At least seven&nbsp;people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday.&nbsp;The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office.

The&nbsp;bomb was attached to the fuel tank of the bus.&nbsp;No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

A health official in Herat,&nbsp;on the condition of anonymity, said that an explosion hit a small van which was used for public transport. He further revealed that three of the injured people were in serious condition.

The head of Herat's provincial hospital, Arif Jalali, while speaking to AFP said, "Four women were among the seven killed. "

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The blast took place in Haji Abbas area of Herat city. 
Local officials have not yet commented on the incident or the number of casualties. But eyewitnesses say the blast caused financial and personal damage.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/HkkjVepSJO">pic.twitter.com/HkkjVepSJO</a>
— Rohullah Parwani (@official_rohpar) <a href="https://twitter.com/official_rohpar/status/1484915917788221441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a series of blasts and attacks have been taking place. This has added to the security challenges for the Taliban. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watchdog-had-warned-of-afghan-force-collapse-way-before-us-pullout-446442">Also read |&nbsp;Watchdog had warned of Afghan force collapse way before US pullout</a>

Earlier in November, a blast took place at a mosque in the Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

The explosives were reportedly planted inside the mosque. The blast was confirmed by Taliban officials as reports claimed the bomb was hidden inside a loudspeaker.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday. The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office.

At least seven people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday. The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office. The bomb was attached to the fuel tank of the bus. No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack. A health official in Herat, on the condition of anonymity, said that an explosion hit a small van which was used for public transport. He further revealed that three of the injured people were in serious condition. The head of Herat's provincial hospital, Arif Jalali, while speaking to AFP said, "Four women were among the seven killed. " The blast took place in Haji Abbas area of Herat city. Local officials have not yet commented on the incident or the number of casualties. But eyewitnesses say the blast caused financial and personal damage.#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/HkkjVepSJO — Rohullah Parwani (@official_rohpar) January 22, 2022 × Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a series of blasts and attacks have been taking place. This has added to the security challenges for the Taliban. Also read | Watchdog had warned of Afghan force collapse way before US pullout Earlier in November, a blast took place at a mosque in the Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. The explosives were reportedly planted inside the mosque. The blast was confirmed by Taliban officials as reports claimed the bomb was hidden inside a loudspeaker. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 7 killed, nine injured after a blast hit Afghanistan's Herat

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday. &nbsp;

The state government has, however, put the death toll of the attacks at 58. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the military captured the area to hold mass burials, residents gained access to the villages, they told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourteen-killed-and-17-injured-in-a-double-bus-crash-in-egypt-443166" hreflang="en">Fourteen killed and 17 injured in a double bus crash in Egypt</a>

Around 154 people had been buried, including several vigilantes, who were also killed, said Ummaru Makeri, a resident, who lost his wife and three kids in the attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents claim that at least 200 people have died in total. &nbsp;

In the early hours of Monday, the military conducted air strikes on targets in the Gusami forest and west Tsamre village in Zamfara state, killing over 100 bandits including two of their leaders. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-journalists-burnt-alive-amid-gang-war-in-haiti-443005" hreflang="en">Two journalists burnt alive amid gang war in Haiti</a>

In a statement on Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari said the military acquired more equipment to track and crush criminal gangs, who have been subjecting people to a reign of terror. They have also imposed illegal taxes on communities under siege. &nbsp;

"The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces," Buhari said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday.

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday. The state government has, however, put the death toll of the attacks at 58. After the military captured the area to hold mass burials, residents gained access to the villages, they told Reuters. Also Read: Fourteen killed and 17 injured in a double bus crash in Egypt Around 154 people had been buried, including several vigilantes, who were also killed, said Ummaru Makeri, a resident, who lost his wife and three kids in the attack. Residents claim that at least 200 people have died in total. In the early hours of Monday, the military conducted air strikes on targets in the Gusami forest and west Tsamre village in Zamfara state, killing over 100 bandits including two of their leaders. Also Read: Two journalists burnt alive amid gang war in Haiti In a statement on Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari said the military acquired more equipment to track and crush criminal gangs, who have been subjecting people to a reign of terror. They have also imposed illegal taxes on communities under siege. "The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces," Buhari said. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 200 killed in deadly attacks by armed bandits in Nigeria, say residents

In a tragic incident, around seven people have been killed and nine seriously hurt after a wall of rock fell on motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil on Saturday, the fire department said. &nbsp;

The incident happened when a tower of rocks suddenly broke away from the canyon wall and came down on many leisure boats in the area. It triggered a massive wave in the lake at Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mounting-health-crisis-after-super-typhoon-nine-dead-hundreds-ill-with-diarrhoea-in-philippines-443261" hreflang="en">Mounting health crisis after super typhoon: Nine dead, hundreds ill with diarrhoea in Philippines</a>

In the videos posted on social media, tourists can be seen shouting as the column of rock comes down crashing into the water and smashes two boats. &nbsp;

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5 dead, 30 injured &amp; 20 missing. This happened in Brazil today 
. <a href="https://t.co/livcrVDila">pic.twitter.com/livcrVDila</a>
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According to the authorities, three people are still missing at a time when others feared lost were located by telephone. The divers have searched the lake for the victims. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-provide-comfort-us-president-visits-wildfire-ravaged-colorado-443068" hreflang="en">To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado</a>

In the persons injured, one was in serious condition in hospital with head and facial injuries and around 23 others were also treated for light injuries. Some people have suffered broken bones. &nbsp;

For two weeks, the region has been witnessing heavy rainfall. It could have been the reason behind the loosening of the rock face. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a tragic incident, around seven people have been killed and nine seriously hurt after a wall of rock fell on motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil on Saturday, the fire department said.

In a tragic incident, around seven people have been killed and nine seriously hurt after a wall of rock fell on motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil on Saturday, the fire department said. The incident happened when a tower of rocks suddenly broke away from the canyon wall and came down on many leisure boats in the area. It triggered a massive wave in the lake at Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state. Also Read | Mounting health crisis after super typhoon: Nine dead, hundreds ill with diarrhoea in Philippines In the videos posted on social media, tourists can be seen shouting as the column of rock comes down crashing into the water and smashes two boats. 5 dead, 30 injured & 20 missing. This happened in Brazil today . pic.twitter.com/livcrVDila — KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) January 8, 2022 × According to the authorities, three people are still missing at a time when others feared lost were located by telephone. The divers have searched the lake for the victims. Also Read: To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado In the persons injured, one was in serious condition in hospital with head and facial injuries and around 23 others were also treated for light injuries. Some people have suffered broken bones. For two weeks, the region has been witnessing heavy rainfall. It could have been the reason behind the loosening of the rock face. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: In rock face collapse at waterfall, 7 killed, 9 seriously hurt, 3 still missing in Brazil 

Security forces have killed three terrorists in an encounter in Zalowa area of Chadoora in central Kashmir's Budgam district of India. In total, around&nbsp;14 militants have been killed in 8 days in Kashmir Valley.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police identified one of the terrorists as Waseem from Srinagar, while two others are said to be foreign. All these terrorists belonged to a Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. &nbsp;

“3 terrorists killed in encounter. All the terrorists were affiliated with terror outfit JeM. So far, one has been identified as Waseem of Srinagar city. 3 AK 56 rifles recovered,” said Vijay Kumar, IG, Kashmir.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-117000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-302-deaths-442807" hreflang="en">India reports over 1,17,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; 302 deaths</a>

The anti-terror operations in the valley have increased and encounters are taking place every day. &nbsp;

Earlier this week, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police killed a top commander of Lashker-Toiba Saleem Parray. Police had said he was involved in over a dozen killings in the Kashmir Valley. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/digital-payments-without-the-internet-all-you-need-to-know-442768" hreflang="en">Digital payments without the internet: All you need to know</a>

Three terrorists of Jaish were killed on January 5 in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. On January 4, security forces managed to kill two terrorists in Kulgam district. Two terrorists were killed in two operations in Srinagar's Shalimar area, including a top LeT commander Saleem Parray. &nbsp;

In north Kashmir's Kupwara, one terrorist was killed in a gun-battle between security forces and terrorists. On December 31, three terrorists of JeM were killed in an encounter in Srinagar.&nbsp;

Security forces have killed three terrorists in an encounter in Zalowa area of Chadoora in central Kashmir's Budgam district of India. In total, around 14 militants have been killed in 8 days in Kashmir Valley.

Security forces have killed three terrorists in an encounter in Zalowa area of Chadoora in central Kashmir's Budgam district of India. In total, around 14 militants have been killed in 8 days in Kashmir Valley. The Jammu and Kashmir Police identified one of the terrorists as Waseem from Srinagar, while two others are said to be foreign. All these terrorists belonged to a Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. “3 terrorists killed in encounter. All the terrorists were affiliated with terror outfit JeM. So far, one has been identified as Waseem of Srinagar city. 3 AK 56 rifles recovered,” said Vijay Kumar, IG, Kashmir. Also Read: India reports over 1,17,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; 302 deaths The anti-terror operations in the valley have increased and encounters are taking place every day. Earlier this week, Jammu & Kashmir Police killed a top commander of Lashker-Toiba Saleem Parray. Police had said he was involved in over a dozen killings in the Kashmir Valley. Also Read | Digital payments without the internet: All you need to know Three terrorists of Jaish were killed on January 5 in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. On January 4, security forces managed to kill two terrorists in Kulgam district. Two terrorists were killed in two operations in Srinagar's Shalimar area, including a top LeT commander Saleem Parray. In north Kashmir's Kupwara, one terrorist was killed in a gun-battle between security forces and terrorists. On December 31, three terrorists of JeM were killed in an encounter in Srinagar.

With 3 more, 14 terrorists killed in India’s J&K in last 8 days

In a gunfight with the security forces, three terrorists have been killed in the Chadoora area in central Kashmir's Budgam district in India, said officials on Friday. &nbsp;

"Three terrorists killed in encounter. Identification and affiliation being ascertained. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered," Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Twitter citing Inspector General Police, Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-at-new-high-in-mumbai-nearly-1-in-3-test-results-positive-442798" hreflang="en">COVID-19 cases at new high in Mumbai; nearly 1 in 3 test results positive</a>

The gunfight had started between the terrorists and security forces on Thursday. This happened as a joint team of the police and the security forces had cordoned off an area while launching a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. &nbsp;

When the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding, they were met with heavy fire, which led to the encounter. &nbsp;

Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorists of TRF and two terror associates of the same outfit. The terrorists were arrested in Srinagar's Barzulla area after a barricade was laid by the police along with the CRPF. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/digital-payments-without-the-internet-all-you-need-to-know-442768" hreflang="en">Digital payments without the internet: All you need to know</a>

"The arrested terrorists have been identified as Suhail Qadir Khanday S/O Ghulam Qadir Khanday R/O Tral Pulwama (Active Terrorist) and Suhail Mushtaq Waza S/O Mushtaq Ahmed Waza R/O Nikloora Pulwama (active terrorist)," said Jammu and Kashmir Police. &nbsp;

They also recovered two pistols, along with two magazines and 30 rounds, from the spot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Following the arrest of the two terrorists, J&amp;K Police received information about two other terror suspects. Both terrorist suspects were captured in Srinagar later that day. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

In a gunfight with the security forces, three terrorists have been killed in the Chadoora area in central Kashmir's Budgam district in India, said officials on Friday.

In a gunfight with the security forces, three terrorists have been killed in the Chadoora area in central Kashmir's Budgam district in India, said officials on Friday. "Three terrorists killed in encounter. Identification and affiliation being ascertained. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered," Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Twitter citing Inspector General Police, Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar. Also Read: COVID-19 cases at new high in Mumbai; nearly 1 in 3 test results positive The gunfight had started between the terrorists and security forces on Thursday. This happened as a joint team of the police and the security forces had cordoned off an area while launching a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. When the security forces zeroed in on the spot where the terrorists were hiding, they were met with heavy fire, which led to the encounter. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorists of TRF and two terror associates of the same outfit. The terrorists were arrested in Srinagar's Barzulla area after a barricade was laid by the police along with the CRPF. Also Read | Digital payments without the internet: All you need to know "The arrested terrorists have been identified as Suhail Qadir Khanday S/O Ghulam Qadir Khanday R/O Tral Pulwama (Active Terrorist) and Suhail Mushtaq Waza S/O Mushtaq Ahmed Waza R/O Nikloora Pulwama (active terrorist)," said Jammu and Kashmir Police. They also recovered two pistols, along with two magazines and 30 rounds, from the spot. Following the arrest of the two terrorists, J&K Police received information about two other terror suspects. Both terrorist suspects were captured in Srinagar later that day. (With inputs from agencies)

In gunfight, three terrorists killed in India’s J&K

Two children were among 8 killed during a gun attack in the central Mexico region which is rife with turf wars between drug cartels.

According to officials, two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at homes in the Silao municipality of Guanajuato state late Tuesday.

The assailants were reportedly targeting four men who were at one home, killing them and a woman, the authorities said.

At a nearby house, a one-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl also died of gun wounds, police said, adding that it wasn’t clear whether these two were specifically targeted or hit by stray bullets during the gun assault.

Guanajuato state prosecutors said three other people were wounded and were in serious condition at local hospitals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-travel-blogger-killed-in-mexico-gang-shootout-423400">Indian travel blogger killed in Mexico gang shootout</a>

The gangs have been fighting over control of the lucrative drug trafficking and stolen fuel markets, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.

State interior secretary Libia García expressed condolences to the lives lost and assured to bring perpetrators to justice.

“What happened today in Silao hurts us deeply and as the government of Guanajuato, we will continue to work together to give no quarter to those cowards who take other peoples' lives,” Libia García wrote in her Twitter account.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-border-arrests-reach-record-highs-reveals-report-423367">US-Mexico border: Arrests reach record highs, reveals report</a>

“Justice will be done for the victims.”

In mid-November, two similar attacks took place in which 11 people were killed in Silao.

Guanajuato has become one of Mexico's most violent states due to fighting between the Santa Rosa de Lima and Jalisco New Generation cartels.

Since 2006 when the government launched a controversial anti-drug military operation, Mexico has recorded more than 300,000 murders, according to official figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two children were among 8 killed during a gun attack in the central Mexico region which is rife with turf wars between drug cartels. According to officials, two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at homes in the Silao municipality of Guanajuato state late Tuesday.

Two children were among 8 killed during a gun attack in the central Mexico region which is rife with turf wars between drug cartels. According to officials, two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at homes in the Silao municipality of Guanajuato state late Tuesday. The assailants were reportedly targeting four men who were at one home, killing them and a woman, the authorities said. At a nearby house, a one-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl also died of gun wounds, police said, adding that it wasn’t clear whether these two were specifically targeted or hit by stray bullets during the gun assault. Guanajuato state prosecutors said three other people were wounded and were in serious condition at local hospitals. Also read | Indian travel blogger killed in Mexico gang shootout The gangs have been fighting over control of the lucrative drug trafficking and stolen fuel markets, according to the regional prosecutor’s office. State interior secretary Libia García expressed condolences to the lives lost and assured to bring perpetrators to justice. “What happened today in Silao hurts us deeply and as the government of Guanajuato, we will continue to work together to give no quarter to those cowards who take other peoples' lives,” Libia García wrote in her Twitter account. Also Read | US-Mexico border: Arrests reach record highs, reveals report “Justice will be done for the victims.” In mid-November, two similar attacks took place in which 11 people were killed in Silao. Guanajuato has become one of Mexico's most violent states due to fighting between the Santa Rosa de Lima and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Since 2006 when the government launched a controversial anti-drug military operation, Mexico has recorded more than 300,000 murders, according to official figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Two children among 8 killed in Mexico gun attack

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media. &nbsp;

In a Facebook post, Karenni Human Rights Group said, "We strongly denounce the inhumane and brutal killing, which violates human rights." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cutting-cakes-with-a-murderer-photos-of-top-myanmar-catholic-with-junta-chief-spark-outrage-439665" hreflang="en">'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage</a>

The group found the burnt bodies of internally displaced people near Mo So village of Hpruso town on Saturday. &nbsp;

The victims, which included elders, women and children, seems to have been killed by the military that rules Myanmar.

According to the state media, Myanmar military shot and killed some "terrorists with weapons" belonging to the opposition armed forces in the village. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-jade-mine-landslide-one-killed-over-70-feared-missing-438915" hreflang="en">Myanmar jade mine landslide: One killed, over 70 feared missing</a>

The people, who were in seven vehicles, had not stop for the military, the report said. &nbsp;

Karenni National Defence Force said that the dead were not their members but civilians seeking refuge from the conflict. &nbsp;

"We were so shocked at seeing that all the dead bodies were of different sizes, including children, women and old people," a commander of the group told Reuters on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media.

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media. In a Facebook post, Karenni Human Rights Group said, "We strongly denounce the inhumane and brutal killing, which violates human rights." Also Read: 'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage The group found the burnt bodies of internally displaced people near Mo So village of Hpruso town on Saturday. The victims, which included elders, women and children, seems to have been killed by the military that rules Myanmar. According to the state media, Myanmar military shot and killed some "terrorists with weapons" belonging to the opposition armed forces in the village. Also Read: Myanmar jade mine landslide: One killed, over 70 feared missing The people, who were in seven vehicles, had not stop for the military, the report said. Karenni National Defence Force said that the dead were not their members but civilians seeking refuge from the conflict. "We were so shocked at seeing that all the dead bodies were of different sizes, including children, women and old people," a commander of the group told Reuters on condition of anonymity. (With inputs from agencies)

In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. &nbsp;

The aircraft went down in the Desert National Park area, which comes under the Sam police station. Police have reached the spot, Jaisalmer SP Ajay Singh told PTI. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713" hreflang="en">IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

On Twitter, the IAF, said, "This evening, around 8.30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. An inquiry is being ordered." &nbsp;

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This evening, around 8:30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. Further details are awaited. 
An inquiry is being ordered.
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"With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart," it stated. &nbsp;

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With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart.
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The plane crashed in sand dunes near Sudasari, said Sam police station SHO Dalpat Singh. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-22-foreign-defence-ministers-meet-to-take-place-in-3rd-week-of-january-439716" hreflang="en">India, US 2+2 foreign &amp; defence ministers meet to take place in 3rd week of January</a>

According to an eyewitness, the plane burst into flames before hitting the ground. The eyewitness lives in a hamlet near the Desert National Park. &nbsp;

Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh and collector Ashish Modi have reached the spot. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. The aircraft went down in the Desert National Park area, which comes under the Sam police station. Police have reached the spot, Jaisalmer SP Ajay Singh told PTI. Also Read: IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak On Twitter, the IAF, said, "This evening, around 8.30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. An inquiry is being ordered." This evening, around 8:30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. Further details are awaited. An inquiry is being ordered. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 24, 2021 × "With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart," it stated. With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 24, 2021 × The plane crashed in sand dunes near Sudasari, said Sam police station SHO Dalpat Singh. Also Read: India, US 2+2 foreign & defence ministers meet to take place in 3rd week of January According to an eyewitness, the plane burst into flames before hitting the ground. The eyewitness lives in a hamlet near the Desert National Park. Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh and collector Ashish Modi have reached the spot. (With inputs from agencies)

Pilot killed in IAF's MiG-21 plane crash in India's Jaisalmer

A World Health Organization task force has been sent to South Sudan after a mystery disease baffled the country's health ministry. The disease has killed nearly 100 people in Fangak, Jonglei State, in South Sudan. As per local officials, the initial samples of the sick people have returned negative results for cholera.&nbsp;

Sheila Baya from WHO while speaking to BBC said, "We decided to send a rapid response team to go and do risk assessment and investigation; that is when they will be able to collect samples from the sick people - but provisionally the figure that we got was that there were 89 deaths."

Baya further explained that the team of scientists had to reach Fangak through a helicopter. This is because of severe flooding in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-in-77-countries-spreading-at-unprecedented-rate-who-436962">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO</a>

She further added that the group is further waiting for transportation to return them to the capital Juba.

UNHCR had earlier said that over 700,000 people have been affected by what is deemed as the worst flooding in the country for nearly 60 years. The flooding has cut off communities and has resulted in a severe shortage of food and other essentials, leading to malnutrition.

Lam Tungwar Kueigwong, the state's minister of land, housing and public utilities said that the bordering state of Unity has also been affected by severe flooding. This has increased the spread of diseases like malaria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A World Health Organization task force has been sent to South Sudan after a mystery disease baffled the country's health ministry. The disease has killed nearly 100 people in Fangak, Jonglei State, in South Sudan.

A World Health Organization task force has been sent to South Sudan after a mystery disease baffled the country's health ministry. The disease has killed nearly 100 people in Fangak, Jonglei State, in South Sudan. As per local officials, the initial samples of the sick people have returned negative results for cholera. Sheila Baya from WHO while speaking to BBC said, "We decided to send a rapid response team to go and do risk assessment and investigation; that is when they will be able to collect samples from the sick people - but provisionally the figure that we got was that there were 89 deaths." Baya further explained that the team of scientists had to reach Fangak through a helicopter. This is because of severe flooding in the region. Also read | Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO She further added that the group is further waiting for transportation to return them to the capital Juba. UNHCR had earlier said that over 700,000 people have been affected by what is deemed as the worst flooding in the country for nearly 60 years. The flooding has cut off communities and has resulted in a severe shortage of food and other essentials, leading to malnutrition. Lam Tungwar Kueigwong, the state's minister of land, housing and public utilities said that the bordering state of Unity has also been affected by severe flooding. This has increased the spread of diseases like malaria. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery disease kills nearly 100 people in Sudan; WHO task force deployed

Numerous fake websites are present on the web. Some fleece money, while some steal information. There is hardly any law-abiding fake website. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Well, truly, there is one, called Rent-A-Hitman. It has been helping the authorities in turning in people, who have been looking to get someone killed by renting an assassin. &nbsp;

In a latest development, it helped to nab a woman, who was trying to get her ex-husband killed in Michigan, the United States. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-covid-deaths-reach-800000-fauci-urges-people-to-get-booster-shots-436399" hreflang="en">As US Covid deaths reach 800,000, Fauci urges people to get booster shots</a>

The woman, Wendy Wein came across the website in July 2020. &nbsp;

The Rent-A-Hitman website pledges to "handle your delicate situation" privately and in a timely manner. It also boasts having around 18,000 field operatives and can operate anywhere in the United States. The website also has testimonials from satisfied clients. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Seeking consultation, Wein filled out a form on the site. In a message to a man, who she believed to be site's chief consultant, Guido Fanelli, said, "This is kind of weird that your company is not on the deep or dark web. I prefer not going to jail.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-our-morgues-arent-big-enough-says-kentucky-governor-as-death-toll-rises-after-powerful-tornadoes-436372" hreflang="en">US: 'Our morgues aren't big enough,' says Kentucky governor as death toll rises after powerful tornadoes</a>

To have her ex-husband killed, Wein also offered later to pay $5,000. &nbsp;

But as Guido Fanelli was actually Bob Innes, a man from California, who runs the website, reported the matter to authorities. Wein will now head to prison. &nbsp;

The "operatives" of Rent-A-Hitman seems to have never actually killed anybody but dupe people, who look to hire killers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Numerous fake websites are present on the web. Some fleece money, while some steal information. There is hardly any law-abiding fake website. Well, truly, there is one, called Rent-A-Hitman.

Numerous fake websites are present on the web. Some fleece money, while some steal information. There is hardly any law-abiding fake website. Well, truly, there is one, called Rent-A-Hitman. It has been helping the authorities in turning in people, who have been looking to get someone killed by renting an assassin. In a latest development, it helped to nab a woman, who was trying to get her ex-husband killed in Michigan, the United States. Also Read: As US Covid deaths reach 800,000, Fauci urges people to get booster shots The woman, Wendy Wein came across the website in July 2020. The Rent-A-Hitman website pledges to "handle your delicate situation" privately and in a timely manner. It also boasts having around 18,000 field operatives and can operate anywhere in the United States. The website also has testimonials from satisfied clients. Seeking consultation, Wein filled out a form on the site. In a message to a man, who she believed to be site's chief consultant, Guido Fanelli, said, "This is kind of weird that your company is not on the deep or dark web. I prefer not going to jail.” Also Read: US: 'Our morgues aren't big enough,' says Kentucky governor as death toll rises after powerful tornadoes To have her ex-husband killed, Wein also offered later to pay $5,000. But as Guido Fanelli was actually Bob Innes, a man from California, who runs the website, reported the matter to authorities. Wein will now head to prison. The "operatives" of Rent-A-Hitman seems to have never actually killed anybody but dupe people, who look to hire killers. (With inputs from agencies)

Fake hitman website turns US woman to authorities for looking to get ex-husband killed

In what can be called an attack on Taliban's leaders, 15 civilians have been reportedly killed in an explosion outside Eidgah mosque in Chaman area of Kabul on Sunday. The Taliban spokesman confirmed the incident. &nbsp;

Some civilians had gathered at the mosque in Afghan capital to offer their condolences over the death of Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid’s mother Fateha during a memorial service.

The victims may include Taliban guards, who were manning the area.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-calls-president-rahmon-amid-tensions-between-tajikistan-taliban-417857" hreflang="en">Pak PM Imran calls President Rahmon amid tensions between Tajikistan &amp; Taliban</a>

Ambulances could be heard arriving at the spot. Three people have also been arrested near the blast site, said unconfirmed reports. &nbsp;

The explosion was followed by gunfire, said witnesses at the spot. No one has immediately claimed the responsibility for the attack. &nbsp;

Even after the Taliban’s takeover of the war-torn country, the spate of blasts has not stopped. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-1000-taliban-militants-rally-in-kabul-to-show-power-and-unity-417860" hreflang="en">Nearly 1,000 Taliban militants rally in Kabul to show power and unity</a>

Earlier, the Taliban used to target Afghanistan government officials in targeted killings. Now, it seems the same is being done by&nbsp;rival insurgents, such as Islamic State group, against the new rulers of the country.

There is a possibility of escalation of conflict between the two groups. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, gunmen shot and killed two Taliban fighters and two civilians in the eastern city of Jalalabad on Saturday, a Taliban official said.

Two other civilians were wounded in the attack, said Mohammad Hanif, a cultural official for the city's surrounding province, Nangarhar.

In another incident, blasts followed by gunfire were reported in Kabul’s Khair Khana area.&nbsp;IS-K militants reportedly blew themselves up in a house where they were being surrounded by Taliban men.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can be called an attack on Taliban's leaders, 15 civilians have been reportedly killed in an explosion outside Eidgah mosque in Chaman area of Kabul on Sunday.

In what can be called an attack on Taliban's leaders, 15 civilians have been reportedly killed in an explosion outside Eidgah mosque in Chaman area of Kabul on Sunday. The Taliban spokesman confirmed the incident. Some civilians had gathered at the mosque in Afghan capital to offer their condolences over the death of Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid’s mother Fateha during a memorial service. The victims may include Taliban guards, who were manning the area. Also Read: Pak PM Imran calls President Rahmon amid tensions between Tajikistan & Taliban Ambulances could be heard arriving at the spot. Three people have also been arrested near the blast site, said unconfirmed reports. The explosion was followed by gunfire, said witnesses at the spot. No one has immediately claimed the responsibility for the attack. Even after the Taliban’s takeover of the war-torn country, the spate of blasts has not stopped. Also Read: Nearly 1,000 Taliban militants rally in Kabul to show power and unity Earlier, the Taliban used to target Afghanistan government officials in targeted killings. Now, it seems the same is being done by rival insurgents, such as Islamic State group, against the new rulers of the country. There is a possibility of escalation of conflict between the two groups. Meanwhile, gunmen shot and killed two Taliban fighters and two civilians in the eastern city of Jalalabad on Saturday, a Taliban official said. Two other civilians were wounded in the attack, said Mohammad Hanif, a cultural official for the city's surrounding province, Nangarhar. In another incident, blasts followed by gunfire were reported in Kabul’s Khair Khana area. IS-K militants reportedly blew themselves up in a house where they were being surrounded by Taliban men. (With inputs from agencies)

Fifteen civilians killed in blast at Eidgah mosque entrance in Kabul

On the occasion of Transgender Day of Remembrance, US President Joe Biden released a statement mourning the loss of 46 transgender Americans lost their lives in 2021 because of violence. "Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, as well as the countless other transgender people—disproportionately Black and brown transgender women and girls—who face brutal violence, discrimination, and harassment," read the statement.&nbsp;

The President highlighted how LGBTQI+ Americans, transgender people, live in fear constantly despite strengthening civil rights.

In order to ensure that the government protects the civil rights of transgender Americans, Biden charged his team with coordinating across the federal government to address the "epidemic of violence and advance equality for transgender people."

He further called on state leaders and lawmakers to battle the disturbing proliferation of discriminatory state legislation which targets transgender people, especially transgender children.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-tolerate-taiwans-independence-says-china-430759">Also read |&nbsp;Won't tolerate Taiwan's independence, says China</a>

"As I have said before, these bills are nothing more than bullying disguised as legislation, they are un-American, and they endanger the safety and well-being of our children. I also continue to urge the Senate to swiftly pass the Equality Act so that all people are able to live free from fear and discrimination," the statement read. &nbsp;He deemed transgender people as the "bravest Americans."

Meanwhile, a recent study found out that transgender people are four times more likely to experience violent crimes than cisgender people. This was concluded after researchers analysed pooled data from the 2017 and 2018 National crime victimisation survey.&nbsp;

On the occasion of Transgender Day of Remembrance, US President Joe Biden released a statement mourning the loss of 46 transgender Americans lost their lives in 2021 because of violence.

On the occasion of Transgender Day of Remembrance, US President Joe Biden released a statement mourning the loss of 46 transgender Americans lost their lives in 2021 because of violence. "Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, as well as the countless other transgender people—disproportionately Black and brown transgender women and girls—who face brutal violence, discrimination, and harassment," read the statement. The President highlighted how LGBTQI+ Americans, transgender people, live in fear constantly despite strengthening civil rights. In order to ensure that the government protects the civil rights of transgender Americans, Biden charged his team with coordinating across the federal government to address the "epidemic of violence and advance equality for transgender people." He further called on state leaders and lawmakers to battle the disturbing proliferation of discriminatory state legislation which targets transgender people, especially transgender children. Also read | Won't tolerate Taiwan's independence, says China "As I have said before, these bills are nothing more than bullying disguised as legislation, they are un-American, and they endanger the safety and well-being of our children. I also continue to urge the Senate to swiftly pass the Equality Act so that all people are able to live free from fear and discrimination," the statement read. He deemed transgender people as the "bravest Americans." Meanwhile, a recent study found out that transgender people are four times more likely to experience violent crimes than cisgender people. This was concluded after researchers analysed pooled data from the 2017 and 2018 National crime victimisation survey.

Transgender day of remembrance: Biden honours 46 transgender Americans killed due to violence in US

In the last days of the battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, when members of the once-fierce caliphate were cornered in a dirt field next to a town called Baghuz, a U.S. military drone circled high overhead, hunting for military targets. But it saw only a large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank.

Without warning, a U.S. F-15E attack jet streaked across the drone’s high-definition field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb on the crowd. Then a jet dropped one 2,000-pound bomb, then another.

It was March 18, 2019. At the U.S. military’s busy Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, uniformed personnel watching the live drone footage looked on in stunned disbelief.

“Who dropped that?” a confused analyst typed on a secure chat system being used by those monitoring the drone. Another responded, “We just dropped on 50 women and children.”

An initial battle damage assessment quickly found that the number of dead was actually about 70.

The Baghuz strike was one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against the Islamic State, but it has never been publicly acknowledged by the U.S. military. The details, reported here for the first time, show that the death toll was almost immediately apparent to military officials. A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. U.S.-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified.

The Defense Department’s independent inspector general began an inquiry, but the report containing its findings was stalled and stripped of any mention of the strike.

“Leadership just seemed so set on burying this,” said Gene Tate, an evaluator who worked on the case for the inspector general’s office and agreed to discuss the aspects that were not classified.

Tate, a former Navy officer who had worked for years as a civilian analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Counterterrorism Center before moving to the inspector general’s office, said he criticized the lack of action and was eventually forced out of his job.

The details of the strikes were pieced together by The New York Times over months from confidential documents and descriptions of classified reports as well as interviews with personnel directly involved and officials with top secret security clearances who discussed the incident on the condition that they not be named.

The Times investigation found that the bombing had been called in by a classified U.S. special operations unit, Task Force 9, which was in charge of ground operations in Syria. The task force operated in such secrecy that at times it did not inform even its own military partners of its actions. In the case of the Baghuz bombing, the U.S. Air Force command in Qatar had no idea the strike was coming.

After the strike, an alarmed Air Force intelligence officer in the operations center called over an Air Force lawyer in charge of determining the legality of strikes. The lawyer ordered the F-15E squadron and the drone crew to preserve all video and other evidence. He went upstairs and reported the strike to his chain of command, saying it was a possible violation of the law of armed conflict — a war crime — and regulations required a thorough, independent investigation.

But a thorough, independent investigation never happened.

This past week, after the Times sent its findings to U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, the command acknowledged the strikes for the first time, saying 80 people were killed but the airstrikes were justified. It said the bombs killed 16 fighters and four civilians. As for the other 60 people killed, the statement said it was not clear that they were civilians, in part because women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms.

The only assessment done immediately after the strike was performed by the same ground unit that ordered the strike. It determined that the bombing was lawful because it killed only a small number of civilians while targeting Islamic State fighters in an attempt to protect coalition forces. Therefore, no formal war crime notification, criminal investigation or disciplinary action was warranted.

But the Air Force lawyer, Lt. Col. Dean Korsak, believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act. When they did not, he alerted the Defense Department’s independent inspector general. Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Korsak did not respond to requests for comment.

A Secret Task Force

The United States portrayed the air war against the Islamic State as the most precise and humane bombing campaign in its history. The military said every report of civilian casualties was investigated and the findings reported publicly, creating what the military called a model of accountability.

But the strikes on Baghuz tell a different story.

The details suggest that while the military put strict rules in place to protect civilians, the Special Operations task force repeatedly used other rules to skirt them.

Even in the extraordinary case of Baghuz — which would rank third on the military’s worst civilian casualty events in Syria if 64 civilian deaths were acknowledged — regulations for reporting and investigating the potential crime were not followed, and no one was held accountable.

Nearly 1,000 strikes hit targets in Syria and Iraq in 2019, using 4,729 bombs and missiles. The official military tally of civilian dead for that entire year is only 22, and the strikes from March 18 are nowhere on the list.

The battle at Baghuz represented the end of a nearly five-year U.S.-led campaign to defeat the Islamic State in Syria. On the ground, Task Force 9 coordinated offensives and airstrikes. The unit included soldiers from the 5th Special Forces Group and the Army’s elite commando team Delta Force.

Over time, some officials overseeing the air campaign began to believe that the task force was systematically circumventing the safeguards created to limit civilian deaths.

The process was supposed to run through several checks and balances. Drones with high-definition cameras studied potential targets, sometimes for days or weeks. Analysts pored over intelligence data to differentiate combatants from civilians. And military lawyers were embedded with strike teams to ensure that targeting complied with the law of armed conflict.

But there was a quick and easy way to skip much of that oversight: claiming imminent danger.

The law of armed conflict — the rule book that lays out the military’s legal conduct in war — allows troops in life-threatening situations to sidestep the strike team lawyers, analysts and other bureaucracy and call in strikes directly from aircraft under what military regulations call an “inherent right of self-defense.”

Task Force 9 typically played only an advisory role in Syria, and its soldiers were usually well behind the front lines. Even so, by late 2018, about 80% of all airstrikes it was calling in claimed self-defense.

The rules allowed U.S. troops and local allies to invoke it when facing not just direct enemy fire, but anyone displaying “hostile intent.” Under that definition, something as mundane as a car driving miles from friendly forces could in some cases be targeted. The task force interpreted the rules broadly, the former officer said.

CIA officers working in Syria grew so alarmed over the task force’s strikes that agents reported their concern to the Department of Defense inspector general, which investigated the claims and produced a report. The results of that report are top secret, but a former task force officer said the CIA officers alleged that in about 10 incidents, the secretive task force hit targets knowing civilians would be killed. The former officer said the report determined that all the strikes were legal.

The inspector general declined to release the report or discuss its findings.

A Fatal Strike

The camp at Baghuz was effectively the Islamic State’s Alamo — a last stand where hard-core militants vowed to fight to the death. The coalition had laid siege, hoping to starve the fighters out. In six weeks, 29,000 people, most of them women and children, surrendered. On March 18, drone footage showed the camp still harbored large numbers of people suspected of being fighters and their families.

Coalition drones had scoured the camp 24 hours a day for weeks and knew nearly every inch, including the daily movements of groups of women and children.

What happened on the morning of March 18 is in dispute.

That day Islamic State fighters trapped in the camp launched a predawn counteroffensive, according to Central Command, which oversaw Task Force 9. It said hundreds of Islamic State fighters started firing rifles and grenade launchers and sending forward fighters with suicide vests. The coalition pummeled the fighters with airstrikes — so many that by midmorning, the coalition had used all the missiles on its drones. Only one U.S. drone, controlled by the task force, was left in the area, and it was unarmed.

At about 10 a.m., local Syrian forces reported they were under fire and in danger of being overrun and called for an airstrike, Central Command said. The task force drone tracked a group of fighters as they made their way through the camp to the area where the women and children sheltered.

A 5th Special Forces Group officer in the task force looked at the drone footage and did not see any civilians. But the drone he relied on had only a standard-definition camera. Central Command said there were no high-definition drones in the area that could get a better view of the target.

The Special Forces officer gave the order to fire. With no precision missiles left, the ground commander called in 500- and 2,000-pound bombs. The strike log classified the strike as self-defense.

In fact, a high-definition drone was available. The task force did not use it. Circling above, it was streaming footage of the same patch of ground to the operations center in Qatar. Because the task force operated at a high level of secrecy, the people in Qatar watching the high-definition drone were not aware the task force was about to call in a strike.

Central Command said the task force did not know that the better drone was overhead.

The high-definition drone recorded a very different scene from what was described by Central Command this past week. In it, two or three men — not 16 — wander through the frame. They have rifles but do not appear to be maneuvering, engaging coalition forces or acting in a way that would seem to justify a self-defense strike with 2,000-pound bombs. A chat log used by analysts who were watching the footage noted the presence of women, children and a man with a gun but did not mention any active combat.

Moments after the task force called in the strike, an F-15E attack plane hit the spot with a 500-pound bomb. Five minutes later, when ground forces saw people fleeing the blast site, the F-15E dropped two 2,000-pound bombs on the survivors. The entire attack took 12 minutes.

A Failed Investigation

Defense Department regulations require any “possible, suspected or alleged” violation of the law of armed conflict to be reported immediately to the combatant commander in charge as well as criminal investigators, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the secretary of defense and the secretary of the Army.

After viewing the footage, Korsak ordered the units involved to preserve nine pieces of evidence, including video, and reported the strike to his chain of command. He also notified the command of concerns that the unit appeared to be covering up the alleged war crimes violations by adding details to the strike log that would justify a self-defense strike. Commanders did not take action.

Coalition forces overran the camp that day and defeated the Islamic State a few days later.

Civilian observers who came to the area of the strike the next day found piles of dead women and children.

Satellite images from four days later show the sheltered bank and area around it appeared to have been bulldozed.

Concerned that details of the airstrike would be buried as well, Korsak alerted the Air Force’s version of the FBI, the Office of Special Investigations. A major responded that agents probably would not look into it.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations declined to comment.

Korsak again pressed his chain of command to act, informing his command’s chief legal officer in a memo in May 2019 that regulations required an investigation. His superiors did not open an investigation.

Unwilling to let the issue drop, Korsak filed a hotline complaint with the inspector general’s office in August 2019.

A four-person team in the office was already looking into shortcomings in the civilian casualty reporting processes in Syria and quickly set up an interview in a secure setting. After reviewing the high-definition footage and interviewing Korsak, the team, which included Tate, told superiors in the inspector general’s office that the allegation of a war crime was “extremely credible.”

But like the Air Force lawyer’s earlier effort, Tate’s team soon hit roadblocks. Central Command was slow to turn over evidence. Tate obtained video from several drones flying over Baghuz that day but could not locate the footage from the task force drone that called in the strike.

Tate studied the task force’s casualty report, but it did not match what he saw on video. The civilian deaths stated in the report were “an impossibly small number,” he said.

The final section of the casualty report was reserved for the legal opinion. In one version of the report that Tate was sent by the staff at Operation Inherent Resolve, the Baghdad-based military command overseeing operations in Iraq and Syria, a task force lawyer and an operations officer wrote that a violation of the law of armed conflict may have taken place. In another copy that came from Central Command, he said, that opinion had been removed.

Tate could find no evidence that the Joint Chiefs, the defense secretary or criminal investigators had been alerted, as required.

Within days of interviewing Korsak, Tate’s team took their findings to supervisors and told them the office was required to alert those officials and criminal investigation agencies. Tate said his supervisors took no action. The team pressed leaders numerous times over the next several months, and in January 2020, Tate’s team leader drafted a memo that would formally alert authorities. It only needed to be signed by the deputy inspector general overseeing the team. Tate said the supervisor did not sign it.

In the months that followed in 2020, the team finished its report on broader issues in the civilian casualty reporting process, but as it went through the editing and approval process, all mentions of the Baghuz strike were cut.

Tate became increasingly pointed in criticizing the leadership of the inspector general’s office. In October 2020, he said he was forced out of his position and escorted from the building by security.

A spokesperson for the inspector general’s office disputed Tate’s account. She said that it alerted the proper authorities at Central Command shortly after receiving the first hotline complaint in 2019. The spokesperson said the office also notified criminal investigators about the strike in October 2020, 14 months after receiving the hotline call.

Tate refused to give up. He contacted the Senate Armed Services Committee in May and sent a 10-page letter describing the strike and what he viewed as a “systematic failure” on civilian casualty reporting. The committee then contacted Korsak, who replied with a detailed email.

Tate waited for months for the committee to call back and give him an indication that it was actively looking at the case. This past week, he said with a sigh that he was still waiting.

In the last days of the battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, when members of the once-fierce caliphate were cornered in a dirt field next to a town called Baghuz, a U.

In the last days of the battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, when members of the once-fierce caliphate were cornered in a dirt field next to a town called Baghuz, a U.S. military drone circled high overhead, hunting for military targets. But it saw only a large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank. Without warning, a U.S. F-15E attack jet streaked across the drone’s high-definition field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb on the crowd. Then a jet dropped one 2,000-pound bomb, then another. It was March 18, 2019. At the U.S. military’s busy Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, uniformed personnel watching the live drone footage looked on in stunned disbelief. “Who dropped that?” a confused analyst typed on a secure chat system being used by those monitoring the drone. Another responded, “We just dropped on 50 women and children.” An initial battle damage assessment quickly found that the number of dead was actually about 70. The Baghuz strike was one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against the Islamic State, but it has never been publicly acknowledged by the U.S. military. The details, reported here for the first time, show that the death toll was almost immediately apparent to military officials. A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. U.S.-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified. The Defense Department’s independent inspector general began an inquiry, but the report containing its findings was stalled and stripped of any mention of the strike. “Leadership just seemed so set on burying this,” said Gene Tate, an evaluator who worked on the case for the inspector general’s office and agreed to discuss the aspects that were not classified. Tate, a former Navy officer who had worked for years as a civilian analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Counterterrorism Center before moving to the inspector general’s office, said he criticized the lack of action and was eventually forced out of his job. The details of the strikes were pieced together by The New York Times over months from confidential documents and descriptions of classified reports as well as interviews with personnel directly involved and officials with top secret security clearances who discussed the incident on the condition that they not be named. The Times investigation found that the bombing had been called in by a classified U.S. special operations unit, Task Force 9, which was in charge of ground operations in Syria. The task force operated in such secrecy that at times it did not inform even its own military partners of its actions. In the case of the Baghuz bombing, the U.S. Air Force command in Qatar had no idea the strike was coming. After the strike, an alarmed Air Force intelligence officer in the operations center called over an Air Force lawyer in charge of determining the legality of strikes. The lawyer ordered the F-15E squadron and the drone crew to preserve all video and other evidence. He went upstairs and reported the strike to his chain of command, saying it was a possible violation of the law of armed conflict — a war crime — and regulations required a thorough, independent investigation. But a thorough, independent investigation never happened. This past week, after the Times sent its findings to U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, the command acknowledged the strikes for the first time, saying 80 people were killed but the airstrikes were justified. It said the bombs killed 16 fighters and four civilians. As for the other 60 people killed, the statement said it was not clear that they were civilians, in part because women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms. The only assessment done immediately after the strike was performed by the same ground unit that ordered the strike. It determined that the bombing was lawful because it killed only a small number of civilians while targeting Islamic State fighters in an attempt to protect coalition forces. Therefore, no formal war crime notification, criminal investigation or disciplinary action was warranted. But the Air Force lawyer, Lt. Col. Dean Korsak, believed he had witnessed possible war crimes and repeatedly pressed his leadership and Air Force criminal investigators to act. When they did not, he alerted the Defense Department’s independent inspector general. Two years after the strike, seeing no evidence that the watchdog agency was taking action, Korsak emailed the Senate Armed Services Committee. Korsak did not respond to requests for comment. A Secret Task Force The United States portrayed the air war against the Islamic State as the most precise and humane bombing campaign in its history. The military said every report of civilian casualties was investigated and the findings reported publicly, creating what the military called a model of accountability. But the strikes on Baghuz tell a different story. The details suggest that while the military put strict rules in place to protect civilians, the Special Operations task force repeatedly used other rules to skirt them. Even in the extraordinary case of Baghuz — which would rank third on the military’s worst civilian casualty events in Syria if 64 civilian deaths were acknowledged — regulations for reporting and investigating the potential crime were not followed, and no one was held accountable. Nearly 1,000 strikes hit targets in Syria and Iraq in 2019, using 4,729 bombs and missiles. The official military tally of civilian dead for that entire year is only 22, and the strikes from March 18 are nowhere on the list. The battle at Baghuz represented the end of a nearly five-year U.S.-led campaign to defeat the Islamic State in Syria. On the ground, Task Force 9 coordinated offensives and airstrikes. The unit included soldiers from the 5th Special Forces Group and the Army’s elite commando team Delta Force. Over time, some officials overseeing the air campaign began to believe that the task force was systematically circumventing the safeguards created to limit civilian deaths. The process was supposed to run through several checks and balances. Drones with high-definition cameras studied potential targets, sometimes for days or weeks. Analysts pored over intelligence data to differentiate combatants from civilians. And military lawyers were embedded with strike teams to ensure that targeting complied with the law of armed conflict. But there was a quick and easy way to skip much of that oversight: claiming imminent danger. The law of armed conflict — the rule book that lays out the military’s legal conduct in war — allows troops in life-threatening situations to sidestep the strike team lawyers, analysts and other bureaucracy and call in strikes directly from aircraft under what military regulations call an “inherent right of self-defense.” Task Force 9 typically played only an advisory role in Syria, and its soldiers were usually well behind the front lines. Even so, by late 2018, about 80% of all airstrikes it was calling in claimed self-defense. The rules allowed U.S. troops and local allies to invoke it when facing not just direct enemy fire, but anyone displaying “hostile intent.” Under that definition, something as mundane as a car driving miles from friendly forces could in some cases be targeted. The task force interpreted the rules broadly, the former officer said. CIA officers working in Syria grew so alarmed over the task force’s strikes that agents reported their concern to the Department of Defense inspector general, which investigated the claims and produced a report. The results of that report are top secret, but a former task force officer said the CIA officers alleged that in about 10 incidents, the secretive task force hit targets knowing civilians would be killed. The former officer said the report determined that all the strikes were legal. The inspector general declined to release the report or discuss its findings. A Fatal Strike The camp at Baghuz was effectively the Islamic State’s Alamo — a last stand where hard-core militants vowed to fight to the death. The coalition had laid siege, hoping to starve the fighters out. In six weeks, 29,000 people, most of them women and children, surrendered. On March 18, drone footage showed the camp still harbored large numbers of people suspected of being fighters and their families. Coalition drones had scoured the camp 24 hours a day for weeks and knew nearly every inch, including the daily movements of groups of women and children. What happened on the morning of March 18 is in dispute. That day Islamic State fighters trapped in the camp launched a predawn counteroffensive, according to Central Command, which oversaw Task Force 9. It said hundreds of Islamic State fighters started firing rifles and grenade launchers and sending forward fighters with suicide vests. The coalition pummeled the fighters with airstrikes — so many that by midmorning, the coalition had used all the missiles on its drones. Only one U.S. drone, controlled by the task force, was left in the area, and it was unarmed. At about 10 a.m., local Syrian forces reported they were under fire and in danger of being overrun and called for an airstrike, Central Command said. The task force drone tracked a group of fighters as they made their way through the camp to the area where the women and children sheltered. A 5th Special Forces Group officer in the task force looked at the drone footage and did not see any civilians. But the drone he relied on had only a standard-definition camera. Central Command said there were no high-definition drones in the area that could get a better view of the target. The Special Forces officer gave the order to fire. With no precision missiles left, the ground commander called in 500- and 2,000-pound bombs. The strike log classified the strike as self-defense. In fact, a high-definition drone was available. The task force did not use it. Circling above, it was streaming footage of the same patch of ground to the operations center in Qatar. Because the task force operated at a high level of secrecy, the people in Qatar watching the high-definition drone were not aware the task force was about to call in a strike. Central Command said the task force did not know that the better drone was overhead. The high-definition drone recorded a very different scene from what was described by Central Command this past week. In it, two or three men — not 16 — wander through the frame. They have rifles but do not appear to be maneuvering, engaging coalition forces or acting in a way that would seem to justify a self-defense strike with 2,000-pound bombs. A chat log used by analysts who were watching the footage noted the presence of women, children and a man with a gun but did not mention any active combat. Moments after the task force called in the strike, an F-15E attack plane hit the spot with a 500-pound bomb. Five minutes later, when ground forces saw people fleeing the blast site, the F-15E dropped two 2,000-pound bombs on the survivors. The entire attack took 12 minutes. A Failed Investigation Defense Department regulations require any “possible, suspected or alleged” violation of the law of armed conflict to be reported immediately to the combatant commander in charge as well as criminal investigators, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the secretary of defense and the secretary of the Army. After viewing the footage, Korsak ordered the units involved to preserve nine pieces of evidence, including video, and reported the strike to his chain of command. He also notified the command of concerns that the unit appeared to be covering up the alleged war crimes violations by adding details to the strike log that would justify a self-defense strike. Commanders did not take action. Coalition forces overran the camp that day and defeated the Islamic State a few days later. Civilian observers who came to the area of the strike the next day found piles of dead women and children. Satellite images from four days later show the sheltered bank and area around it appeared to have been bulldozed. Concerned that details of the airstrike would be buried as well, Korsak alerted the Air Force’s version of the FBI, the Office of Special Investigations. A major responded that agents probably would not look into it. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations declined to comment. Korsak again pressed his chain of command to act, informing his command’s chief legal officer in a memo in May 2019 that regulations required an investigation. His superiors did not open an investigation. Unwilling to let the issue drop, Korsak filed a hotline complaint with the inspector general’s office in August 2019. A four-person team in the office was already looking into shortcomings in the civilian casualty reporting processes in Syria and quickly set up an interview in a secure setting. After reviewing the high-definition footage and interviewing Korsak, the team, which included Tate, told superiors in the inspector general’s office that the allegation of a war crime was “extremely credible.” But like the Air Force lawyer’s earlier effort, Tate’s team soon hit roadblocks. Central Command was slow to turn over evidence. Tate obtained video from several drones flying over Baghuz that day but could not locate the footage from the task force drone that called in the strike. Tate studied the task force’s casualty report, but it did not match what he saw on video. The civilian deaths stated in the report were “an impossibly small number,” he said. The final section of the casualty report was reserved for the legal opinion. In one version of the report that Tate was sent by the staff at Operation Inherent Resolve, the Baghdad-based military command overseeing operations in Iraq and Syria, a task force lawyer and an operations officer wrote that a violation of the law of armed conflict may have taken place. In another copy that came from Central Command, he said, that opinion had been removed. Tate could find no evidence that the Joint Chiefs, the defense secretary or criminal investigators had been alerted, as required. Within days of interviewing Korsak, Tate’s team took their findings to supervisors and told them the office was required to alert those officials and criminal investigation agencies. Tate said his supervisors took no action. The team pressed leaders numerous times over the next several months, and in January 2020, Tate’s team leader drafted a memo that would formally alert authorities. It only needed to be signed by the deputy inspector general overseeing the team. Tate said the supervisor did not sign it. In the months that followed in 2020, the team finished its report on broader issues in the civilian casualty reporting process, but as it went through the editing and approval process, all mentions of the Baghuz strike were cut. Tate became increasingly pointed in criticizing the leadership of the inspector general’s office. In October 2020, he said he was forced out of his position and escorted from the building by security. A spokesperson for the inspector general’s office disputed Tate’s account. She said that it alerted the proper authorities at Central Command shortly after receiving the first hotline complaint in 2019. The spokesperson said the office also notified criminal investigators about the strike in October 2020, 14 months after receiving the hotline call. Tate refused to give up. He contacted the Senate Armed Services Committee in May and sent a 10-page letter describing the strike and what he viewed as a “systematic failure” on civilian casualty reporting. The committee then contacted Korsak, who replied with a detailed email. Tate waited for months for the committee to call back and give him an indication that it was actively looking at the case. This past week, he said with a sigh that he was still waiting.

How the US hid an airstrike that killed dozens of civilians in Syria

In some videos circulating on social media, Travis Scott seems to have been allegedly performing while crowds chanted 'stop the show' after several people were crushed to death. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASTROWORLDFest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASTROWORLDFest</a> “The show must go on” is not meant to be taken literally when people are dying. I hope the families of those lost and all those in attendance who did help the injured are being supported right now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravisScott?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravisScott</a> <a href="https://t.co/tGrJ6gBeqE">pic.twitter.com/tGrJ6gBeqE</a>
— Ann (@CrimsonGrad) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrimsonGrad/status/1457101597079658508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Scott continued to perform for about 30 minutes. The rapper was also left 'in tears and beside himself' after finding out what actually happened on the venue. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-8-dead-many-hurt-in-stampede-at-travis-scotts-astroworld-music-festival-in-us-427128" hreflang="en">At least 8 dead, many hurt in stampede at Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in US</a>

In the incident, at least eight people were left dead and hundreds injured after a crowd surge at Astroworld Festival on Friday night. &nbsp;

On Twitter, some videos of the event show fans asking the rapper to stop performing by chanting 'stop the show' as the attendees of the concert were getting knocked down and crushed by others. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The blood is on your hands. People screamed for help in between songs when it was quiet enough to hear. You watched bodies being carried out. People were screaming about others dying. You deserve to be held responsible. This some half ass PR bullshit. 🖕🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/trvisXX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trvisXX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASTROWORLDFest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASTROWORLDFest</a> <a href="https://t.co/fINcvKikRG">https://t.co/fINcvKikRG</a>
— ♡ 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 ♡ (@starfumes) <a href="https://twitter.com/starfumes/status/1457139232665849856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Fans were recording the concert and people doing CPR. Fans were yelling at the stage crew around us, saying stop the concert, people are dying. No one listened," a concert attendee Madeline Eskins told Rolling Stone. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-standoff-democrats-finally-pass-1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-in-us-to-push-bidens-domestic-agenda-427102" hreflang="en">Ending standoff, Democrats finally pass $1 trillion infrastructure bill in US to push Biden's domestic agenda</a>&nbsp;

"It was definitely overcrowded. It was insane, honestly. I knew it was just way too crowded – it just got worse and worse as I got closer to Travis Scott performing it got more crowded, more crowded, more crowded." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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JUST IN: Travis Scott shares video addressing the tragedy at Astroworld Fest <a href="https://t.co/MSjVpJH3fK">pic.twitter.com/MSjVpJH3fK</a>
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) <a href="https://twitter.com/XXL/status/1457157189018193924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Later, the rapper also shared a heartfelt message over the incident. He said, he wants to send out prayers for the people, who were lost in the incident. Scott was also filmed calling for help. &nbsp;

Around 50,000 people attended the sold-out Astroworld event at Houston's NRG Park.

A small makeshift memorial has also come up along a chain link fence at NRG Park in Houston on Saturday. Several people have left flower bouquets and small handwritten cards. &nbsp;&nbsp;

City Police Chief Troy Finner said his department has opened a criminal investigation by homicide and narcotics detectives after unconfirmed reports that someone in the audience "was injecting other people with drugs." The investigation is likely to focus on security and safety protocols. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In some videos circulating on social media, Travis Scott seems to have been allegedly performing while crowds chanted 'stop the show' after several people were crushed to death.

In some videos circulating on social media, Travis Scott seems to have been allegedly performing while crowds chanted 'stop the show' after several people were crushed to death. #ASTROWORLDFest “The show must go on” is not meant to be taken literally when people are dying. I hope the families of those lost and all those in attendance who did help the injured are being supported right now. #TravisScott pic.twitter.com/tGrJ6gBeqE — Ann (@CrimsonGrad) November 6, 2021 × According to reports, Scott continued to perform for about 30 minutes. The rapper was also left 'in tears and beside himself' after finding out what actually happened on the venue. Also Read: At least 8 dead, many hurt in stampede at Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in US In the incident, at least eight people were left dead and hundreds injured after a crowd surge at Astroworld Festival on Friday night. On Twitter, some videos of the event show fans asking the rapper to stop performing by chanting 'stop the show' as the attendees of the concert were getting knocked down and crushed by others. The blood is on your hands. People screamed for help in between songs when it was quiet enough to hear. You watched bodies being carried out. People were screaming about others dying. You deserve to be held responsible. This some half ass PR bullshit. 🖕🏼@trvisXX #ASTROWORLDFest https://t.co/fINcvKikRG — ♡ 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 ♡ (@starfumes) November 7, 2021 × "Fans were recording the concert and people doing CPR. Fans were yelling at the stage crew around us, saying stop the concert, people are dying. No one listened," a concert attendee Madeline Eskins told Rolling Stone. Also Read: Ending standoff, Democrats finally pass $1 trillion infrastructure bill in US to push Biden's domestic agenda "It was definitely overcrowded. It was insane, honestly. I knew it was just way too crowded – it just got worse and worse as I got closer to Travis Scott performing it got more crowded, more crowded, more crowded." JUST IN: Travis Scott shares video addressing the tragedy at Astroworld Fest pic.twitter.com/MSjVpJH3fK — XXL Magazine (@XXL) November 7, 2021 × Later, the rapper also shared a heartfelt message over the incident. He said, he wants to send out prayers for the people, who were lost in the incident. Scott was also filmed calling for help. Around 50,000 people attended the sold-out Astroworld event at Houston's NRG Park. A small makeshift memorial has also come up along a chain link fence at NRG Park in Houston on Saturday. Several people have left flower bouquets and small handwritten cards. City Police Chief Troy Finner said his department has opened a criminal investigation by homicide and narcotics detectives after unconfirmed reports that someone in the audience "was injecting other people with drugs." The investigation is likely to focus on security and safety protocols. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Scott performs at Astroworld festival as crowds chant 'stop the show'

At least 8 people have been reported dead and several others injured at hip hop star Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in Houston, said officials.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The incident occurred when fans pushed towards the stage, leading to panic and injuries in the US state of Texas. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-standoff-democrats-finally-pass-1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-in-us-to-push-bidens-domestic-agenda-427102" hreflang="en">Ending standoff, Democrats finally pass $1 trillion infrastructure bill in US to push Biden's domestic agenda</a>&nbsp;

Thousands of fans had thronged the NRG Park complex on Friday. According to unconfirmed reports, a number of attendees also suffered heart attacks. &nbsp;

Several social media users have been sharing posts about the incident. Paramedics have also arrived on the scene.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-spy-convicted-of-trying-to-steal-us-aviation-trade-secrets-427104" hreflang="en">Chinese spy convicted of trying to steal US aviation trade secrets</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The compression of the crowd towards the stage happened when Travis Scott was performing, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena told reporters.&nbsp;

The show was called off shortly after several people got injured&nbsp;in a crowd surge at the festival at around 9 pm on Friday night.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 8 people have been reported dead and several others injured at hip hop star Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in Houston, said officials. The incident occurred when fans pushed towards the stage, leading to panic and injuries in the US state of Texas.

At least 8 people have been reported dead and several others injured at hip hop star Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in Houston, said officials. The incident occurred when fans pushed towards the stage, leading to panic and injuries in the US state of Texas. Also Read: Ending standoff, Democrats finally pass $1 trillion infrastructure bill in US to push Biden's domestic agenda Thousands of fans had thronged the NRG Park complex on Friday. According to unconfirmed reports, a number of attendees also suffered heart attacks. Several social media users have been sharing posts about the incident. Paramedics have also arrived on the scene. Also Read: Chinese spy convicted of trying to steal US aviation trade secrets The compression of the crowd towards the stage happened when Travis Scott was performing, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena told reporters. The show was called off shortly after several people got injured in a crowd surge at the festival at around 9 pm on Friday night. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 8 dead, many hurt in stampede at Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival in US

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservative-mp-dies-after-getting-stabbed-multiple-times-suspect-arrested-421026">UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arreste</a>d

The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum.

Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries".

She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs".

This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism">With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism</a>

The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings.

Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention.&nbsp;

He has not been charged.

British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali.&nbsp;

Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation.

Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC.

The Prevent programme is currently under independent review.

"We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News.

'Fast-paced investigation'&nbsp;

Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation".

Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia.

Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-church-where-british-lawmaker-david-amess-was-stabbed-to-death-421323">UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death&nbsp;</a>

Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world."

The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries".

Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years. Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday. Also Read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum. Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command. Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries". She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs". This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added. Also Read | With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings. Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention. He has not been charged. British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali. Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation. Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC. The Prevent programme is currently under independent review. "We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News. 'Fast-paced investigation' Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation". Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia. Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised." Also Read | UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world." The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries". Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

UK says will beef up MPs' security after MP killed

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country.

Protests began on Wednesday after footage emerged of a Koran being placed on the knee of a Hindu god during celebrations for the Hindu festival Durga Puja. The minority community make up about 10 per cent of the population.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Police said the latest violence occurred in the southern town of Begumganj when hundreds of Muslims formed a street procession after Friday prayers on the final day of Durga Puja.

More than 200 protesters attacked a temple where members of the Hindu community were preparing to perform the last rites of the 10-day festival, local police station chief Shah Imran told reporters.

The attackers beat and stabbed to death an executive member of the temple committee, he said.

On Saturday morning, another Hindu man's body was found near a pond next to the temple, district police chief Shahidul Islam told AFP.

"Two men have died since yesterday's attack. We are working to find the culprits," he added.

Anti-Hindu violence spread to more than a dozen districts across Bangladesh this week after footage emerged on social media of the Koran incident.

At least four people were killed late Wednesday when police opened fire on a crowd of around 500 people attacking a Hindu temple in Hajiganj, one of several towns hit by the disturbances.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temples-durga-puja-pandals-vandalised-in-bangladesh-4-killed-420683">Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed</a>

At least 150 Hindus were injured across the country, community leader Gobinda Chandra Pramanik told AFP, and at least 80 makeshift temples had been attacked. Authorities did not confirm the figures.

Hindus have often fallen victim to communal violence in the country of 169 million.

Local authorities said they have deployed extra security including paramilitary border guards to control any further unrest.

On Friday violence broke out in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong, prompting police to fire tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of brick-throwing Muslim protesters.

High-speed mobile phone internet services were shut down in an apparent bid to prevent the violence from spreading.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met leaders of the Hindu community on Thursday and promised stern action.

"So far around 90 people have been arrested. We will also hunt down all the masterminds," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said.

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country.

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country. Protests began on Wednesday after footage emerged of a Koran being placed on the knee of a Hindu god during celebrations for the Hindu festival Durga Puja. The minority community make up about 10 per cent of the population. Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Police said the latest violence occurred in the southern town of Begumganj when hundreds of Muslims formed a street procession after Friday prayers on the final day of Durga Puja. More than 200 protesters attacked a temple where members of the Hindu community were preparing to perform the last rites of the 10-day festival, local police station chief Shah Imran told reporters. The attackers beat and stabbed to death an executive member of the temple committee, he said. On Saturday morning, another Hindu man's body was found near a pond next to the temple, district police chief Shahidul Islam told AFP. "Two men have died since yesterday's attack. We are working to find the culprits," he added. Anti-Hindu violence spread to more than a dozen districts across Bangladesh this week after footage emerged on social media of the Koran incident. At least four people were killed late Wednesday when police opened fire on a crowd of around 500 people attacking a Hindu temple in Hajiganj, one of several towns hit by the disturbances. Also Read | Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed At least 150 Hindus were injured across the country, community leader Gobinda Chandra Pramanik told AFP, and at least 80 makeshift temples had been attacked. Authorities did not confirm the figures. Hindus have often fallen victim to communal violence in the country of 169 million. Local authorities said they have deployed extra security including paramilitary border guards to control any further unrest. On Friday violence broke out in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong, prompting police to fire tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of brick-throwing Muslim protesters. High-speed mobile phone internet services were shut down in an apparent bid to prevent the violence from spreading. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met leaders of the Hindu community on Thursday and promised stern action. "So far around 90 people have been arrested. We will also hunt down all the masterminds," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said.

Two Hindu men killed in fresh Bangladesh religious unrest

Eleven civilians were killed by rebels in eastern Central African Republic (CAR), where government forces are battling armed groups, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The attack occurred on Tuesday near Bambari, the CAR's fourth-biggest city, when three cars came under fire, leaving a "toll of 11 dead and six wounded, said Saturnin Nicaise Grepandet, the area's deputy prefect.

A provisional toll earlier listed seven dead, while aid workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least 15 had died.

The CAR, a landlocked and poverty-stricken country in the heart of Africa, has been locked in a brutal conflict since 2013 when its then president, Francois Bozize, was overthrown by an armed group drawn mainly from the Muslim minority.

The coup triggered a bloodbath with the so-called "anti-Balaka," a force drawn mainly from the Christian and animist communities.

Bozize's elected successor, Faustin Archange Touadera, has struggled to exert control and swathes of the country remain in the hands of armed groups.

In Bambari, a city lying 380 kilometres (240 miles) east of the capital Bangui, rebels from the Union for Peace in Central Africa (UPC), one of the biggest armed groups in the region, recently killed two government troops.

The authorities on October 1 extended a curfew period in response to the worsening security.

A coalition of six rebel groups last December advanced on Bangui in the runup to presidential elections, but were thwarted after Russia and Rwanda rushed military support for Touadera.

A UN report in March said hundreds of violations and abuses of human rights had been documented over the previous year, leading to at least 1,221 deaths, including 144 civilians.

Some of the cases were attributable to the CAR armed forces and "private military personnel," it said, referring to the Russian paramilitaries.

The CAR government in a report last Friday acknowledged that some abuses had been committed by "Russian instructors," but contended that the rebels were to blame for most of the cases.

Eleven civilians were killed by rebels in eastern Central African Republic (CAR), where government forces are battling armed groups, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Eleven civilians were killed by rebels in eastern Central African Republic (CAR), where government forces are battling armed groups, a senior official said on Wednesday. The attack occurred on Tuesday near Bambari, the CAR's fourth-biggest city, when three cars came under fire, leaving a "toll of 11 dead and six wounded, said Saturnin Nicaise Grepandet, the area's deputy prefect. A provisional toll earlier listed seven dead, while aid workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least 15 had died. The CAR, a landlocked and poverty-stricken country in the heart of Africa, has been locked in a brutal conflict since 2013 when its then president, Francois Bozize, was overthrown by an armed group drawn mainly from the Muslim minority. The coup triggered a bloodbath with the so-called "anti-Balaka," a force drawn mainly from the Christian and animist communities. Bozize's elected successor, Faustin Archange Touadera, has struggled to exert control and swathes of the country remain in the hands of armed groups. In Bambari, a city lying 380 kilometres (240 miles) east of the capital Bangui, rebels from the Union for Peace in Central Africa (UPC), one of the biggest armed groups in the region, recently killed two government troops. The authorities on October 1 extended a curfew period in response to the worsening security. A coalition of six rebel groups last December advanced on Bangui in the runup to presidential elections, but were thwarted after Russia and Rwanda rushed military support for Touadera. A UN report in March said hundreds of violations and abuses of human rights had been documented over the previous year, leading to at least 1,221 deaths, including 144 civilians. Some of the cases were attributable to the CAR armed forces and "private military personnel," it said, referring to the Russian paramilitaries. The CAR government in a report last Friday acknowledged that some abuses had been committed by "Russian instructors," but contended that the rebels were to blame for most of the cases.

Rebel attack kills 11 in C.Africa: Official

An Egyptian peacekeeper was killed and four colleagues were seriously injured in improvised explosive attacks on their convoy in Mali's volatile north on Saturday, the United Nations said.

Confirming the toll, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attacks, which happened near Tessalit, close to the Algerian border.

Guterres said attacks could constitute war crimes, and called on Malian authorities "to spare no effort" in finding those responsible.

"This incident is a sad reminder of the permanent danger hanging over our peacekeepers and of the sacrifices made for peace in Mali," El-Ghassim Wane, who heads the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA), said in an earlier statement.

Already battling a jihadist insurgency, Mali slid into political turmoil when a military coup in August 2020 installed an interim civilian government only for it to be overthrown in a second putsch less than a year later. &nbsp;

Deployed in Mali since 2013, MINUSMA is currently the deadliest United Nations peace mission in the world, with 145 killed in hostile acts recorded as of August 31, according to UN statistics.

The current force includes more than 12,000 soldiers.

In April, four Chadian peacekeepers from MINUSMA were killed in a jihadist attack on their camp in Aguelhok, also in northeastern Mali.&nbsp;

The latest violence comes amid uncertainty over the future of foreign military forces in the country.

Controversy over Russian firm

Mali's new military-dominated government took delivery Saturday of four Russian military helicopters as it considered hiring mercenaries from a Russian private security firm.

The Wagner group is considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Western countries accuse it of acting on behalf of Moscow.

European countries warned Bamako against becoming involved with the group on the sidelines of last week's UN General Assembly.

The new regime is reportedly in the process of hiring 1,000 paramilitaries from Wagner, a move viewed with grave concern particularly by former colonial power France, which currently maintains a 5,000-strong counterterrorism mission in Mali.

It was French military intervention in 2013 that helped defeat a jihadist insurgency there.

But Paris is due to reduce the number of its troops in the Sahel to 2,500 or 3,000 by 2023.&nbsp;

It wants to reorganise its presence around a tighter unit centred on targeted strikes against jihadist leaders and on supporting local armies.

At the UN last month, Mali's Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga reacted to the decision by accusing France of abandoning his country. Bamako was justified in its desire to "seek other partners" to boost security, he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the comments as "inadmissible" in the same week another soldier died in Mali, the 52nd service member lost there since 2013.

An Egyptian peacekeeper was killed and four colleagues were seriously injured in improvised explosive attacks on their convoy in Mali's volatile north on Saturday, the United Nations said.

An Egyptian peacekeeper was killed and four colleagues were seriously injured in improvised explosive attacks on their convoy in Mali's volatile north on Saturday, the United Nations said. Confirming the toll, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attacks, which happened near Tessalit, close to the Algerian border. Guterres said attacks could constitute war crimes, and called on Malian authorities "to spare no effort" in finding those responsible. "This incident is a sad reminder of the permanent danger hanging over our peacekeepers and of the sacrifices made for peace in Mali," El-Ghassim Wane, who heads the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA), said in an earlier statement. Already battling a jihadist insurgency, Mali slid into political turmoil when a military coup in August 2020 installed an interim civilian government only for it to be overthrown in a second putsch less than a year later. Deployed in Mali since 2013, MINUSMA is currently the deadliest United Nations peace mission in the world, with 145 killed in hostile acts recorded as of August 31, according to UN statistics. The current force includes more than 12,000 soldiers. In April, four Chadian peacekeepers from MINUSMA were killed in a jihadist attack on their camp in Aguelhok, also in northeastern Mali. The latest violence comes amid uncertainty over the future of foreign military forces in the country. Controversy over Russian firm Mali's new military-dominated government took delivery Saturday of four Russian military helicopters as it considered hiring mercenaries from a Russian private security firm. The Wagner group is considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Western countries accuse it of acting on behalf of Moscow. European countries warned Bamako against becoming involved with the group on the sidelines of last week's UN General Assembly. The new regime is reportedly in the process of hiring 1,000 paramilitaries from Wagner, a move viewed with grave concern particularly by former colonial power France, which currently maintains a 5,000-strong counterterrorism mission in Mali. It was French military intervention in 2013 that helped defeat a jihadist insurgency there. But Paris is due to reduce the number of its troops in the Sahel to 2,500 or 3,000 by 2023. It wants to reorganise its presence around a tighter unit centred on targeted strikes against jihadist leaders and on supporting local armies. At the UN last month, Mali's Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga reacted to the decision by accusing France of abandoning his country. Bamako was justified in its desire to "seek other partners" to boost security, he added. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the comments as "inadmissible" in the same week another soldier died in Mali, the 52nd service member lost there since 2013.

UN peacekeeper killed in north Mali IED attack

A private plane crashed into an empty building on the outskirts of Milan, northern Italy, on Sunday, killing all eight people on board, reveals police.&nbsp;

As per the officials, the aeroplane had taken off from Milan's Linate city airport and was heading for the island of Sardinia. The crash occurred just outside a suburban metro station.

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🇮🇹✈️💥 A small private plane crashed into an empty building on the outskirts of Milan, northern Italy, on Sunday, killing all eight people onboard, police said. 
 
🔹 The crash occurred just outside a suburban metro station. 
 
via <a href="https://twitter.com/PiQSuite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiQSuite</a> <a href="https://t.co/LKXPkdfCbN">https://t.co/LKXPkdfCbN</a> <a href="https://t.co/6sDzaRzugx">pic.twitter.com/6sDzaRzugx</a>
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People in the area could hear a blast when the plane collided with the two-storey building. The building was empty at the time as it was being renovated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-fissures-erupt-in-canary-islands-volcano-417900">Also read |&nbsp;New fissures erupt in Canary Islands volcano</a>

"I heard the sound of an aeroplane above me, as if the plane was shutting down its engine", San Donato resident Giuseppe told Reuters.

"Then I heard a very loud explosion, the windows of our house started to shake so I opened the window and saw a huge cloud of smoke rising into the sky", he added.

Witnesses told that vehicles parked along the street caught fire. However, no casualties have been reported so far.

A private plane crashed into an empty building on the outskirts of Milan, northern Italy, on Sunday, killing all eight people on board, reveals police. As per the officials, the aeroplane had taken off from Milan's Linate city airport and was heading for the island of Sardinia.

A private plane crashed into an empty building on the outskirts of Milan, northern Italy, on Sunday, killing all eight people on board, reveals police. As per the officials, the aeroplane had taken off from Milan's Linate city airport and was heading for the island of Sardinia. The crash occurred just outside a suburban metro station. 🇮🇹✈️💥 A small private plane crashed into an empty building on the outskirts of Milan, northern Italy, on Sunday, killing all eight people onboard, police said. 🔹 The crash occurred just outside a suburban metro station. via @PiQSuite https://t.co/LKXPkdfCbN pic.twitter.com/6sDzaRzugx — PiQ (@PriapusIQ) October 3, 2021 × People in the area could hear a blast when the plane collided with the two-storey building. The building was empty at the time as it was being renovated. Also read | New fissures erupt in Canary Islands volcano "I heard the sound of an aeroplane above me, as if the plane was shutting down its engine", San Donato resident Giuseppe told Reuters. "Then I heard a very loud explosion, the windows of our house started to shake so I opened the window and saw a huge cloud of smoke rising into the sky", he added. Witnesses told that vehicles parked along the street caught fire. However, no casualties have been reported so far.

Plane crashes into building near Milan, eight people killed so far

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad.

The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died.

US Central Command acknowledged killing an al Qaeda official at the time, but did not name him.

In a statement on Friday, Centcom spokesman John Rigsbee said Salim Abu-Ahmad "was responsible for planning, funding, and approving trans-regional Al-Qaeda attacks."

"There are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike," the statement added.

The Idlib region is dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present.

Jihadist factions have been the target of Syrian, Russian, US and international coalition strikes in the past. 
&nbsp;

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad. The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died.

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad. The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died. US Central Command acknowledged killing an al Qaeda official at the time, but did not name him. In a statement on Friday, Centcom spokesman John Rigsbee said Salim Abu-Ahmad "was responsible for planning, funding, and approving trans-regional Al-Qaeda attacks." "There are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike," the statement added. The Idlib region is dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present. Jihadist factions have been the target of Syrian, Russian, US and international coalition strikes in the past.

US names al Qaeda commander killed in Syria

Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday.

A day after the landslide hit two adjacent houses in Padang Pariaman district on Wednesday, seven bodies were pulled out of the mud, while another person was rescued alive with broken bones.&nbsp;

"All victims have been found after we were able to use heavy equipment yesterday afternoon," local disaster mitigation agency official Rumainur, who like many Indonesians only has one name, told AFP Friday.

Authorities warned residents to stay vigilant because heavy rains in the area will continue until Saturday.&nbsp;

"Please beware of the danger of ground movement triggered by the rainfall," spokesman for National Disaster Mitigation Agency Abdul Muhari said in a Friday statement.

More than 300 houses and 80 hectares of rice field in Padang Pariaman have been inundated.&nbsp;

Strong winds also damaged houses, kiosks and vehicles, and knocked down trees. &nbsp;

One person died and four others were injured when one fell on them as they were visiting a graveyard on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Local authorities have announced a state of emergency for 14 days and opened public kitchens.&nbsp;

In the West Sumatran provincial capital Padang, more than 400 people have been evacuated after heavy rain caused flooding in the city.&nbsp;

Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across Indonesia during the rainy season, which started in September in Sumatra.

The disasters are often caused by deforestation and poor mitigation planning, according to environmentalists.

In April this year more than 200 people were killed in a cluster of far-eastern islands in Indonesia and neighbouring Timor Leste as Tropical Cyclone Seroja turned small communities into wastelands of mud and uprooted trees.

Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday.

Seven people were killed in a landslide triggered by torrential storms on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said, as they warned continuing rainfall could cause further ground movement on Friday. A day after the landslide hit two adjacent houses in Padang Pariaman district on Wednesday, seven bodies were pulled out of the mud, while another person was rescued alive with broken bones. "All victims have been found after we were able to use heavy equipment yesterday afternoon," local disaster mitigation agency official Rumainur, who like many Indonesians only has one name, told AFP Friday. Authorities warned residents to stay vigilant because heavy rains in the area will continue until Saturday. "Please beware of the danger of ground movement triggered by the rainfall," spokesman for National Disaster Mitigation Agency Abdul Muhari said in a Friday statement. More than 300 houses and 80 hectares of rice field in Padang Pariaman have been inundated. Strong winds also damaged houses, kiosks and vehicles, and knocked down trees. One person died and four others were injured when one fell on them as they were visiting a graveyard on Wednesday. Local authorities have announced a state of emergency for 14 days and opened public kitchens. In the West Sumatran provincial capital Padang, more than 400 people have been evacuated after heavy rain caused flooding in the city. Fatal landslides and flash floods are common across Indonesia during the rainy season, which started in September in Sumatra. The disasters are often caused by deforestation and poor mitigation planning, according to environmentalists. In April this year more than 200 people were killed in a cluster of far-eastern islands in Indonesia and neighbouring Timor Leste as Tropical Cyclone Seroja turned small communities into wastelands of mud and uprooted trees.

Seven killed in Indonesia landslide

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. &nbsp;

The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. &nbsp;

Watch:

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The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. &nbsp;

The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-highest-inflation-rate-in-the-world-says-shehbaz-sharif-416016" hreflang="en">Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif</a>

In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-taliban-apologist-imran-khans-speech-at-unga-a-rant-mixed-with-lies-and-fiction-415951" hreflang="en">Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction</a>

Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official.

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. Watch: × The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. Also Read: Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. Also Read | Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. (With inputs from agencies)

Top ISIS commander in Balochistan killed, claim Pakistan security forces

As per an investigation released by the state Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Oil and Public Safety, a six-year-old named Wongel Estifanos died on an amusement park ride in Colorado earlier this month as a result of "multiple operator errors."

The Haunted Mine Drop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will now remain closed until it is re-permitted.&nbsp;

"There is no way we can imagine the pain of loss that the Estifanos family and their friends are experiencing," the park said Friday in a statement.&nbsp;

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. Safety is, and always has been, our top priority."

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An incident has occurred on the Haunted Mine Drop ride that resulted in a fatality. An investigation is in progress. Out of respect for all involved, we have no further comment until details have been confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.
— Glenwood Caverns (@GlenwoodCaverns) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlenwoodCaverns/status/1434740127222272004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The ride operators did not notice that Estifanos was sitting on her seatbelt before it began. When the ride was over, Estifanos was no longer in the seat. The autopsy report said that there were multiple blunt force injuries to her body.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gunman-in-deadly-mass-shooting-at-kroger-in-tennessee-identified-as-29-year-old-store-vendor-415830">Also read |&nbsp;US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor</a>

Estifanos was on a vacation with her parents from Colorado Springs when she died on the Haunted Mine Drop on September 5.&nbsp;

The ride was built in 2017. It carries six passengers and requires all riders to be over 46-inches in height.&nbsp;

Like all amusement park rides in Colorado, the Mine Drop is required to undergo annual inspections by a third party.&nbsp;

As per the regulations, the park may be subjected to fines and penalties of up to $1,000 for every day that there were violations that resulted in "serious bodily injury."

As per an investigation released by the state Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Oil and Public Safety, a six-year-old named Wongel Estifanos died on an amusement park ride in Colorado earlier this month as a result of "multiple operator errors.

As per an investigation released by the state Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Oil and Public Safety, a six-year-old named Wongel Estifanos died on an amusement park ride in Colorado earlier this month as a result of "multiple operator errors." The Haunted Mine Drop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will now remain closed until it is re-permitted. "There is no way we can imagine the pain of loss that the Estifanos family and their friends are experiencing," the park said Friday in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. Safety is, and always has been, our top priority." An incident has occurred on the Haunted Mine Drop ride that resulted in a fatality. An investigation is in progress. Out of respect for all involved, we have no further comment until details have been confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. — Glenwood Caverns (@GlenwoodCaverns) September 6, 2021 × The ride operators did not notice that Estifanos was sitting on her seatbelt before it began. When the ride was over, Estifanos was no longer in the seat. The autopsy report said that there were multiple blunt force injuries to her body. Also read | US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor Estifanos was on a vacation with her parents from Colorado Springs when she died on the Haunted Mine Drop on September 5. The ride was built in 2017. It carries six passengers and requires all riders to be over 46-inches in height. Like all amusement park rides in Colorado, the Mine Drop is required to undergo annual inspections by a third party. As per the regulations, the park may be subjected to fines and penalties of up to $1,000 for every day that there were violations that resulted in "serious bodily injury."

6-year-old killed on amusement park ride in Colorado after multiple operator errors

Gunmen&nbsp;have killed a&nbsp;police&nbsp;inspector&nbsp;in&nbsp;southeast&nbsp;Nigeria,&nbsp;police&nbsp;said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year.

In the attack on Sunday,&nbsp;gunmen&nbsp;ambushed a&nbsp;police&nbsp;patrol in the commercial town of Onitsha in Anambra state and opened fire, state&nbsp;police&nbsp;spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement.

"The attackers drove in a Sienna vehicle... and started shooting at the patrol vehicle along Ukegbu junction," he said.

"Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, one&nbsp;police&nbsp;inspector&nbsp;paid the supreme price."

Other officers were wounded in the attack, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks, but&nbsp;police&nbsp;often blame the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group demanding an independent state for the ethnic Igbo people.

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IPOB denies its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, is involved in the attacks, but separatist agitation is on the rise in the southeast&nbsp;and southwest&nbsp;Nigeria.

Tochukwu said that "in a bid to escape the&nbsp;police&nbsp;responding team, the hoodlums set the patrol vehicle ablaze."

In nearby Enugu state,&nbsp;gunmen&nbsp;also attacked an electoral office and set parts of the building on fire.

Officials however said the blaze was put out before vital election materials and equipment could be damaged.

Dozens of&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of the year in targeted attacks in the&nbsp;southeast.

Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons carted away.

IPOB's leader Nnamdi Kanu is in government custody since he was arrested abroad in June and brought back to&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;to face treason charges.

Separatist activism is especially sensitive in&nbsp;southeast&nbsp;Nigeria, where a declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra by Igbo army officers 50 years ago sparked a civil war that left more than one million people dead.&nbsp;

Gunmen have killed a police inspector in southeast Nigeria, police said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year.

Gunmen have killed a police inspector in southeast Nigeria, police said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year. In the attack on Sunday, gunmen ambushed a police patrol in the commercial town of Onitsha in Anambra state and opened fire, state police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement. "The attackers drove in a Sienna vehicle... and started shooting at the patrol vehicle along Ukegbu junction," he said. "Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, one police inspector paid the supreme price." Other officers were wounded in the attack, he said. No group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks, but police often blame the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group demanding an independent state for the ethnic Igbo people. Also read | Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges IPOB denies its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, is involved in the attacks, but separatist agitation is on the rise in the southeast and southwest Nigeria. Tochukwu said that "in a bid to escape the police responding team, the hoodlums set the patrol vehicle ablaze." In nearby Enugu state, gunmen also attacked an electoral office and set parts of the building on fire. Officials however said the blaze was put out before vital election materials and equipment could be damaged. Dozens of police officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of the year in targeted attacks in the southeast. Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons carted away. IPOB's leader Nnamdi Kanu is in government custody since he was arrested abroad in June and brought back to Nigeria to face treason charges. Separatist activism is especially sensitive in southeast Nigeria, where a declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra by Igbo army officers 50 years ago sparked a civil war that left more than one million people dead.

Gunmen kill police inspector in southeast Nigeria

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces.

The fighting near Gangaw township in the north-western Magway region started on Thursday.&nbsp;

This was two days after a call for a nationwide uprising was issued by the National Unity Government, which is an opposition organisation that seeks to coordinate resistance to military rule.

The fighting took place when more than 100 troops arrived in four military vehicles.

This was to secure the area in Myin Thar and five other nearby villages, a resident told the Associated Press by phone. 
Also, members of a lightly armed village self-defence militia fired warning shots.&nbsp;

However, they could not stop the soldiers from entering the area and clashes continued after that, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to safeguard his security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-capture-four-palestinian-jail-breakers-two-still-on-run-412251">Also read |&nbsp;Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run</a>

The National Unity Government’s call on Tuesday for a “people’s defensive war” has received an enthusiastic response on social media, but its actual impact on the ground is hard to measure.

The media sympathetic to the opposition reported an outburst of small-scale shootings and sabotage by the resistance, particularly the toppling of mobile phone transmission towers.

However, similar activities have been happening for several months and the details are difficult to independently verify.

The villager who have described the new fighting said that at least 11 members of the self-defence group were killed, according to what others in his village told him.&nbsp;

Photos of what has been described to be their bodies circulated widely Friday on the internet, and were clear enough to be identifiable to those familiar with them.

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces.

A villager and reports by independent media claimed that around 15-20 villagers, including several teenagers, have been killed in some of Myanmar’s deadliest fighting since July between government troops and resistance forces. The fighting near Gangaw township in the north-western Magway region started on Thursday. This was two days after a call for a nationwide uprising was issued by the National Unity Government, which is an opposition organisation that seeks to coordinate resistance to military rule. The fighting took place when more than 100 troops arrived in four military vehicles. This was to secure the area in Myin Thar and five other nearby villages, a resident told the Associated Press by phone. Also, members of a lightly armed village self-defence militia fired warning shots. However, they could not stop the soldiers from entering the area and clashes continued after that, said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to safeguard his security. Also read | Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run The National Unity Government’s call on Tuesday for a “people’s defensive war” has received an enthusiastic response on social media, but its actual impact on the ground is hard to measure. The media sympathetic to the opposition reported an outburst of small-scale shootings and sabotage by the resistance, particularly the toppling of mobile phone transmission towers. However, similar activities have been happening for several months and the details are difficult to independently verify. The villager who have described the new fighting said that at least 11 members of the self-defence group were killed, according to what others in his village told him. Photos of what has been described to be their bodies circulated widely Friday on the internet, and were clear enough to be identifiable to those familiar with them.

Myanmar: Reports of 15 or more killed after nationwide uprising

The Pentagon has released the names of the 13 American service members killed in the recent suicide bombing at the Kabul airport.&nbsp;They include 11 Marines, one Navy sailor, who was assigned to a Marine Corps unit, and an Army Special Forces soldier.

Watch |&nbsp;Biden: Another terrorist attack on Kabul airport 'highly likely' soon

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They died in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate, which also killed at least 170 Afghans.

The 11 Marines are Staff Sgt&nbsp;Darin T&nbsp;Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Sgt&nbsp;Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Sgt&nbsp;Nicole L&nbsp;Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California; Cpl&nbsp;Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California; Cpl&nbsp;Daegan W&nbsp;Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska; Cpl&nbsp;Humberto A&nbsp;Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana; Lance Cpl&nbsp;David L&nbsp;Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas; Lance Cpl&nbsp;Jared M&nbsp;Schmitz, 20, of St&nbsp;Charles, Missouri; Lance Cpl&nbsp;Rylee J&nbsp;McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming; Lance Cpl&nbsp;Dylan R&nbsp;Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Lance Cpl&nbsp;Kareem M&nbsp;Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149" hreflang="en">Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

Also killed were Navy Hospitalman Maxton W&nbsp;Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, and Army Staff Sgt&nbsp;Ryan C&nbsp;Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.&nbsp;The Pentagon said on Saturday their remains were being flown to the United States.

The Pentagon has released the names of the 13 American service members killed in the recent suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. They include 11 Marines, one Navy sailor, who was assigned to a Marine Corps unit, and an Army Special Forces soldier.

The Pentagon has released the names of the 13 American service members killed in the recent suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. They include 11 Marines, one Navy sailor, who was assigned to a Marine Corps unit, and an Army Special Forces soldier. Watch | Biden: Another terrorist attack on Kabul airport 'highly likely' soon × They died in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate, which also killed at least 170 Afghans. The 11 Marines are Staff Sgt Darin T Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Sgt Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Sgt Nicole L Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California; Cpl Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California; Cpl Daegan W Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska; Cpl Humberto A Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana; Lance Cpl David L Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas; Lance Cpl Jared M Schmitz, 20, of St Charles, Missouri; Lance Cpl Rylee J McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming; Lance Cpl Dylan R Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Lance Cpl Kareem M Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California. Also Read | Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan Also killed were Navy Hospitalman Maxton W Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, and Army Staff Sgt Ryan C Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee. The Pentagon said on Saturday their remains were being flown to the United States.

US releases names of troops killed in deadly Kabul attack

Strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Yemen's&nbsp;largest&nbsp;airbase&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least seven pro-government troops and injured scores more, medical and loyalist sources told AFP, blaming rebels for the attack.

Medics said they received seven bodies and treated more than 50 people injured in the attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;Al-Anad air base in the government-held southern province of Lahij.&nbsp;

The internationally-recognised government backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iran-allied Huthi rebels have been locked in war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa.

Armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP there were casualties, without giving &nbsp;numbers, accusing the rebels of launching missile and drone&nbsp;strikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-does-not-refer-to-taliban-in-kabul-airport-attack-statement-409146">Also read |&nbsp;UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement</a>

A local pro-government official, who spoke&nbsp;on&nbsp;condition of anonymity, confirmed fatalities.

There was no immediate comment from the rebel side.

In 2019, the Huthis said they launched a drone strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;Al-Anad during a military parade, with medics and government sources saying at the time at least six&nbsp;loyalists&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed,&nbsp;including a high-ranking intelligence official.&nbsp;

Al-Anad, some 60 kilometres&nbsp;north of&nbsp;Yemen's second city Aden, was the headquarters for US troops overseeing a long-running drone war against Al-Qaeda until March 2014 when it was overrun by the Huthi rebels.

It was recaptured by government forces in August 2015 as they recovered territory from the rebels across the south with support from the Saudi-led coalition.

Strikes on Yemen's largest airbase Sunday killed at least seven pro-government troops and injured scores more, medical and loyalist sources told AFP, blaming rebels for the attack.

Strikes on Yemen's largest airbase Sunday killed at least seven pro-government troops and injured scores more, medical and loyalist sources told AFP, blaming rebels for the attack. Medics said they received seven bodies and treated more than 50 people injured in the attack on Al-Anad air base in the government-held southern province of Lahij. The internationally-recognised government backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iran-allied Huthi rebels have been locked in war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa. Armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP there were casualties, without giving numbers, accusing the rebels of launching missile and drone strikes. Also read | UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement A local pro-government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed fatalities. There was no immediate comment from the rebel side. In 2019, the Huthis said they launched a drone strike on Al-Anad during a military parade, with medics and government sources saying at the time at least six loyalists were killed, including a high-ranking intelligence official. Al-Anad, some 60 kilometres north of Yemen's second city Aden, was the headquarters for US troops overseeing a long-running drone war against Al-Qaeda until March 2014 when it was overrun by the Huthi rebels. It was recaptured by government forces in August 2015 as they recovered territory from the rebels across the south with support from the Saudi-led coalition.

7 loyalists killed in strikes on Yemen's largest airbase

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. &nbsp;

On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

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The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/british-ex-marine-survived-kabul-attack-with-200-animals-408968" hreflang="en">British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals</a>&nbsp;

The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." &nbsp;

It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-against-is-as-afghanistan-overshadows-iraq-summit-408982" hreflang="en">Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit</a>

The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. &nbsp;

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports.

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. Watch: United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan × The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties. Also Read: British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not. Also Read: Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

After suicide attack, US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report   

In Pics | Dozens of civilians, at least 13 US troops killed in Kabul airport attack

Burkina&nbsp;Faso's president declared three days of national mourning from Thursday after suspected jihadists killed 47 people, including 30 civilians, in an attack in the north of the country.

The attack was the latest bloodshed in an area plagued by Islamist violence.

The assault Wednesday near the town of Gorgadji also left 14 soldiers and three militia volunteers dead, the communications ministry said.

The soldiers and militia had been "guarding civilians setting off for Arbinda," another town in northern&nbsp;Burkina.

In an ensuing gunbattle, security forces killed 58 "terrorists" and put the rest to flight, according to the government. Nineteen people were also wounded, it said.

"Rescue and relief operations are continuing," it said.

The area is in the notorious "three-border" zone where&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso&nbsp;meets Mali and Niger, a focus of the jihadist violence that plagues the wider Sahel region of west Africa.

It was the third major attack on Burkinabe soldiers in the past two weeks, including one on August 4 near the Niger border which killed 30 people, including 11 civilians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-welcome-this-what-china-stands-to-benefit-from-rise-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-406064">Also read |&nbsp;'We welcome this': What China stands to benefit from rise of Taliban in Afghanistan</a>

President Roch Marc Christian Kabore declared three days of national mourning from Thursday for the victims of the latest attack, according to an official decree.

Flags would be flown at half-mast from public buildings and festivities banned during the period, it said.

Burkina&nbsp;Faso, a poor country in the arid sub-Saharan Sahel region, has since 2015 been battling increasingly frequent and deadly attacks by jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda.

On June 4-5, gunmen killed at least 132 people, including children, in the northeast village of Solhan,&nbsp;Burkina's deadliest attack in the history of the insurgency.

Raids and ambushes have been concentrated in the north and east close to the borders with Mali and Niger, both of which have also faced deadly violence by jihadists.

These attacks along with inter-communal violence have left more than 1,400 people dead and forced 1.3 million to flee their homes, according to official estimates. &nbsp;

Along with central Mali, the vast, arid "three-border" region straddling Niger, Mali and&nbsp;Burkina&nbsp;Faso&nbsp;has become the worst-hit area in the jihadists' Sahel campaign.

Militants linked to Al-Qaeda emerged in northern Mali in 2012, prompting French military intervention. After being scattered, the jihadists regrouped and spread to neighbouring countries.

Burkina Faso's president declared three days of national mourning from Thursday after suspected jihadists killed 47 people, including 30 civilians, in an attack in the north of the country.

Burkina Faso's president declared three days of national mourning from Thursday after suspected jihadists killed 47 people, including 30 civilians, in an attack in the north of the country. The attack was the latest bloodshed in an area plagued by Islamist violence. The assault Wednesday near the town of Gorgadji also left 14 soldiers and three militia volunteers dead, the communications ministry said. The soldiers and militia had been "guarding civilians setting off for Arbinda," another town in northern Burkina. In an ensuing gunbattle, security forces killed 58 "terrorists" and put the rest to flight, according to the government. Nineteen people were also wounded, it said. "Rescue and relief operations are continuing," it said. The area is in the notorious "three-border" zone where Burkina Faso meets Mali and Niger, a focus of the jihadist violence that plagues the wider Sahel region of west Africa. It was the third major attack on Burkinabe soldiers in the past two weeks, including one on August 4 near the Niger border which killed 30 people, including 11 civilians. Also read | 'We welcome this': What China stands to benefit from rise of Taliban in Afghanistan President Roch Marc Christian Kabore declared three days of national mourning from Thursday for the victims of the latest attack, according to an official decree. Flags would be flown at half-mast from public buildings and festivities banned during the period, it said. Burkina Faso, a poor country in the arid sub-Saharan Sahel region, has since 2015 been battling increasingly frequent and deadly attacks by jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda. On June 4-5, gunmen killed at least 132 people, including children, in the northeast village of Solhan, Burkina's deadliest attack in the history of the insurgency. Raids and ambushes have been concentrated in the north and east close to the borders with Mali and Niger, both of which have also faced deadly violence by jihadists. These attacks along with inter-communal violence have left more than 1,400 people dead and forced 1.3 million to flee their homes, according to official estimates. Along with central Mali, the vast, arid "three-border" region straddling Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has become the worst-hit area in the jihadists' Sahel campaign. Militants linked to Al-Qaeda emerged in northern Mali in 2012, prompting French military intervention. After being scattered, the jihadists regrouped and spread to neighbouring countries.

Forty-seven killed in Burkina Faso jihadist attack

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