decisive action Republicans accuse Biden of delaying decisive action on border control, while members of his own party and human rights groups condemn the increased restrictions on asylum seekers. Also Read | Ukraine uses Western weapons to strike missile systems in Russian territory Spokesman for the National Republican senatorial committee Philip Letsou said, “Joe Biden’s latest border scam isn’t fooling anyone – as migrant crossings hit record highs year after year on his watch, he refused to shut down the border.” “But now that he’s up for re-election and trailing badly, Biden’s changed his mind," he added. Watch | Gravitas: Israel, Gaza War | The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it? × There has been some reduction in unauthorised crossings in recent months. However, keeping up with the pressure, the Republican Party continues to highlight border security as a critical issue for the upcoming 2024 election. Biden's move follows his earlier policy to send back 30,000 asylum seekers from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti while allowing the same number of people from these countries to enter the US with work authorisation upon conditions like sponsors in the country and background clearance. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to limit asylum seekers with new order, halt requests at 2,500 crossings and resume when below 1,500

For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza.

Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza.

“Israel will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint” to “prevent a humanitarian crisis and... ensure the continuation of the fighting”, as per a government statement.&nbsp;

The statement, which was issued after midnight, further read, "This increased assistance will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is essential to ensure the continuation of the fighting and achieve the objectives of the war. In light of this, Israel will allow the temporary provision of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and Erez Crossing and increase Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom."

This unprecedented step was taken by Israel hours after United States President Joe Biden's 30-minute conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the killing of the World Central Kitchen's seven aid workers in Gaza which has led to an international fury over Israel's actions.&nbsp;

The opening of three aid corridors was requested by President Biden in the conversation and approved by the Israeli government, CBS News reported earlier.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-hold-1st-talk-as-tensions-rise-after-aid-workers-killed-707837">Biden, Netanyahu hold talk - first after WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strikes</a>

<h2>US warns Israel to take 'concrete steps' to protect civilians&nbsp;</h2>

United States President Joe Biden, in a stark statement, warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (April 4) that Gaza's overall humanitarian situation is unacceptable and asked Tel Aviv to immediately take steps to address the issue or face consequences.

This was the first conversation between the two leaders since seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza.

“President Biden emphasised that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” said the White House, in a statement after the call ended.&nbsp;

“He made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps," the statement added.

Biden further added that Israel needed to “announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking after the call in Brussels, cleared the stance of the United States.&nbsp;“If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy,” Blinken said.&nbsp;

White House National Security Council spokesman John, however, clarified that the US support for "Israel's self-defence remains iron-clad. The United States isn't going to walk away from helping Israel defend itself. That said, you can say all that and... still believe that the manner in which they're defending themselves against the Hamas threat needs to change."&nbsp;

<h2>US welcomes newly announced Israeli measures&nbsp;</h2>

The United States welcomed the newly announced Israeli measures to increase entry of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“These steps, including a commitment to open the Ashdod port for the direct delivery of assistance into Gaza, to open the Erez Crossing for a new route for assistance to reach north Gaza, and to significantly increase deliveries from Jordan directly into Gaza, must now be fully and rapidly implemented,” said White House National Security Council Adrienne Watson, in a statement.

“As the president said today on the call, US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” she added.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza.

For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza. “Israel will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint” to “prevent a humanitarian crisis and... ensure the continuation of the fighting”, as per a government statement. The statement, which was issued after midnight, further read, "This increased assistance will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is essential to ensure the continuation of the fighting and achieve the objectives of the war. In light of this, Israel will allow the temporary provision of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and Erez Crossing and increase Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom." This unprecedented step was taken by Israel hours after United States President Joe Biden's 30-minute conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the killing of the World Central Kitchen's seven aid workers in Gaza which has led to an international fury over Israel's actions. The opening of three aid corridors was requested by President Biden in the conversation and approved by the Israeli government, CBS News reported earlier. Also Read: Biden, Netanyahu hold talk - first after WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strikes US warns Israel to take 'concrete steps' to protect civilians United States President Joe Biden, in a stark statement, warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (April 4) that Gaza's overall humanitarian situation is unacceptable and asked Tel Aviv to immediately take steps to address the issue or face consequences. This was the first conversation between the two leaders since seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. “President Biden emphasised that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” said the White House, in a statement after the call ended. “He made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps," the statement added. Biden further added that Israel needed to “announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking after the call in Brussels, cleared the stance of the United States. “If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy,” Blinken said. White House National Security Council spokesman John, however, clarified that the US support for "Israel's self-defence remains iron-clad. The United States isn't going to walk away from helping Israel defend itself. That said, you can say all that and... still believe that the manner in which they're defending themselves against the Hamas threat needs to change." US welcomes newly announced Israeli measures The United States welcomed the newly announced Israeli measures to increase entry of humanitarian aid in Gaza. “These steps, including a commitment to open the Ashdod port for the direct delivery of assistance into Gaza, to open the Erez Crossing for a new route for assistance to reach north Gaza, and to significantly increase deliveries from Jordan directly into Gaza, must now be fully and rapidly implemented,” said White House National Security Council Adrienne Watson, in a statement. “As the president said today on the call, US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” she added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel agrees to reopen Erez crossing hours after 'stern' Biden-Netanyahu chat

A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;

The US officials have identified the soldier as Private 2nd Class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-detained-by-north-korea-after-crossing-inter-korean-border-during-tour-un-617084">Travis King</a>. He reportedly broke away from a South Korean orientation visit at the border Panmunjon truce village and intentionally crossed the frontier into North Korea. His motive for such a daring move remains unknown.

A tour member&nbsp;told CBS News that King, wearing&nbsp;civilian clothes, laughed out loud before&nbsp;running between some buildings.

<h2>Efforts to gather information and ensure safety</h2>

The State Department and the UN are closely coordinating their efforts to gather information on Private King's condition and location.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that they are actively working to ascertain details about King's well-being and whereabouts and have reached out to contacts within the North Korean military.

However, as of now, there has been no response from North Korean authorities.

Reports suggest that King was in the process of being sent back to the United States due to disciplinary issues. Nevertheless, he managed to make his way to Panmunjon and deliberately crossed the border without any authorisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-into-sea-of-japan-amid-rising-tensions-617207">North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan amid rising tensions</a>

Miller emphasised that the US administration is committed to ensuring the soldier's safety and reuniting him with his family. While diplomatic relations with Pyongyang are absent, the State Department is using other channels of communication and engaging with South Korea and Sweden to obtain any available information about King.

As of now, there is little clarity about the serviceman's current condition within North Korea. The situation remains a matter of concern for US authorities, and they continue to actively monitor the case.

<h2>Past legal issues</h2>

Prior to his unauthorised entry into North Korea, King had spent around two months in a local South Korean prison on assault charges. He was released from custody on July 10.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India

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The incident has stirred curiosity and concern, and US officials are closely watching any developments in an attempt to ensure the safe return of Travis King.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian.

A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian. The US officials have identified the soldier as Private 2nd Class Travis King. He reportedly broke away from a South Korean orientation visit at the border Panmunjon truce village and intentionally crossed the frontier into North Korea. His motive for such a daring move remains unknown. A tour member told CBS News that King, wearing civilian clothes, laughed out loud before running between some buildings. Efforts to gather information and ensure safety The State Department and the UN are closely coordinating their efforts to gather information on Private King's condition and location. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that they are actively working to ascertain details about King's well-being and whereabouts and have reached out to contacts within the North Korean military. However, as of now, there has been no response from North Korean authorities. Reports suggest that King was in the process of being sent back to the United States due to disciplinary issues. Nevertheless, he managed to make his way to Panmunjon and deliberately crossed the border without any authorisation. Also read | North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan amid rising tensions Miller emphasised that the US administration is committed to ensuring the soldier's safety and reuniting him with his family. While diplomatic relations with Pyongyang are absent, the State Department is using other channels of communication and engaging with South Korea and Sweden to obtain any available information about King. As of now, there is little clarity about the serviceman's current condition within North Korea. The situation remains a matter of concern for US authorities, and they continue to actively monitor the case. Past legal issues Prior to his unauthorised entry into North Korea, King had spent around two months in a local South Korean prison on assault charges. He was released from custody on July 10. Also watch | Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India The incident has stirred curiosity and concern, and US officials are closely watching any developments in an attempt to ensure the safe return of Travis King. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Travis King: US soldier was laughing while crossing border into North Korea, witness says

Canadian authorities recovered eight bodies from the St. Lawrence River near Akwesasne, amoung them are bodies of two families, one of Romanian descent and the other of Indian citizens.&nbsp;Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Deputy Chief Lee-Ann O’Brien said the people were likely trying to enter the United States illegally from Canada.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-10-corrupt-countries-in-the-world-577675">Top 10 corrupt countries in the world</a>

In a presser, Lee-Ann O’Brien earlier said there were five adults and one child. Later, a&nbsp;police helicopter retrieved two more bodies in the St Lawrence River Friday. One child belonged to a Romanian family, she said.

A Canadian passport was also recovered from the child, as per the police. To identify the cause of death, authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests, as per reports.&nbsp;

The bodies, as per reports, were recovered in a marsh area Thursday during an aerial search with the Canadian Coast Guard.&nbsp;The&nbsp;bodies were found in Tsi Snaihne (Snye), a Mohawk territory in Akwesasne, a region that borders Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. The first body, according to the authorities, was found at&nbsp;about 5 pm.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openais-chatgpt-blocked-in-italy-reports-577685">OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations</a>

The bodies&nbsp;were found as a consequence of a&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;search for another missing individual, a 30-year-old Casey Oakes.&nbsp;Oakes&nbsp;was last seen&nbsp;Wednesday boarding a small, light blue vessel. The vessel was departing from the east end of Cornwall Island, in the St. Lawrence at the time of it was last seen with Oakes onboard it.&nbsp;

Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra

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Later, the same&nbsp;vessel was discovered next to the six of the dead bodies. Police in Akwesasne were unable to confirm if Oakes had any links with&nbsp;the victims. Oakes is still missing. Around 120 kilometres west of Montreal, Akwesasne borders Cornwall, Ontario. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Canadian authorities recovered eight bodies from the St. Lawrence River near Akwesasne, amoung them are bodies of two families, one of Romanian descent and the other of Indian citizens.

Canadian authorities recovered eight bodies from the St. Lawrence River near Akwesasne, amoung them are bodies of two families, one of Romanian descent and the other of Indian citizens. Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Deputy Chief Lee-Ann O’Brien said the people were likely trying to enter the United States illegally from Canada. Also Read | Top 10 corrupt countries in the world In a presser, Lee-Ann O’Brien earlier said there were five adults and one child. Later, a police helicopter retrieved two more bodies in the St Lawrence River Friday. One child belonged to a Romanian family, she said. A Canadian passport was also recovered from the child, as per the police. To identify the cause of death, authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests, as per reports. The bodies, as per reports, were recovered in a marsh area Thursday during an aerial search with the Canadian Coast Guard. The bodies were found in Tsi Snaihne (Snye), a Mohawk territory in Akwesasne, a region that borders Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. The first body, according to the authorities, was found at about 5 pm. Also Read | OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations The bodies were found as a consequence of a Thursday search for another missing individual, a 30-year-old Casey Oakes. Oakes was last seen Wednesday boarding a small, light blue vessel. The vessel was departing from the east end of Cornwall Island, in the St. Lawrence at the time of it was last seen with Oakes onboard it. Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra × Later, the same vessel was discovered next to the six of the dead bodies. Police in Akwesasne were unable to confirm if Oakes had any links with the victims. Oakes is still missing. Around 120 kilometres west of Montreal, Akwesasne borders Cornwall, Ontario. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indians, Romanians among eight found dead while crossing into US from Canada illegally

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.&nbsp;According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a>

"Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb.

Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing.

"It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters.

"Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester.

WATCH|&nbsp;Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks

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On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest.

The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic.

Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs.

The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region. According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions. ALSO READ| Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union "Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb. Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing. "It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters. "Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester. WATCH| Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest. The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic. Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs. The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped. (With inputs from agencies)

Serbs remove roadblock between Kosovo and Serbia border crossing as tensions ease

A family of four, including an infant, believed to be from India died due to exposure from extreme cold weather near the US-Canada border, officials said, indicating it to be a case of human trafficking.

Officials on Thursday said that the bodies of four people — two adults, a teen and an infant — were found on the Canadian side of the US/Canada border near Emerson on Wednesday.

Authorities believe it was a failed crossing attempt during the&nbsp;freezing blizzard.

The bodies were discovered amid vast snowdrifts on Wednesday, when the temperature was -35 degrees Celsius (-31 degrees Fahrenheit), accounting for the wind, officials said.

The US Department of Justice has said the four dead were “tentatively identified” as separated members of a group that had been detained earlier in the day while wandering in the snowy fields near the border.

On Thursday, US authorities said a Florida man identified as Steve Shand, 47, had been charged with&nbsp;human smuggling&nbsp;in connection with the group.

According to reports, a US border patrol in North Dakota stopped a passenger van carrying 15 people just south of the Canadian border on Wednesday.

It said that Shand was driving the van with two undocumented Indian nationals.

Around the same time, five other people – all undocumented Indian nationals – were spotted by law enforcement in the snow nearby.

The group said it had been walking for more than 11 hours outside in the freezing and disorienting conditions.

One of the men in the group was carrying a backpack that had baby supplies in it. He told officers it belonged to a family who had become separated from the group overnight, according to court documents.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police&nbsp;Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy told a news conference in Winnipeg on Thursday that once the officials were notified that the family may still be in Manitoba, officers immediately began to search the area.

After a difficult search in nearly impossible terrain, she said the officers found three bodies together — a man, a woman and a baby — just 10 meters from the border near Emerson. The search continued and a teen boy was found a short distance away. It is believed they died from exposure.

“It is an absolute and heartbreaking tragedy,” MacLatchy said.

Meanwhile, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed shock over the tragedy and asked India’s&nbsp;envoys to the US and Canada to respond to the situation.

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Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation.
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Following this, India’s envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria said that he will work with the Canadian authorities to investigate the “disturbing events”.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is a grave tragedy. An Indian consular team is travelling today from <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainToronto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainToronto</a> to Manitoba to coordinate and help. We will work with Canadian authorities to investigate these disturbing events. <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_Ottawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCI_Ottawa</a> <a href="https://t.co/qGM2ZTlPsx">https://t.co/qGM2ZTlPsx</a>
— Ajay Bisaria (@Ajaybis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ajaybis/status/1484536685027557378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

A family of four, including an infant, believed to be from India died due to exposure from extreme cold weather near the US-Canada border, officials said, indicating it to be a case of human trafficking.

A family of four, including an infant, believed to be from India died due to exposure from extreme cold weather near the US-Canada border, officials said, indicating it to be a case of human trafficking. Officials on Thursday said that the bodies of four people — two adults, a teen and an infant — were found on the Canadian side of the US/Canada border near Emerson on Wednesday. Authorities believe it was a failed crossing attempt during the freezing blizzard. The bodies were discovered amid vast snowdrifts on Wednesday, when the temperature was -35 degrees Celsius (-31 degrees Fahrenheit), accounting for the wind, officials said. The US Department of Justice has said the four dead were “tentatively identified” as separated members of a group that had been detained earlier in the day while wandering in the snowy fields near the border. On Thursday, US authorities said a Florida man identified as Steve Shand, 47, had been charged with human smuggling in connection with the group. According to reports, a US border patrol in North Dakota stopped a passenger van carrying 15 people just south of the Canadian border on Wednesday. It said that Shand was driving the van with two undocumented Indian nationals. Around the same time, five other people – all undocumented Indian nationals – were spotted by law enforcement in the snow nearby. The group said it had been walking for more than 11 hours outside in the freezing and disorienting conditions. One of the men in the group was carrying a backpack that had baby supplies in it. He told officers it belonged to a family who had become separated from the group overnight, according to court documents. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy told a news conference in Winnipeg on Thursday that once the officials were notified that the family may still be in Manitoba, officers immediately began to search the area. After a difficult search in nearly impossible terrain, she said the officers found three bodies together — a man, a woman and a baby — just 10 meters from the border near Emerson. The search continued and a teen boy was found a short distance away. It is believed they died from exposure. “It is an absolute and heartbreaking tragedy,” MacLatchy said. Meanwhile, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed shock over the tragedy and asked India’s envoys to the US and Canada to respond to the situation. Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2022 × Following this, India’s envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria said that he will work with the Canadian authorities to investigate the “disturbing events”. This is a grave tragedy. An Indian consular team is travelling today from @IndiainToronto to Manitoba to coordinate and help. We will work with Canadian authorities to investigate these disturbing events. @HCI_Ottawa https://t.co/qGM2ZTlPsx — Ajay Bisaria (@Ajaybis) January 21, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

4 Indians, including infant, die in freezing cold at US-Canada border, minister seeks probe

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