Myanmar's junta on Saturday said that it would not engage in talks with coup dissidents. This includes members of Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted government.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian nation has been in chaos since a February coup as more than 1,100 people have been killed in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

On Friday a spokesman for the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party called on junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to open dialogue with coup opponents. This was done to find a way out of the crisis.

In response, the junta said it "cannot accept... dialogue and negotiation with terrorist armed groups", including a shadow government of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's ousted administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-excludes-myanmar-junta-chief-from-attendance-at-summit-421295">Also read |&nbsp;ASEAN excludes Myanmar junta chief from attendance at summit</a>

Recently, the United Nations said that it feared an even greater human rights catastrophe amid reports of thousands of troops massing in the north and west of the country, where soldiers have clashed regularly with local "self-defence forces".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that a "non-political representative" from Myanmar would be invited for the ASEAN Summit that will take place between October 26 and 28.&nbsp;

This decision has effectively excluded Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. This is a rare rebuke that has come amid concerns over the military government's commitment to defusing the crisis in Myanmar.

The Myanmar junta slammed the decision, accusing ASEAN of breaching the bloc's policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of its member states.

"We can also see the interference from the other (non-ASEAN) countries," junta spokesman brigadier general Zaw Min Tun told the BBC Burmese section.

Myanmar's junta on Saturday said that it would not engage in talks with coup dissidents. This includes members of Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted government. The Southeast Asian nation has been in chaos since a February coup as more than 1,100 people have been killed in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar's junta on Saturday said that it would not engage in talks with coup dissidents. This includes members of Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted government. The Southeast Asian nation has been in chaos since a February coup as more than 1,100 people have been killed in a crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group. On Friday a spokesman for the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party called on junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to open dialogue with coup opponents. This was done to find a way out of the crisis. In response, the junta said it "cannot accept... dialogue and negotiation with terrorist armed groups", including a shadow government of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's ousted administration. Also read | ASEAN excludes Myanmar junta chief from attendance at summit Recently, the United Nations said that it feared an even greater human rights catastrophe amid reports of thousands of troops massing in the north and west of the country, where soldiers have clashed regularly with local "self-defence forces". Meanwhile, the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that a "non-political representative" from Myanmar would be invited for the ASEAN Summit that will take place between October 26 and 28. This decision has effectively excluded Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. This is a rare rebuke that has come amid concerns over the military government's commitment to defusing the crisis in Myanmar. The Myanmar junta slammed the decision, accusing ASEAN of breaching the bloc's policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of its member states. "We can also see the interference from the other (non-ASEAN) countries," junta spokesman brigadier general Zaw Min Tun told the BBC Burmese section.

Myanmar junta refuses to negotiate with coup dissidents

The United Nations voiced alarm Friday at Myanmar's military junta deploying heavy weapons and troops to particular townships, fearing for the civilian population.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the deployment of two high-ranking commanders represented a worrying escalation in the situation.

"Alarming reports indicate that there has been substantial deployment of heavy weapons and troops by the Myanmar military, the Tatmadaw, over the past few weeks," spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-economic-crisis-fuels-underground-currency-trading-417333">Myanmar's economic crisis fuels underground currency trading</a>

The deployments have been to Kanpetlet and Hakha townships in Chin State; Kani and Monywa townships in the central Sagaing region; and Gangaw township in Magway region, she said.

The internet has also been shut down, she added.

Myanmar has been mired in crisis since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February, sparking mass protests and a bloody crackdown.

"We are gravely concerned by these developments, particularly given the intensifying attacks by the military that we have documented over the past month in these areas," said Shamdasani.

The attacks include "killings, raiding of villages and burning of houses, apparently to seek out armed resistance elements and as reprisals against villages perceived to be sympathetic to people's defence forces or ethnic armed groups".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-powerless-as-currency-drops-60-in-four-weeks-economy-tanks-416755">Myanmar's junta powerless as currency drops 60% in four weeks, economy tanks</a>

"There have been reports of mass arrests, as well as torture and summary executions. Military 'clearance operations' have involved the use of artillery barrages and airstrikes against villages," said Shamdasani.

"The internet shutdowns have also meant that millions of people have lost the means to communicate and obtain information necessary for their survival, and cast an information blackout over potential abuses."

She called on states with influence over the junta to urge them to "de-escalate the situation, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure access to humanitarian aid for those who need it".

The United Nations voiced alarm Friday at Myanmar's military junta deploying heavy weapons and troops to particular townships, fearing for the civilian population.

The United Nations voiced alarm Friday at Myanmar's military junta deploying heavy weapons and troops to particular townships, fearing for the civilian population. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the deployment of two high-ranking commanders represented a worrying escalation in the situation. "Alarming reports indicate that there has been substantial deployment of heavy weapons and troops by the Myanmar military, the Tatmadaw, over the past few weeks," spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. Also Read | Myanmar's economic crisis fuels underground currency trading The deployments have been to Kanpetlet and Hakha townships in Chin State; Kani and Monywa townships in the central Sagaing region; and Gangaw township in Magway region, she said. The internet has also been shut down, she added. Myanmar has been mired in crisis since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February, sparking mass protests and a bloody crackdown. "We are gravely concerned by these developments, particularly given the intensifying attacks by the military that we have documented over the past month in these areas," said Shamdasani. The attacks include "killings, raiding of villages and burning of houses, apparently to seek out armed resistance elements and as reprisals against villages perceived to be sympathetic to people's defence forces or ethnic armed groups". Also Read | Myanmar's junta powerless as currency drops 60% in four weeks, economy tanks "There have been reports of mass arrests, as well as torture and summary executions. Military 'clearance operations' have involved the use of artillery barrages and airstrikes against villages," said Shamdasani. "The internet shutdowns have also meant that millions of people have lost the means to communicate and obtain information necessary for their survival, and cast an information blackout over potential abuses." She called on states with influence over the junta to urge them to "de-escalate the situation, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure access to humanitarian aid for those who need it".

UN alarmed by Myanmar military moves

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops.

Eight months after deposing Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar's military regime finds itself mired in a bloody stalemate, unable to crush fighters resisting its rule who are themselves not strong enough to topple a powerful army.

"We need to be wise with our timing and plan," a member of the local "People's Defence Force" told AFP after the September 25 clash in the small northwestern village of Gone Nyin.

Similar clashes between anti-coup militias and junta troops have escalated in recent weeks, along with bomb blasts and targeted killings of those suspected of collaborating with the regime, leading to bloody reprisals on both sides.

Local media last week reported a whole family -- including a 12-year-old child -- had been shot dead for allegedly helping troops during a search for protesters.

Dissidents have also attacked and disabled cell towers belonging to a military-owned company to deprive the junta of revenue.

A parallel government made up largely of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's party has also sought to fan the flames, calling for a "defensive war" against junta troops and assets.

Shelling

 
Villagers have accused soldiers of torching their homes and massacring their neighbours in acts of vengeance directed at those resisting military rule.

Almost the entire population of the western town of Thantlang fled after troops fired artillery shells following clashes with anti-junta fighters last month, a 50-year-old resident told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Terrified inhabitants had used buckets of water to fight a blaze that started after a shell hit a house and threatened to consume others in the neighbourhood, he said.

The fire service was not working because the wife of the head of the fire department was hit by a shell fragment during the fighting, he said, with the tide turning thanks to a sudden change in the weather.

"Due to the help of God, it rained that day," he said.

Many made the arduous journey across rivers and hills to cross into India for the relative safety of a refugee camp.

On the other side of the country, villagers in eastern Kayah state also fled army shelling after clashes earlier this week, according to a local anti-junta militia.

More than 1,100 civilians have been killed and some 8,000 arrested since the coup, according to local observers.

The junta says the death toll is much lower and denies its troops have committed massacres and torched homes.

'Crush dissent'&nbsp;

 
The military has ramped up violence to "crush dissent and prevent the resistance movement from gaining any ground" after the NUG's call to arms, Manny Maung, Myanmar researcher at Human Rights Watch told AFP.

As fighting rages, democracy icon Suu Kyi, 76, is all but absent from the scene, with contact with the outside world limited to meetings with her lawyers ahead of hearings in her trial in a junta court.

Non-violence is a core principle of Suu Kyi's and was a defining characteristic of the democracy movement she led against a previous junta decades ago.

But many in Myanmar now believe violent tactics are the only way to root out military dominance of the country's politics and economy.

"Much of the population is determined to prevent a return to military rule, at the cost of their lives if necessary," said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group.

"The stage is set for an extended violent stalemate."

For those caught in Sagaing, which has seen some of the most intense recent clashes, there is no end in sight.

Farmers "cannot grow food on their farms," a Buddhist monk from Kani village, upstream from Gone Nyin, told AFP.&nbsp;

"They have to run and hide often," said the monk, who wished to remain anonymous.

"They are exhausted. But they do not like the army."

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops.

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops. Eight months after deposing Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar's military regime finds itself mired in a bloody stalemate, unable to crush fighters resisting its rule who are themselves not strong enough to topple a powerful army. "We need to be wise with our timing and plan," a member of the local "People's Defence Force" told AFP after the September 25 clash in the small northwestern village of Gone Nyin. Similar clashes between anti-coup militias and junta troops have escalated in recent weeks, along with bomb blasts and targeted killings of those suspected of collaborating with the regime, leading to bloody reprisals on both sides. Local media last week reported a whole family -- including a 12-year-old child -- had been shot dead for allegedly helping troops during a search for protesters. Dissidents have also attacked and disabled cell towers belonging to a military-owned company to deprive the junta of revenue. A parallel government made up largely of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's party has also sought to fan the flames, calling for a "defensive war" against junta troops and assets. Shelling Villagers have accused soldiers of torching their homes and massacring their neighbours in acts of vengeance directed at those resisting military rule. Almost the entire population of the western town of Thantlang fled after troops fired artillery shells following clashes with anti-junta fighters last month, a 50-year-old resident told AFP on condition of anonymity. Terrified inhabitants had used buckets of water to fight a blaze that started after a shell hit a house and threatened to consume others in the neighbourhood, he said. The fire service was not working because the wife of the head of the fire department was hit by a shell fragment during the fighting, he said, with the tide turning thanks to a sudden change in the weather. "Due to the help of God, it rained that day," he said. Many made the arduous journey across rivers and hills to cross into India for the relative safety of a refugee camp. On the other side of the country, villagers in eastern Kayah state also fled army shelling after clashes earlier this week, according to a local anti-junta militia. More than 1,100 civilians have been killed and some 8,000 arrested since the coup, according to local observers. The junta says the death toll is much lower and denies its troops have committed massacres and torched homes. 'Crush dissent' The military has ramped up violence to "crush dissent and prevent the resistance movement from gaining any ground" after the NUG's call to arms, Manny Maung, Myanmar researcher at Human Rights Watch told AFP. As fighting rages, democracy icon Suu Kyi, 76, is all but absent from the scene, with contact with the outside world limited to meetings with her lawyers ahead of hearings in her trial in a junta court. Non-violence is a core principle of Suu Kyi's and was a defining characteristic of the democracy movement she led against a previous junta decades ago. But many in Myanmar now believe violent tactics are the only way to root out military dominance of the country's politics and economy. "Much of the population is determined to prevent a return to military rule, at the cost of their lives if necessary," said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group. "The stage is set for an extended violent stalemate." For those caught in Sagaing, which has seen some of the most intense recent clashes, there is no end in sight. Farmers "cannot grow food on their farms," a Buddhist monk from Kani village, upstream from Gone Nyin, told AFP. "They have to run and hide often," said the monk, who wished to remain anonymous. "They are exhausted. But they do not like the army."

Myanmar anti-coup resistance drags military into bloody stalemate

An attempted coup in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;"failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters.

"There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.&nbsp;

A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed".&nbsp;

A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended."&nbsp;

Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir&nbsp;in a palace coup two years ago.&nbsp;

Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman.&nbsp;

Sudan&nbsp;is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-urges-immediate-us-action-on-migration-causes-414538">Also read |&nbsp;Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes</a>

Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition.&nbsp;

In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for &nbsp;debt relief from the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp;

The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh.&nbsp;

Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating. A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed". A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended." Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir in a palace coup two years ago. Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman. Sudan is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule. Also read | Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition. In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for debt relief from the International Monetary Fund. The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh. Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

Sudan state media report 'failed' coup attempt

Ahead of a meeting of West African leaders to discuss their response to Sunday's coup that ousted President Alpha Conde, Guinea’s new military leaders have freed scores of political prisoners jailed by the previous civilian government.

According to reports, at least 80 political prisoners detained by Conde were released on Tuesday evening. All of them were held on a variety of charges, including breaching security, destroying public property and manufacturing weapons.

Some had campaigned against his attempt to stay in power for a third term after altering the constitution to permit it, a move opponents termed it illegal.

The move comes as the military junta faces growing international pressure to release the deposed president and restore civilian rule.

West African countries had threatened to impose sanctions following Conde’s overthrow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunfire-in-guinea-capital-troops-on-streets-410891">Gunfire in Guinea capital, troops on streets</a>

Coup leader Mamady Doumbouya, a former French legionnaire, has pledged to install a unified, transitional government, but has not said when or how that will happen.

Public discontent in Guinea had been brewing for months over a battered economy, which worsened after Covid pandemic, and the leadership of Conde, who became the first democratically elected president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015.

But last year, Conde pushed through a new constitution that allowed him to run for a third term in October 2020.

The move sparked mass demonstrations in which dozens of protesters were killed. Conde won the October election but the political opposition maintained the poll was a sham.

Doumbouya, hours after taking power, appeared on television and accused the government of “endemic corruption” and of “trampling on citizens’ rights”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of a meeting of West African leaders to discuss their response to Sunday's coup that ousted President Alpha Conde, Guinea’s new military leaders have freed scores of political prisoners jailed by the previous civilian government.

Ahead of a meeting of West African leaders to discuss their response to Sunday's coup that ousted President Alpha Conde, Guinea’s new military leaders have freed scores of political prisoners jailed by the previous civilian government. According to reports, at least 80 political prisoners detained by Conde were released on Tuesday evening. All of them were held on a variety of charges, including breaching security, destroying public property and manufacturing weapons. Some had campaigned against his attempt to stay in power for a third term after altering the constitution to permit it, a move opponents termed it illegal. The move comes as the military junta faces growing international pressure to release the deposed president and restore civilian rule. West African countries had threatened to impose sanctions following Conde’s overthrow. Also read | Gunfire in Guinea capital, troops on streets Coup leader Mamady Doumbouya, a former French legionnaire, has pledged to install a unified, transitional government, but has not said when or how that will happen. Public discontent in Guinea had been brewing for months over a battered economy, which worsened after Covid pandemic, and the leadership of Conde, who became the first democratically elected president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015. But last year, Conde pushed through a new constitution that allowed him to run for a third term in October 2020. The move sparked mass demonstrations in which dozens of protesters were killed. Conde won the October election but the political opposition maintained the poll was a sham. Doumbouya, hours after taking power, appeared on television and accused the government of “endemic corruption” and of “trampling on citizens’ rights”. (With inputs from agencies)

Guinea’s military releases political prisoners after pressure from West African leaders

Protesters have destroyed around a dozen military-owned communications towers in&nbsp;Myanmar, witnesses and reports said Wednesday, after the country's self-proclaimed shadow government issued a call for a "defensive war" against the junta.

The country has been in chaos since the military seized power in February, sparking mass pro-democracy rallies followed by a deadly crackdown and renewed fighting with ethnic rebel militias in border areas.

More than 1,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 8,000 arrested, according to local observers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-soldiers-aiming-to-silence-protests-target-journalists-375047">Myanmar soldiers, aiming to silence protests, target journalists</a>

Protesters said they targeted 11 mobile phone masts belonging to the military-owned Mytel, one of the country's four main cell networks, in the town of Budalin in the central Sagaing region.

"Our intention is to destroy the military business. Their businesses support (them) to maintain their power. Therefore, we have to destroy it," a resident involved in the operation told AFP.

Video footage from local media shows an explosion at the base of one tower followed by the structure falling down, to applause from onlookers.

Two more masts were destroyed elsewhere in the Sagaing region, local sources told AFP.

<h2>'Defensive war'&nbsp;</h2>

While attacks on military-owned infrastructure and businesses have been seen before, Tuesday's spate of blasts comes after a call to arms from the so-called National Unity Government (NUG).

The NUG, which claims to be the country's legitimate government, is made up of dissident lawmakers in hiding or exile, many of them from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party.

NUG acting president Duwa Lashi La on Tuesday urged citizens to target military assets in their areas.

"We launch a people's defensive war against the junta," he said in a recorded video.

"All citizens within...&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;revolt against the military terrorists led by Min Aung Hlaing."

As early as May the NUG announced the formation of "people's defence forces" to take on the junta's heavily-armed, battle-hardened troops, but they have yet to have a major impact.

The military authorities -- officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC) -- dismiss the NUG and its affiliates as "terrorists" seeking to bring the country to ruin.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun accused the NUG of attention-seeking ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week which will consider whether the junta or shadow government should represent&nbsp;Myanmar.

"The terrorist groups realise that they are nearly failing. That's why the attempt to keep up their efforts in order to grab international attention," Zaw Min Tun said in a statement.

The junta has defended its power grab by alleging massive fraud during elections in late 2020 which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won by a landslide.

Military chief Min Aung Hlaing -- named by the SAC as prime minister of a "caretaker government" -- last month pledged to hold fresh elections by August 2023.

Protesters have destroyed around a dozen military-owned communications towers in Myanmar, witnesses and reports said Wednesday, after the country's self-proclaimed shadow government issued a call for a "defensive war" against the junta.

Protesters have destroyed around a dozen military-owned communications towers in Myanmar, witnesses and reports said Wednesday, after the country's self-proclaimed shadow government issued a call for a "defensive war" against the junta. The country has been in chaos since the military seized power in February, sparking mass pro-democracy rallies followed by a deadly crackdown and renewed fighting with ethnic rebel militias in border areas. More than 1,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 8,000 arrested, according to local observers. Also read | Myanmar soldiers, aiming to silence protests, target journalists Protesters said they targeted 11 mobile phone masts belonging to the military-owned Mytel, one of the country's four main cell networks, in the town of Budalin in the central Sagaing region. "Our intention is to destroy the military business. Their businesses support (them) to maintain their power. Therefore, we have to destroy it," a resident involved in the operation told AFP. Video footage from local media shows an explosion at the base of one tower followed by the structure falling down, to applause from onlookers. Two more masts were destroyed elsewhere in the Sagaing region, local sources told AFP. 'Defensive war' While attacks on military-owned infrastructure and businesses have been seen before, Tuesday's spate of blasts comes after a call to arms from the so-called National Unity Government (NUG). The NUG, which claims to be the country's legitimate government, is made up of dissident lawmakers in hiding or exile, many of them from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party. NUG acting president Duwa Lashi La on Tuesday urged citizens to target military assets in their areas. "We launch a people's defensive war against the junta," he said in a recorded video. "All citizens within... Myanmar revolt against the military terrorists led by Min Aung Hlaing." As early as May the NUG announced the formation of "people's defence forces" to take on the junta's heavily-armed, battle-hardened troops, but they have yet to have a major impact. The military authorities -- officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC) -- dismiss the NUG and its affiliates as "terrorists" seeking to bring the country to ruin. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun accused the NUG of attention-seeking ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week which will consider whether the junta or shadow government should represent Myanmar. "The terrorist groups realise that they are nearly failing. That's why the attempt to keep up their efforts in order to grab international attention," Zaw Min Tun said in a statement. The junta has defended its power grab by alleging massive fraud during elections in late 2020 which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won by a landslide. Military chief Min Aung Hlaing -- named by the SAC as prime minister of a "caretaker government" -- last month pledged to hold fresh elections by August 2023.

Myanmar cell towers attacked after shadow government 'war' call

Prices for aluminium ore bauxite from Guinea hit their highest in almost 18 months as buyers fretted about supply after a coup in Guinea.

Prices for Bauxite hit highest in Guinea

A unit of the military has seized power and declared a coup in Guinea. The rebels have closed the borders and abrogated the constitution after hours of unleashing violence in and around the presidential palace.

Military claims coup in Guinea, nationwide curfew declared by rebels

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left.&nbsp;

An open letter claims that the rallies that Bolsonaro followers are staging on Tuesday represent a danger to democracy and amount to an insurrection modelled on Donald Trump supporters’ attack on the US Capitol on 6 January.

The signatories include José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish former prime minister, Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, Fernando Lugo, the former Paraguayan president, Caroline Lucas, the British Green MP, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentine Nobel laureate and human rights activist.

Other signatories include Ernesto Samper Pizano, a former president of Colombia, Cori Bush, a US Democrat House of Representatives member, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French presidential candidate and Manon Aubry, the French MEP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-of-violence-on-brazils-streets-as-millions-rally-410919">Also read |&nbsp;Fears of violence on Brazil’s streets as millions rally</a>

They are highlighting that on August 10, Bolsonaro “directed an unprecedented military parade through the capital city of Brasília, as his allies in Congress pushed sweeping reforms to the country’s electoral system that he says are critical before the presidential elections next year”.

The open letter warns: “Members of Congress in Brazil have warned that the 7 September mobilisation has been modelled on the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, when then-president Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to ‘stop the steal’ with false claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential elections.

“We are gravely concerned about the imminent threat to Brazil’s democratic institutions – and we stand vigilant to defend them ahead of 7 September and after. The people of Brazil have struggled for decades to secure democracy from military rule. Bolsonaro must not be permitted to rob them of it now.”

In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory."&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left.

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left. An open letter claims that the rallies that Bolsonaro followers are staging on Tuesday represent a danger to democracy and amount to an insurrection modelled on Donald Trump supporters’ attack on the US Capitol on 6 January. The signatories include José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish former prime minister, Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, Fernando Lugo, the former Paraguayan president, Caroline Lucas, the British Green MP, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentine Nobel laureate and human rights activist. Other signatories include Ernesto Samper Pizano, a former president of Colombia, Cori Bush, a US Democrat House of Representatives member, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French presidential candidate and Manon Aubry, the French MEP. Also read | Fears of violence on Brazil’s streets as millions rally They are highlighting that on August 10, Bolsonaro “directed an unprecedented military parade through the capital city of Brasília, as his allies in Congress pushed sweeping reforms to the country’s electoral system that he says are critical before the presidential elections next year”. The open letter warns: “Members of Congress in Brazil have warned that the 7 September mobilisation has been modelled on the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, when then-president Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to ‘stop the steal’ with false claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential elections. “We are gravely concerned about the imminent threat to Brazil’s democratic institutions – and we stand vigilant to defend them ahead of 7 September and after. The people of Brazil have struggled for decades to secure democracy from military rule. Bolsonaro must not be permitted to rob them of it now.” In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory."

Bolsonaro may be planning military coup in Brazil, warns former world leaders' group

Myanmar’s military seized power on February 1, ousting the civilian government and arresting its leaders. Thousands of civil servants and workers have been sacked or been forced to quit for protesting against the coup. But people are continuing to protest even though the intensity of the protests has become low owing to the pandemic.

State of affairs in Myanmar: Military coup seizes power, ousts civilian government

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.&nbsp;

On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising.

Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since:

The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution 
 
<img alt="Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c4333af-28ec-4695-9c8b-62680c840ea1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/afp.JPG" /> 
(AFP Photo) 
 
Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes.

He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides.&nbsp;

He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011.

The end of Ben Ali's rule 
 
<img alt="Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila (AFP Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1dbb3896-55c6-4da2-8545-b7d775fc2156" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ben.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign.

In 2019, he died in exile.

He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire.&nbsp;

Victory for Islamists

In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly.

It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December.

Attacks, unrest

In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt.

More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks.

A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior.

Opposition leaders killed 
 
<img alt="Chokri Belaid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11192721-0057-49d2-85bd-a27136aeca7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chokri%20Belaid.jpg" /> 
 
A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo)

In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis.&nbsp;

In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead.

Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis.

2014 Tunisian parliamentary election

A new constitution was established in January 2014.

The Islamists were&nbsp;ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was&nbsp;formed.

The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha.

Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later.

Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016)

In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. 
 
<img alt="Bardo museum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2301e75-d679-4823-8c3e-1af2bac1dd57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bardo%20museum%20attack.JPG" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians.

New protests and huge political unrest

After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began.

After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted.

Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. 
 
<img alt="political unrest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2c0f9c-9afa-4e30-939a-cdc985ec5cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GB79Y.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later.

MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020.

Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy.&nbsp;

The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM

On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi.

Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution."&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tunisian president" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="625f1e68-cfe0-4bb7-a1c7-dfb8e4fc57fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9GC2ZP.jpg" />

(AFP Photo) 
 
Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy.

Tunisia has been struck by a wave of riots and protests amid persistent political instability and a dismal economy, 10 years after the Arab Spring revolt for democracy. On 17 December 2010, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest against the police and triggered an uprising. Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded since: The Spark of the Jasmine Revolution (AFP Photo) Tarek el-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street seller who set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in Ben Arous, Tunisia, sparking the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring movement against dictatorial regimes. He set himself on fire in protest against the confiscation of his goods and the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by a municipal official and her aides. He died of his injuries on January 4, 2011. The end of Ben Ali's rule (AFP Photo) On January 14, ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali departs after weeks of rioting in which 338 people were killed, bringing an end to his 23-year reign. In 2019, he died in exile. He was the region's first leader to fall victim to the Arab Spring uprisings, which swept the region like wildfire. Victory for Islamists In October 2011, Tunisia's first free election saw the Islamist group Ennahdha win 89 of 217 seats in a new assembly. It elected former opposition leader Moncef Marzouki as president in December. Attacks, unrest In April 2012, police clashed with thousands of jobless protesters in the southwestern mining belt. More violent demonstrations followed in June and August, with jihadists also staging attacks. A series of strikes and demonstrations impacted industry, public services, transport and business, with unrest mostly concentrated in the economically marginalised interior. Opposition leaders killed A file photo of Chokri Belaid. (AFP Photo) In February 2013, prominent leftist opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated in Tunis. In July, fellow leftist Mohamed Brahmi was also shot dead. Islamic State (IS) jihadists claimed both killings, which fueled a crisis. 2014 Tunisian parliamentary election A new constitution was established in January 2014. The Islamists were ousted from power, and a technocratic administration was formed. The secular Nidaa Tounes party, led by Beji Caid Essebsi, won parliamentary elections in October and formed a coalition with Ennahdha. Essebsi won Tunisia's first free presidential election two months later. Terrorist attacks in Tunisia (2015-2016) In 2015, IS extremists claimed responsibility for three assaults in Tunisia, killing 72 people, largely foreign tourists and security personnel, at the Bardo museum in Tunis and a beach resort. (AFP Photo) Jihadists attacked security installations in a town near the Libyan border in 2016, killing 20 people, seven of whom were civilians. New protests and huge political unrest After the death of a young unemployed man during a demonstration in January 2016, a fresh wave of protests began. After the implementation of an austerity budget in January 2018, protests erupted. Ennahdha won the most seats in the legislative elections in October 2019, but it fell far short of the 109 needed to govern. (AFP Photo) Kais Saied, a conservative scholar with no prior political experience, was elected president a week later. MPs elected a technocratic government in September 2020. Tunisia has had nine governments in the 10 years since the revolution, some of which only lasted a few months, obstructing the reforms needed to revive the country's ailing economy. The Tunisian president suspends parliament, dismisses PM On July 26, 2021, following a day of protests against the ruling party, Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the suspension of the country's parliament and the dismissal of Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi. Saied's activities are described by Ennahdha as a "coup d'etat against the revolution and the constitution." (AFP Photo) Thousands of Tunisians had marched in numerous cities earlier in the day, condemning government failings and catastrophic coronavirus rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Pictures | From Jasmine Revolution to Parliament suspension: 10 years of Tunisia since its Arab Spring revolt

Tunisia's president dismissed the government and froze parliament on Sunday in a dramatic escalation of a political crisis that his opponents labelled a coup, calling their own supporters to come onto the streets in protest. 
 
President Kais Saied said he would assume executive authority with the assistance of a new prime minister, in the biggest challenge yet to the democratic system Tunisia introduced in a 2011 revolution. 
 
Crowds of people quickly flooded the capital and other cities to support Saied, cheering and honking car horns in scenes that recalled the revolution, which triggered the Arab Spring protests that convulsed the Middle East. 
 
As his supporters filled the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the epicentre of the 2011 revolution, Saied joined them in the street, state television pictures showed. 
 
However, the extent of backing for Saied's moves against a fragile government and divided parliament was not clear, as Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi called on Tunisians to come into the streets to stop what he called a coup. 
 
Saied, in his televised statement announcing his move, had warned against any violent response. 
 
"I warn any who think of resorting to weapons... and whoever shoots a bullet, the armed forces will respond with bullets," he said in a statement carried on television. 
 
Hours after the statement, military vehicles surrounded the parliament building as people nearby cheered and sang the national anthem, two witnesses said. Local media reported that the army had also surrounded the state television building. 
 
Years of paralysis, corruption, declining state services and growing unemployment had already soured many Tunisians on their political system before the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the economy last year and coronavirus infection rates shot up this summer. 
 
Protests, called by social media activists but not backed by any of the big political parties, took place on Sunday with much of the anger focused on the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, the biggest in parliament. 
 
Ennahda, banned before the revolution, has been the most consistently successful party since 2011 and a member of successive coalition governments. 
 
Its leader the parliament speaker Ghannouchi, immediately labelled Saied's decision "a coup against the revolution and constitution" in a phone call to Reuters. 
 
"We consider the institutions still standing, and the supporters of the Ennahda and the Tunisian people will defend the revolution," he added, raising the prospect of confrontations between supporters of Ennahda and Saied. 
 
After calling for people to come onto the streets in protest in a video message later in the night, Ghannouchi said the parliament would meet in defiance of Saied`s move. 
 
The leader of another party, Karama, and former President Moncef Marzouki both joined Ennahda in calling Saied's move a coup. 
 
"I ask the Tunisian people to pay attention to the fact that they imagine this to be the beginning of the solution. It is the beginning of slipping into an even worse situation," Marzouki said in a video statement.

Tunisia's president dismissed the government and froze parliament on Sunday in a dramatic escalation of a political crisis that his opponents labelled a coup, calling their own supporters to come onto the streets in protest.

Tunisia's president dismissed the government and froze parliament on Sunday in a dramatic escalation of a political crisis that his opponents labelled a coup, calling their own supporters to come onto the streets in protest. President Kais Saied said he would assume executive authority with the assistance of a new prime minister, in the biggest challenge yet to the democratic system Tunisia introduced in a 2011 revolution. Crowds of people quickly flooded the capital and other cities to support Saied, cheering and honking car horns in scenes that recalled the revolution, which triggered the Arab Spring protests that convulsed the Middle East. As his supporters filled the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the epicentre of the 2011 revolution, Saied joined them in the street, state television pictures showed. However, the extent of backing for Saied's moves against a fragile government and divided parliament was not clear, as Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi called on Tunisians to come into the streets to stop what he called a coup. Saied, in his televised statement announcing his move, had warned against any violent response. "I warn any who think of resorting to weapons... and whoever shoots a bullet, the armed forces will respond with bullets," he said in a statement carried on television. Hours after the statement, military vehicles surrounded the parliament building as people nearby cheered and sang the national anthem, two witnesses said. Local media reported that the army had also surrounded the state television building. Years of paralysis, corruption, declining state services and growing unemployment had already soured many Tunisians on their political system before the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the economy last year and coronavirus infection rates shot up this summer. Protests, called by social media activists but not backed by any of the big political parties, took place on Sunday with much of the anger focused on the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, the biggest in parliament. Ennahda, banned before the revolution, has been the most consistently successful party since 2011 and a member of successive coalition governments. Its leader the parliament speaker Ghannouchi, immediately labelled Saied's decision "a coup against the revolution and constitution" in a phone call to Reuters. "We consider the institutions still standing, and the supporters of the Ennahda and the Tunisian people will defend the revolution," he added, raising the prospect of confrontations between supporters of Ennahda and Saied. After calling for people to come onto the streets in protest in a video message later in the night, Ghannouchi said the parliament would meet in defiance of Saied`s move. The leader of another party, Karama, and former President Moncef Marzouki both joined Ennahda in calling Saied's move a coup. "I ask the Tunisian people to pay attention to the fact that they imagine this to be the beginning of the solution. It is the beginning of slipping into an even worse situation," Marzouki said in a video statement.

Tunisian president ousts government, critics call move a coup

On July 07, Haiti President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Jovenel Moise</a>, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack.

While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years.

This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport.

<h3>Operation Gideon</h3>

While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020.

In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President,&nbsp;Nicolás Maduro.

However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt.

The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city.

<h3>Miami’s power-hungry groups</h3>

As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’.

Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions.

The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda.&nbsp; This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections.

As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule.

The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans.

<h3>Private security firms</h3>

In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area.

The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet.

As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic.

Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years. This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport. Operation Gideon While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020. In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro. However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt. The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city. Miami’s power-hungry groups As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’. Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions. The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda. This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections. As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule. The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans. Private security firms In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area. The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet. As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic. Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

Exile headquarters: Why is Miami the 'hotbed' of Latin American assassinations and coup?

Dozens of children have been killed and hundreds arbitrarily detained in Myanmar since a coup more than five months ago, UN rights experts warned Friday.

The UN Child Rights Committee said in a statement that it had received "credible information" indicating that since the February 1 coup, "75 children have been killed, about 1,000 arbitrarily detained and countless more deprived of essential medical care and education".&nbsp;

Dozens of children have been killed and hundreds arbitrarily detained in Myanmar since a coup more than five months ago, UN rights experts warned Friday. The UN Child Rights Committee said in a statement that it had received "credible information" indicating that since the February 1 coup, "75 children have been killed, about 1,000 arbitrarily detained and countless more deprived of essential medical care and education".

75 children killed, around 1,000 detained since Myanmar coup: UN experts

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
 
The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February&nbsp;1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. 
 
"The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." 
 
Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. 
 
European Union UN&nbsp;Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN&nbsp;resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." 
 
The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. 
 
An initial draft UN&nbsp;resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. 
 
The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. 
 
General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. 
 
The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. 
 
The UN&nbsp;resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. 
 
The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. 
 
ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN&nbsp;action. 
 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. 
 
Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February 1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. "The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. European Union UN Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. An initial draft UN resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. The UN resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN action. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military." (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar

Mali's constitutional court on Friday declared Assimi Goita, the colonel, who led a military coup this week while serving as vice president, to be the new interim president.&nbsp;

The ruling raises the stakes as West African leaders prepare to meet on Sunday to respond to the takeover, which has jeopardised a transition back to democracy and could undermine a regional fight against Islamist militants.&nbsp;

Goita became interim vice president after leading the coup last August that overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He ordered the arrests on Monday of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.&nbsp;

Both resigned on Wednesday, while still in detention. They were later released.&nbsp;

The court said in its ruling that Goita should fill the vacancy left by Ndaw's resignation 'to lead the transition process to its conclusion' and carry the title of 'president of the transition, head of state'.&nbsp;

The ruling set Mali on a collision course with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has insisted that the transition, which is due to end with elections in February, remain civilian-led.&nbsp;

After agreeing in October to lift sanctions imposed after the coup against Keita, ECOWAS said in a declaration that the vice president of the transition 'cannot under any circumstances replace the president’.&nbsp;

ECOWAS heads of state are due to meet in Ghana on Sunday.&nbsp;

They and Western powers including France and the United States fear the political crisis could exacerbate instability in northern and central Mali, a home base for regional affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State.&nbsp;

Goita, a 38-year-old special forces commander, was one of several colonels, who led the coup against Keita. He ousted Ndaw after the interim president named a new cabinet that stripped two of the other coup leaders of their ministerial posts.&nbsp;

Late on Friday, Goita said on national television that he would name a new prime minister from among the members of the M5-RFP coalition, which led protests against Keita last year and fell out with Ndaw and Ouane during the transition.&nbsp;

Jeamille Bitar, a member of the coalition, said its pick for the post would be Choguel Maiga, a former government minister.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Mali's constitutional court on Friday declared Assimi Goita, the colonel, who led a military coup this week while serving as vice president, to be the new interim president.

Mali's constitutional court on Friday declared Assimi Goita, the colonel, who led a military coup this week while serving as vice president, to be the new interim president. The ruling raises the stakes as West African leaders prepare to meet on Sunday to respond to the takeover, which has jeopardised a transition back to democracy and could undermine a regional fight against Islamist militants. Goita became interim vice president after leading the coup last August that overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He ordered the arrests on Monday of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Both resigned on Wednesday, while still in detention. They were later released. The court said in its ruling that Goita should fill the vacancy left by Ndaw's resignation 'to lead the transition process to its conclusion' and carry the title of 'president of the transition, head of state'. The ruling set Mali on a collision course with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has insisted that the transition, which is due to end with elections in February, remain civilian-led. After agreeing in October to lift sanctions imposed after the coup against Keita, ECOWAS said in a declaration that the vice president of the transition 'cannot under any circumstances replace the president’. ECOWAS heads of state are due to meet in Ghana on Sunday. They and Western powers including France and the United States fear the political crisis could exacerbate instability in northern and central Mali, a home base for regional affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State. Goita, a 38-year-old special forces commander, was one of several colonels, who led the coup against Keita. He ousted Ndaw after the interim president named a new cabinet that stripped two of the other coup leaders of their ministerial posts. Late on Friday, Goita said on national television that he would name a new prime minister from among the members of the M5-RFP coalition, which led protests against Keita last year and fell out with Ndaw and Ouane during the transition. Jeamille Bitar, a member of the coalition, said its pick for the post would be Choguel Maiga, a former government minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Mali's top court declares coup leader Goita as interim president

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup.

The group of retired and serving officers labels 'Political Islam' as a serious threat. According to them, France's President Emmanuel Macron’s failure to crack down on Islamists may lead to the disintegration of the nation. The signatories also hint at the possibility of a military coup, to take back the control.

These opinions mentioned in this open letter were published by a far-right magazine this month. The signatories of the aforementioned letter include 20 retired generals and has been&nbsp;released on the 60th anniversary of the 1961 failed coup attempt, Algiers putsch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-serving-military-officers-threaten-a-coup-in-france-381797">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-serving-military-officers-threaten-a-coup-in-france-381797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 1961, generals of the French army had launched a coup against the then-president Charles de Gaulle. The aim behind this coup was to stop the independence of Algeria.

The recently published open letter has met with outrage in the French government. The crackdown following this outrage, with reports of military sanctions on 18 soldiers. According to the French armed forces chief of staff, each of them will be presented before a senior military council and might be either forced into immediate retirement or face de-listing. Other signatories can also face formal action.

The French defence ministry says that by appealing to their peers to take up arms against the country, these servicemen have broken military rules.

A recently conducted poll found that 58 per cent of the French people agree with the sentiments of the letter. French opposition leader Marine Le Pen, who plans to contest against Macron in the next elections, has added more fuel to the fire. She has called on the signatories of this open letter to support her bid for the presidency in 2022.

This clamour from the right wing comes at a time when the French government is pushing for an anti-corruption bill. After several terror attacks in the last seven months, President Macron wants to tighten the surveillance powers of security agencies, planning to use algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and extremist websites.

"One must know that when someone types five or six times a search for a video of a decapitation, for example, from IS (Islamic State group), on the internet, the intelligence services cannot know and follow that person. Tomorrow, we can know this information. The French security agency will ask the interior minister, the Prime Minister and the National Commission of Technical Intelligence, which is an independent administrative body that is already following telephone calls, the possibility to uncover the anonymity of the person who is conducting that search in order to be able — if the threat is grave and confirmed — to follow and eventually intervene,", said Gerald Darmanin, French Interior minister.

France should take a lesson from its history and remember that democracy remains stable only as long as the civilian leadership, i.e. the people elected government remains in control of the armed forces. While, undoubtedly, this letter was merely an outburst from the fringe, the right-wing has dragged the matter into the mainstream media. This can be taken as a clear sign that the threat of Islamic terrorism will dominate the election discourse in next year's French elections.

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup.

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup. The group of retired and serving officers labels 'Political Islam' as a serious threat. According to them, France's President Emmanuel Macron’s failure to crack down on Islamists may lead to the disintegration of the nation. The signatories also hint at the possibility of a military coup, to take back the control. These opinions mentioned in this open letter were published by a far-right magazine this month. The signatories of the aforementioned letter include 20 retired generals and has been released on the 60th anniversary of the 1961 failed coup attempt, Algiers putsch. Watch | In 1961, generals of the French army had launched a coup against the then-president Charles de Gaulle. The aim behind this coup was to stop the independence of Algeria. The recently published open letter has met with outrage in the French government. The crackdown following this outrage, with reports of military sanctions on 18 soldiers. According to the French armed forces chief of staff, each of them will be presented before a senior military council and might be either forced into immediate retirement or face de-listing. Other signatories can also face formal action. The French defence ministry says that by appealing to their peers to take up arms against the country, these servicemen have broken military rules. A recently conducted poll found that 58 per cent of the French people agree with the sentiments of the letter. French opposition leader Marine Le Pen, who plans to contest against Macron in the next elections, has added more fuel to the fire. She has called on the signatories of this open letter to support her bid for the presidency in 2022. This clamour from the right wing comes at a time when the French government is pushing for an anti-corruption bill. After several terror attacks in the last seven months, President Macron wants to tighten the surveillance powers of security agencies, planning to use algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and extremist websites. "One must know that when someone types five or six times a search for a video of a decapitation, for example, from IS (Islamic State group), on the internet, the intelligence services cannot know and follow that person. Tomorrow, we can know this information. The French security agency will ask the interior minister, the Prime Minister and the National Commission of Technical Intelligence, which is an independent administrative body that is already following telephone calls, the possibility to uncover the anonymity of the person who is conducting that search in order to be able — if the threat is grave and confirmed — to follow and eventually intervene,", said Gerald Darmanin, French Interior minister. France should take a lesson from its history and remember that democracy remains stable only as long as the civilian leadership, i.e. the people elected government remains in control of the armed forces. While, undoubtedly, this letter was merely an outburst from the fringe, the right-wing has dragged the matter into the mainstream media. This can be taken as a clear sign that the threat of Islamic terrorism will dominate the election discourse in next year's French elections.

As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN&nbsp;envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.

Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. 
"Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person">Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person</a>

Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military.

People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. 
There were no immediate reports of violence.

Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility.

A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs.

The UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting.

Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit.

"The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats.

She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents.

UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'.

"Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter.

"The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government."

Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition.

The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt.

Protesters against military rule marched in Myanmar on Saturday three months after a coup ended a democratic transition, with several small blasts compounding a sense of crisis that a UN envoy warned could bring state administration to a halt. The military has tried to end dissent and impose its authority on a people largely opposed to the return of rule by the generals after 10 years of democratic reforms that included a government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite a relentless crackdown in which at least 759 protesters have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group, crowds come out day after day to reject the junta. "Our cause, democracy, our cause, a federal union. Free arrested leaders," protesters chanted at one of two rallies in the main city of Yangon. Also read: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi demands meeting with her lawyers in person Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup the along with many other members of her party. The AAPP says more than 3,400 people have been detained for opposing the military. People also rallied in the second city of Mandalay and the southern town of Dawei, media reported. There were no immediate reports of violence. Media reported several small blasts in different places including Yangon late on Friday and on Saturday. There were no immediate reports of casualties and no claims of responsibility. A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. The military has accused pro-democracy activists of planting bombs. The UN special envoy on Myanmar told the Security Council on Friday that in the absence of a collective international response to the coup, violence was worsening and the running of the state risked coming to a standstill, according to diplomats who attended the private meeting. Christine Schraner Burgener briefed the 15-member council from Thailand, where she has been meeting regional leaders. She hopes to travel to Myanmar but the military has yet to approve a visit. "The general administration of the state could risk coming to a standstill as the pro-democracy movement continues in spite of the ongoing use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests and torture as part of the military`s repression," Schraner Burgener said, according to diplomats. She told diplomats that reports of a continuing crackdown risked undermining momentum toward ending the crisis following a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 25 with the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Schraner Burgener, expressing concern about rising violence, cited reports of bomb attacks and of civilians, mostly students from the urban areas, getting weapons training from ethnic minority insurgents. UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said Min Aung Hlaing had used the summit as a 'propaganda ploy'. "Indeed, he tried to appear to be what he is not - a legitimate leader," Andrews said in a post on Twitter. "The good news: Those who ARE legitimate are ready to engage: the National Unity Government." Ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party, politicians representing ethnic minorities and democracy activists set up the unity government but it has yet to win the international recognition it says it is due. The UN Security Council reiterated its 'deep concern' at the situation and its support for Myanmar's democratic transition. The council has issued several statements since the coup but diplomats say Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger council action against Myanmar.

Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

Police have detained 10 of the former navy commanders and ordered four others to turn themselves in after they published an open letter critical of the proposed Canal Istanbul over the weekend.

Turkey's post-Ottoman history is littered with putsches by a military that views itself as the last guarantor of secularism in the mostly Muslim country.

Erdogan's fury was directed at a letter published by 104 former admirals over the weekend urging him to abide by the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention.

The treaty is aimed at demilitarising the Black Sea by setting strict rules on warships' passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits.

But Erdogan's plan to build a new 45-kilometre (28-mile) shipping lane running to the west of the Bosphorus leaves open the question of whether the old treaty will apply to the proposed canal.

The retired admirals said the 1936 treaty ‘best protects Turkish interests’.

Erdogan told them on Monday that ‘the duty of retired admirals, 104 of whom come together, is not to publish declarations that hint at a political coup’.

"In a country whose past is filled with coups, (another) attempt by a group of retired admirals can never be accepted," he said after chairing a meeting with his top aides.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Police have detained 10 of the former navy commanders and ordered four others to turn themselves in after they published an open letter critical of the proposed Canal Istanbul over the weekend. Turkey's post-Ottoman history is littered with putsches by a military that views itself as the last guarantor of secularism in the mostly Muslim country. Erdogan's fury was directed at a letter published by 104 former admirals over the weekend urging him to abide by the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention. The treaty is aimed at demilitarising the Black Sea by setting strict rules on warships' passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. But Erdogan's plan to build a new 45-kilometre (28-mile) shipping lane running to the west of the Bosphorus leaves open the question of whether the old treaty will apply to the proposed canal. The retired admirals said the 1936 treaty ‘best protects Turkish interests’. Erdogan told them on Monday that ‘the duty of retired admirals, 104 of whom come together, is not to publish declarations that hint at a political coup’. "In a country whose past is filled with coups, (another) attempt by a group of retired admirals can never be accepted," he said after chairing a meeting with his top aides. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President accuses former admirals of 'political coup'

Jordan's former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein said that he will disobey orders by the army to not communicate with the outside world after he was put under house arrest.

The half-brother of King Abdullah II has struck a defiant tone in a voice recording sent to his contacts.

"I don't want to make moves and escalate now, but of course I'm not going to obey when they say you can't go out, you can't tweet, you can't communicate with people, you're only allowed to see your family," he said in an audio recording posted on Twitter late Sunday.

The government has accused Hamzah of involvement in a seditious conspiracy to "destabilise the kingdom's security", placed him under house arrest and detained at least 16 more people.

Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday that former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein and his aides were in contact with "foreign parties" about the "right timing to destabilise" Jordanian security. &nbsp;

Hamzah -- a former crown prince stripped off that title by Abdullah in 2004 -- has emerged as a vocal critic of the monarchy, accusing it of corruption, nepotism and authoritarian rule.

In a video he sent to the BBC Saturday he denied being involved in a plot and said he had been ordered under house arrest by Jordan's most senior military figure, General Youssef Huneiti.

In the latest recording, Hamzah said that: "When the head of the joint chiefs of staff comes and tells you this, it's a bit ... I think it's a bit unacceptable".

The palace turmoil has laid bare a rift in Jordan, usually considered a bulwark of stability in the Middle East.

Washington and major Gulf powers were quick to pledge their support for King Abdullah and for all steps taken to ensure stability amid reports of a foiled coup plot.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein said that he will disobey orders by the army to not communicate with the outside world after he was put under house arrest.

Jordan's former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein said that he will disobey orders by the army to not communicate with the outside world after he was put under house arrest. The half-brother of King Abdullah II has struck a defiant tone in a voice recording sent to his contacts. "I don't want to make moves and escalate now, but of course I'm not going to obey when they say you can't go out, you can't tweet, you can't communicate with people, you're only allowed to see your family," he said in an audio recording posted on Twitter late Sunday. The government has accused Hamzah of involvement in a seditious conspiracy to "destabilise the kingdom's security", placed him under house arrest and detained at least 16 more people. Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday that former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein and his aides were in contact with "foreign parties" about the "right timing to destabilise" Jordanian security. Hamzah -- a former crown prince stripped off that title by Abdullah in 2004 -- has emerged as a vocal critic of the monarchy, accusing it of corruption, nepotism and authoritarian rule. In a video he sent to the BBC Saturday he denied being involved in a plot and said he had been ordered under house arrest by Jordan's most senior military figure, General Youssef Huneiti. In the latest recording, Hamzah said that: "When the head of the joint chiefs of staff comes and tells you this, it's a bit ... I think it's a bit unacceptable". The palace turmoil has laid bare a rift in Jordan, usually considered a bulwark of stability in the Middle East. Washington and major Gulf powers were quick to pledge their support for King Abdullah and for all steps taken to ensure stability amid reports of a foiled coup plot. (With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's Prince Hamzah refuses to obey restrictions on movements amid 'coup' allegations

Mohamed Bazoum sworn-in after the attempted coup, marking the first democratic peaceful transfer of power in the country. Dozens of foreign dignitaries attended the ceremony.

Niger gets new president: Mohamed Bazoum sworn-in after attempted coup

A military unit tried to seize the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey overnight in an attempted coup but order has been restored, the government said on Wednesday, days before the country's first democratic handover of power.&nbsp;

The assailants, from a nearby air base, fled after the presidential guard met their attack with heavy shelling and gunfire, three security sources said, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media.&nbsp;

Government spokesman Abdourahamane Zakaria said several people had been arrested while others were still being sought, but that the situation was under control.&nbsp;

"The government condemns this cowardly and retrogressive act that aims to endanger democracy and the rule of law to which our country is resolutely committed," he told a news conference.&nbsp;

Assuring people, they could go about their daily lives, he said, "The government congratulates the presidential guard and the other defence and security forces for their prompt reaction, a testament of their loyalty to the republic." He did not take questions.&nbsp;

President Mahamadou Issoufou is stepping down after two five-year terms and president-elect Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party candidate, is due to be sworn in on Friday after an election victory disputed by his opponent Mahamane Ousmane.&nbsp;

Former US Sahel envoy J Peter Pham earlier tweeted that both the president and president-elect were safe, and the president's office shared photos on Twitter of Issoufou presiding over the swearing-in ceremony for two top judges.&nbsp;

Ousmane's whereabouts were not known.&nbsp;

There have been growing attacks by Islamist militants as well as protests in the country following Bazoum's victory in a February presidential election runoff. Ousmane, a former president who lost that contest, has rejected the results and said there was fraud.&nbsp;

In pockets of the capital on Wednesday, Ousmane supporters took to the streets for a scheduled protest and clashed with police, who fired teargas to disperse them, according to witnesses, who also said roads out of the city had been closed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A military unit tried to seize the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey overnight in an attempted coup but order has been restored, the government said on Wednesday, days before the country's first democratic handover of power.

A military unit tried to seize the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey overnight in an attempted coup but order has been restored, the government said on Wednesday, days before the country's first democratic handover of power. The assailants, from a nearby air base, fled after the presidential guard met their attack with heavy shelling and gunfire, three security sources said, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. Government spokesman Abdourahamane Zakaria said several people had been arrested while others were still being sought, but that the situation was under control. "The government condemns this cowardly and retrogressive act that aims to endanger democracy and the rule of law to which our country is resolutely committed," he told a news conference. Assuring people, they could go about their daily lives, he said, "The government congratulates the presidential guard and the other defence and security forces for their prompt reaction, a testament of their loyalty to the republic." He did not take questions. President Mahamadou Issoufou is stepping down after two five-year terms and president-elect Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling party candidate, is due to be sworn in on Friday after an election victory disputed by his opponent Mahamane Ousmane. Former US Sahel envoy J Peter Pham earlier tweeted that both the president and president-elect were safe, and the president's office shared photos on Twitter of Issoufou presiding over the swearing-in ceremony for two top judges. Ousmane's whereabouts were not known. There have been growing attacks by Islamist militants as well as protests in the country following Bazoum's victory in a February presidential election runoff. Ousmane, a former president who lost that contest, has rejected the results and said there was fraud. In pockets of the capital on Wednesday, Ousmane supporters took to the streets for a scheduled protest and clashed with police, who fired teargas to disperse them, according to witnesses, who also said roads out of the city had been closed. (With inputs from agencies)

Niger thwarts coup attempt days before presidential transition

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show.&nbsp;

More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since February 1, when Myanmar's generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm, Dickens &amp; Madson Canada, will represent Myanmar's military government in Washington, as well as lobby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Russia, and international bodies like the United Nations, according to a consultancy agreement.&nbsp;

The Montreal-based firm will 'assist the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and also to assist in explaining the real situation in the Country,' read the agreement, submitted on Monday to the Justice Department as part of compliance with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act and published online.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the Myanmar military government did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.&nbsp;

In a pitch that has been met with widespread scepticism, Ben-Menashe said he had been tasked with convincing the United States that Myanmar's generals wanted to move closer to the West and away from China. He said the generals wanted to resettle Rohingya Muslims, who fled a 2017 military assault for which the United Nations has accused those same generals of overseeing a genocide.&nbsp;

"It is highly implausible that he could convince the United States of the narrative he’s proposing," said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Other documents submitted by Ben-Menashe showed the agreement was reached with the junta's defence minister, General Mya Tun Oo and that the government would pay the firm $2 million.&nbsp;

Mya Tun Oo and other top generals have been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department and the Canadian government, so the paperwork says the payment will be made 'when legally permissible'.&nbsp;

Lawyers said that Ben-Menashe could be in breach of sanctions.&nbsp;

“To the extent that he is providing services to sanctioned parties from the United States without authorisation, that would appear to be a violation of US law,” said Peter Kucik, a former senior sanctions adviser at the US Treasury.&nbsp;

The US Treasury Department declined to comment.&nbsp;

Ben-Menashe said he had received legal advice that he would need licenses from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) and the Canadian government to accept the payment, but that he would not be breaking the law by lobbying for the junta.&nbsp;

"There's technicalities here but we'll leave it to the lawyers and OFAC to deal with it," he said, adding his lawyers were in touch with Treasury officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show.

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show. More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since February 1, when Myanmar's generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm, Dickens & Madson Canada, will represent Myanmar's military government in Washington, as well as lobby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Russia, and international bodies like the United Nations, according to a consultancy agreement. The Montreal-based firm will 'assist the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and also to assist in explaining the real situation in the Country,' read the agreement, submitted on Monday to the Justice Department as part of compliance with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act and published online. A spokesman for the Myanmar military government did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. In a pitch that has been met with widespread scepticism, Ben-Menashe said he had been tasked with convincing the United States that Myanmar's generals wanted to move closer to the West and away from China. He said the generals wanted to resettle Rohingya Muslims, who fled a 2017 military assault for which the United Nations has accused those same generals of overseeing a genocide. "It is highly implausible that he could convince the United States of the narrative he’s proposing," said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. Other documents submitted by Ben-Menashe showed the agreement was reached with the junta's defence minister, General Mya Tun Oo and that the government would pay the firm $2 million. Mya Tun Oo and other top generals have been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department and the Canadian government, so the paperwork says the payment will be made 'when legally permissible'. Lawyers said that Ben-Menashe could be in breach of sanctions. “To the extent that he is providing services to sanctioned parties from the United States without authorisation, that would appear to be a violation of US law,” said Peter Kucik, a former senior sanctions adviser at the US Treasury. The US Treasury Department declined to comment. Ben-Menashe said he had received legal advice that he would need licenses from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) and the Canadian government to accept the payment, but that he would not be breaking the law by lobbying for the junta. "There's technicalities here but we'll leave it to the lawyers and OFAC to deal with it," he said, adding his lawyers were in touch with Treasury officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Lobbyist to get $2 million to 'explain' Myanmar's coup for junta 

With changed realities after the military coup, the economy of Myanmar may suffer a sharp slump. The coup has choked access to markets and raw materials. Another round of global isolation awaits Myanmar?

Economic slump in Myanmar after the coup

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries.&nbsp;

Phyu, who runs a market research firm, saw trouble ahead then, but isn’t sure how she'll pay her three staff next month.&nbsp;Ahead of payday on Friday, the first since the February 1 coup, a cloud is hanging over Myanmar's fragile economy.&nbsp;

Its kyat currency is depreciating, businesses are paralysed and banks are in disarray, and for all the support for street protests and strikes against the junta, the disruption is nudging the economy closer to a breakdown.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-coup-japan-mulls-halting-new-assistance-projects-to-myanmar-366205">After coup, Japan mulls halting new assistance projects to Myanmar</a>

"I predicted things could get worse so I paid them their salary in advance on that day," said Phyu, who declined to provide her full name.&nbsp;

"I'm now thinking how to do March salaries if things continue to go this way or get worse. In the worst scenario, I can still pay them in cash."&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied for weeks across Myanmar, in a groundswell of anger at the military's overthrow of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, its curbs on the internet and the arrest of hundreds of activists.&nbsp;

The anti-coup movement's calls for people not to go to work has caused big disruption, holding up crucial processes like import and export permits, salary payments and bank transfers.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pro-military-supporters-clash-with-protesters-in-myanmars-yangon-366165">Pro-military supporters clash with protesters in Myanmar's Yangon</a>

Myanmar relies overwhelmingly on imports for its fuel, but supplies are running low, industry sources say, with some oil import terminals no longer operating.&nbsp;

Its nascent garment manufacturing sector, a key source of income for rural families, faces disruption in raw materials imports and the export of clothing, including orders from major western brands.&nbsp;

Some businesses have already been forced to slash wages.&nbsp;

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries.

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries. Phyu, who runs a market research firm, saw trouble ahead then, but isn’t sure how she'll pay her three staff next month. Ahead of payday on Friday, the first since the February 1 coup, a cloud is hanging over Myanmar's fragile economy. Its kyat currency is depreciating, businesses are paralysed and banks are in disarray, and for all the support for street protests and strikes against the junta, the disruption is nudging the economy closer to a breakdown. Also Read: After coup, Japan mulls halting new assistance projects to Myanmar "I predicted things could get worse so I paid them their salary in advance on that day," said Phyu, who declined to provide her full name. "I'm now thinking how to do March salaries if things continue to go this way or get worse. In the worst scenario, I can still pay them in cash." Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied for weeks across Myanmar, in a groundswell of anger at the military's overthrow of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, its curbs on the internet and the arrest of hundreds of activists. The anti-coup movement's calls for people not to go to work has caused big disruption, holding up crucial processes like import and export permits, salary payments and bank transfers. Also Read: Pro-military supporters clash with protesters in Myanmar's Yangon Myanmar relies overwhelmingly on imports for its fuel, but supplies are running low, industry sources say, with some oil import terminals no longer operating. Its nascent garment manufacturing sector, a key source of income for rural families, faces disruption in raw materials imports and the export of clothing, including orders from major western brands. Some businesses have already been forced to slash wages.

Coup chaos leaves employers fretting over paying staff in Myanmar

The Japanese government is considering halting new assistance projects to Myanmar, where a military coup d'etat has taken place, Sputnik reported citing sources.&nbsp;

Earlier in February, Japan joined the Group of Seven advanced economics in condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of the civilian government in Myanmar.&nbsp;

Tokyo called for the release of Myanmar's state counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials, who were placed under house arrest.&nbsp;

The Kyodo news agency on Thursday reported that despite condemning the coup, Japan, as a major donor to Myanmar, plans to continue emergency assistance offered through international organisations and NGOs in such areas as combating the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

On February 1, Myanmar's military seized power in the country, announcing a one-year state of emergency and vowing to take action against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, which was won by the NLD party.&nbsp;

Myanmar's state counsellor, as well as the president and other top officials, who were members of the ruling NLD party, were detained and accused of election fraud.&nbsp;

Protests have been held across Myanmar since the military took over in which dozens of protesters have been injured and four people killed.&nbsp;

The Japanese government is considering halting new assistance projects to Myanmar, where a military coup d'etat has taken place, Sputnik reported citing sources.

The Japanese government is considering halting new assistance projects to Myanmar, where a military coup d'etat has taken place, Sputnik reported citing sources. Earlier in February, Japan joined the Group of Seven advanced economics in condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of the civilian government in Myanmar. Tokyo called for the release of Myanmar's state counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials, who were placed under house arrest. The Kyodo news agency on Thursday reported that despite condemning the coup, Japan, as a major donor to Myanmar, plans to continue emergency assistance offered through international organisations and NGOs in such areas as combating the Covid-19 pandemic. On February 1, Myanmar's military seized power in the country, announcing a one-year state of emergency and vowing to take action against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, which was won by the NLD party. Myanmar's state counsellor, as well as the president and other top officials, who were members of the ruling NLD party, were detained and accused of election fraud. Protests have been held across Myanmar since the military took over in which dozens of protesters have been injured and four people killed.

After coup, Japan mulls halting new assistance projects to Myanmar

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.&nbsp;

But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country.&nbsp;

Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships.&nbsp;

He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes.&nbsp;

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“There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said.&nbsp;

The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-cops-file-new-charge-against-suu-kyi-to-extend-detention-indefinitely-364061">Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely</a>

The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection.&nbsp;

We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said.&nbsp;

If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-monks-march-seek-end-to-military-rule-364052">Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule</a>

Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups.&nbsp;

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency. But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country. Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships. He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes. × “There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said. The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added. Also Read: Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection. We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said. If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said. Also Read: Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.

Despite coup, Malaysia to deport 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week

Amid&nbsp;coup in the west&nbsp;African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals.

Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe. We sent them back after first indication of disturbance. Requested all Indians to stay home in view of developments."

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was removed after a mutiny by soldiers. The prime minister of the country has also been removed from office by the soldiers.&nbsp;

Around 250-300 Indians are present in the country. Most of them are in the retail business, mining, power and&nbsp;steel. &nbsp;

Ousted Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had visited India twice, once&nbsp;in 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and before that in 2015 to take part in the India-Africa Summit.&nbsp;

Amid coup in the west African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals. Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe.

Amid coup in the west African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals. Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe. We sent them back after first indication of disturbance. Requested all Indians to stay home in view of developments." Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was removed after a mutiny by soldiers. The prime minister of the country has also been removed from office by the soldiers. Around 250-300 Indians are present in the country. Most of them are in the retail business, mining, power and steel. Ousted Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had visited India twice, once in 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and before that in 2015 to take part in the India-Africa Summit.

Indian mission in Mali advises caution for Indian citizens amid coup

Did the United States develop a plan to capture the Venezuelan President? Nicolas Maduro is now moving the ICJ against Donald Trump - after the capture of an alleged US mercenary. Watch WION's ground report from Venezuela.

Nicolas Maduro blames Donald Trump for incursion | WION Ground Report

Did the United States develop a plan to capture the Venezuelan President? Nicolas Maduro is now moving the ICJ against Donald Trump - after the capture of an alleged US mercenary. WION's Palki Sharma gets the story.

Gravitas: Did the U.S. plan a coup in Venezuela?

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup.

American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here."

This video is playing on television screens across the world. This is American citizen Luke Denman. He is currently in Venezuelan custody.

What for? For trying to stage a coup.

It's a plot straight out of a Hollywood movie. The story begins sometime last week.

On May 4, Venezuela had news for the world. Nothing to do with the pandemic. Venezuela said it had foiled a maritime incursion. Mercenaries had tried to enter the country through the sea.

Their speedboats were intercepted by the Venezuelan military. Venezuela said 8 attackers were killed on the coast of La Guaira.

This is some 30 kilometres from the capital city of Caracas.

President Nicolas Maduro, said: "The main objective was to kill the Venezuelan president, a terrorist attack in the middle of a pandemic."

&nbsp;It did not take long for President Nicolas Maduro to cry coup. It was all planned in the White House, he said.

On May 6, 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: "Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo were directly behind this."

Later, Venezuelan authorities arrested 13 people. Among them were two Americans.

&nbsp;Luke Denman and Airan Berry, Venezuela said the duo played a key role in the plot.

Adding-- they were working with Jordan Goudreau-- an American military veteran who runs a security company in Florida.

Maduro furnished proof, he said: "Here's his license as part of silvercorp. Here's the passport of the other American mercenary who was a member of Donald Trump's security, they claim. Berry, Airan was born May 15, 1978, in Texas, United States. His identification as a member of the silvercorp company. "

&nbsp;

Goudreau has reportedly admitted to organising the invasion. He also admitted to working with Denman and Berry.

US President Donald Trump was quick to deny involvement. He said: "I just got information [referring to two US Citizens detained in Venezuela. Nothing to do with our government but I just got information on that. &nbsp;It has nothing to do with our government."

Back in Caracas, opposition leader and self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido rubbished the alleged incursion. Maduro is trying to divert attention from real issues, he said: "They want to sow confusion, they want to sow a state of apparent commotion to hide what's going on in Venezuela."

The United States has been tight-lipped on this supposed botched coup.

&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it a consular matter. He said: "We want to get every American back. If the Maduro regime decides to hold them, we'll use every tool that we have available to try and get them back. It's our responsibility to do so."

Venezuela meanwhile is beating its chest. It's latest so-called proof against the trump administration is this confession video where Luke Denman said: "My responsibility to silvercorp are written into a contract or described in a contract signed by Jordan Goudreau, Juan Rendon and Juan Guaido."

The 34-year-old Denman claims that the plan was to secure a Caracas airport so that Maduro could be sent to the United States.

This edited video is Maduro's best ammo against the trump administration. He is now lodging a case at the International Court of Justice.

The culprits are the US government and President Donald Trump.

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup. American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here.

There is high drama in South America. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of plotting a coup. American arrested in Venezuela, Luke Denman, said: "To me, Venezuelans in Colombia, train them and come with them to Venezuela to Caracas and a secure airport here." This video is playing on television screens across the world. This is American citizen Luke Denman. He is currently in Venezuelan custody. What for? For trying to stage a coup. It's a plot straight out of a Hollywood movie. The story begins sometime last week. On May 4, Venezuela had news for the world. Nothing to do with the pandemic. Venezuela said it had foiled a maritime incursion. Mercenaries had tried to enter the country through the sea. Their speedboats were intercepted by the Venezuelan military. Venezuela said 8 attackers were killed on the coast of La Guaira. This is some 30 kilometres from the capital city of Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro, said: "The main objective was to kill the Venezuelan president, a terrorist attack in the middle of a pandemic." It did not take long for President Nicolas Maduro to cry coup. It was all planned in the White House, he said. On May 6, 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: "Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo were directly behind this." Later, Venezuelan authorities arrested 13 people. Among them were two Americans. Luke Denman and Airan Berry, Venezuela said the duo played a key role in the plot. Adding-- they were working with Jordan Goudreau-- an American military veteran who runs a security company in Florida. Maduro furnished proof, he said: "Here's his license as part of silvercorp. Here's the passport of the other American mercenary who was a member of Donald Trump's security, they claim. Berry, Airan was born May 15, 1978, in Texas, United States. His identification as a member of the silvercorp company. " Goudreau has reportedly admitted to organising the invasion. He also admitted to working with Denman and Berry. US President Donald Trump was quick to deny involvement. He said: "I just got information [referring to two US Citizens detained in Venezuela. Nothing to do with our government but I just got information on that. It has nothing to do with our government." Back in Caracas, opposition leader and self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido rubbished the alleged incursion. Maduro is trying to divert attention from real issues, he said: "They want to sow confusion, they want to sow a state of apparent commotion to hide what's going on in Venezuela." The United States has been tight-lipped on this supposed botched coup. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it a consular matter. He said: "We want to get every American back. If the Maduro regime decides to hold them, we'll use every tool that we have available to try and get them back. It's our responsibility to do so." Venezuela meanwhile is beating its chest. It's latest so-called proof against the trump administration is this confession video where Luke Denman said: "My responsibility to silvercorp are written into a contract or described in a contract signed by Jordan Goudreau, Juan Rendon and Juan Guaido." The 34-year-old Denman claims that the plan was to secure a Caracas airport so that Maduro could be sent to the United States. This edited video is Maduro's best ammo against the trump administration. He is now lodging a case at the International Court of Justice. The culprits are the US government and President Donald Trump.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accuses United States of plotting coup

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